Effects of Roman Expansion

Roman Expansion After its victory over Carthage in the 3rd Punic War Rome expands both East and West Formed a loose alliance of Italian cities Became great Mediterranean power Created problems for the Republic

1. Government A republic remained in Rome Changes were made to aid the ruling of the larger territory Senate got more power Control of: army, taxes, foreign affairs, new territories Division within Roman Society Optimates vs. Populares

Optimates vs. Populares Optimates- those who served in public office Populares-the remainder of Roman citizens (nonsenatorial class)

2. Provinces (Newly acquired territory) Each became a collection of city-states subject to Rome Governed poorly by a Pro-consul Appointed by the Senate, had support of the army 1 year, no pay Accepted bribes Did not care about the needs of the people

Provinces con’t People living in the provinces were not granted citizenship Rebelled often Subject to extremely high taxes Collected by Publicans They kept most of the money for themselves Paid only a fixed amount to the Roman treasury Widespread corruption spread throughout the provinces

3. Agriculture Independent farming decreased Small citizen farming was no longer a large part of Roman life Gov’t leased new territory to anyone who would pay for the land Provided grain at a much cheaper price than the small farms

Agriculture con’t Direct effects of the Punic Wars Livestock killed, homes destroyed Olive groves and vineyards burned Small farmers sold their land to the wealthy creating Latifundias (huge estates)

4. Growth of Cities Population increased as farmers moved looking for food and jobs Only landowners could serve in the army Slaves did most of the work leaving many citizens in the slums Had to depend on the government for food

5. Growth of Commerce Trade increased Led to the increase in the Equestrian class Great wealth, but little political power Business people

6. Social Change Discipline and devotion to the state decreased Romans judged citizens by their wealth rather than their character

7. Slave population The majority of the population of Rome is slave Some were treated fairly Some were allowed to purchase their freedom Most were treated brutally Slave revolts occurred often

Problems of Rome In your table groups, rank the 7 problems of Rome in order of severity. Explain why your group chose this order