The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind The Late Roman Republic: Its Troubles and Tribulations
Feb 2, 2025
Explore the dramatic decline of the Roman Republic through pivotal events and figures. Discover how the Gracchi brothers' controversial land reforms set the stage for upheaval. Dive into the fierce rivalry between Marius and Sulla, leading to the first civil war. Witness the rise of powerful triads, including Crassus, Pompey, and Caesar. Unpack Caesar's conquests and the contentious politics surrounding his rise. Finally, navigate the complexities of alliances, assassinations, and the transition to empire.
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Political Polarization Undermined The Republic
- Rome split into optimates (aristocratic status-quo) and populares (mass-focused reformers).
- This clash over land, military recruitment, and citizenship destabilized Republican institutions.
The Gracchi Brothers' Fatal Reforms
- Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus pushed land reform and public grain subsidies to help commoners.
- Both were violently opposed by senators and ultimately murdered, yet their policies persisted and altered Roman politics.
Army Loyalty Shifted To Generals
- Marius professionalized the Roman army and recruited the landless, making soldiers loyal to generals rather than the state.
- This created a cycle: rewards for conquest, pressure to expand, and political power tied to military command.
