2. In the 100’s B.C. farmers were sinking into poverty and debt, because many of them had been unable to farm. This was due to Rome’s wars. Others suffered damage due to Hannibal’s invasion of Italy. Faced with debts they could not pay off many famers sold their land and headed to the city for work, which was hard to find. 

3. Military leader Marius became a consul in 107 B.C., he began to recruit soldiers from the poor—in return for their service he paid them wages and promised them land Felt loyal to general not Roman Republic since they are now paid professional soldiers In 82 B.C a general Sulla went against Marius by driving his enemies out and making himself a dictator

4. Weakens Council of Plebeians and strengthened Senate Sulla steps down from office – hoping the Roman Republic come heal itself After he retires, Rome is plunged into an era of civil wars that last for the 50 years

5. In 60 B.C. Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed the First Triumvirate to rule Rome (a political alliance of 3 people)

6. Crassus Syria Was killed in battle in 53 B.C. Caesar Gaul (modern France) Hero to Rome’s lower classes Senate ordered to give up army and come home Pompey Spain 53 B.C. Senate decides he should return to Italy and rule alone

7. Caesar decides to hold onto 5,000 loyal soldiers, & march to Italy crossing Rubicon (river at a command center). He knew there would be no return. He was starting a civil war. Pompey tried to stop Caesar. Caesar drove Pompey’s forces from Italy then destroyed his army in Greece in 48 B.C.

8. 44 B.C he was declared the dictator of Rome He filled the Senate with new members who were loyal to him He started new colonies to provide land for Rome’s jobless people Created a new calendar 12 months, 365 days, and a leap year (Julian calendar) His Supporters believed he was strong leader who brought peace and order to Rome His Enemies feared that Caesar wanted to be King Led by Caesar’s friends, Brutus and Cassius, his opponents plot to kill him Caesar ignored famous warning “beware the Ides of March” (March 15) March 15 th, 44 B.C Caesar was stabbed to death by Brutus and 59 other senators