Ancient Rome, Part 4

Question 1: Explain the causes and effects of the Social War.

Answer 1: Causes — During the Punic Wars many cities in the Italian Peninsula had allied themselves with Rome and provided troops, money, and supplies. After the victory, they wanted to share in the rewards. They also wanted to expand their role in the Roman Empire by having full rights of citizenship and roles in the Roman government. In 91 B.C., Marcus Livius Drusus proposed offering citizenship to all residents of the Italian Peninsula. Not only did the Senate reject this proposal, but Drusus was assassinated soon afterward. In response, the noncitizen cities joined forces to attack Rome, an effort that became known as the Social War. Effects — What was effectively a civil war resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. Rome suppressed the rebellion, but the Senate recognized it would have to make concessions to ensure permanent peace. The Senate expanded citizenship rights and government jobs to residents of other cities, broadening the concept of Roman national identity to all natives of the Italian Peninsula.

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Question 2: Explain the significance of the following people to Roman history: Tiberius Gracchus, Gaius Gracchus, Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla.

Answer 2: Tiberius Gracchus — one of two brothers known as the Gracchi; elected tribune in 133 B.C.; sympathetic to economic plight of farmer-soldiers; proposed land reforms; popular with common people, but seen as a threat to Senate; murdered by political opponentsGaius Gracchus — one of two brothers known as the Gracchi; elected tribune in 123 and 122 B.C.; attempted reforms including government sale of low-cost food to the poor; reforms angered Senate; killed in protest riotsGaius Marius — consul elected in 107 B.C.; popular leader; replaced drafted army with paid volunteer troops Lucius Cornelius Sulla — consul elected in 88 B.C.; after clashing with political enemies (including Gaius Marius), led army to attack Rome; ruled as dictator from 82 B.C. to 79 B.C.; expanded Senate to 300 members; established precedent of using military force to control Senate

Question 3: Describe how Julius Caesar came to power and why he was assassinated.

Answer 3: Julius Caesar, nephew of Gaius Marius, was a popular general and public speaker. In 60 B.C., he formed the First Triumvirate, a political alliance with Gaius Pompey and Licinius Crassus. With their support, Caesar increased his military power by taking control of the Roman army in Gaul. Under his command, the Romans secured Gaul, and Caesar insured the loyalty of his troops. After Crassus died in 53 B.C., Pompey attempted to recall Caesar to Rome without his army. Instead, Caesar defiantly led his troops across the Rubicon, sending Pompey into Greece. Caesar followed, defeated Pompey, then invaded Egypt and secured an alliance with Cleopatra. He returned to Rome in 46 B.C. as a conquering hero. Caesar increased his public popularity through reforms such as expanding the size of the Senate, while actually diluting its power. After the Senate declared him dictator for life, opponents and some former allies came to believe the all-powerful leader had to be stooped. Caesar’s opponents organized his assassination on the Ides of March, 44 B.

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