The Decline of the Roman Republic

While the Rome was gaining more territory problems were growing within the Republic A gap began to widen between the poor and the rich resulting in a power struggle The Roman Senate represented the wealthy patrician families The assembly represented the commoners- the plebians

The Brothers Gracchus Two brothers Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus challenged the Senate and tried to change the land distribution system Rome By doing so the farming class could gain more property The landholding members of the Senate refused and as a result Tiberius and 300 of his followers were murdered

Gaius tried to continue his brother’s work to reduce the nobility’s power and to take away the Senate’s control of the courts He suggested that Rome offer the rights of citizenship to all its Latin allies (people they conquered)

Romans officials were scared outsiders would have too much influence over the affairs of Rome 3000 followers of Gaius were murdered and Gaius killed himself

Republic Reforms Soldiers no longer had to own land to serve in the military farm labourers and debted farmers could now enlist The army became a full time professional force The republic would supply the soldiers with all their weapons and clothing

Answer question 1 on page 211 Hand it in at the end of class value 10