Historical Context (Pre Gracchi) Flashcards
What was the gist of Sullust’s quote regarding oligarchs?
What is the bias?
One small group of oligarchs had everything in its control alike in peace and war - the treasure, the provinces, public offices, all distinctions and triumphs..
He is a populares, very anti optimists. The idea of calling them oligarchs is enough.
What were 5 issues facing Rome in 133BCE
- Wealth led to greater social division.
- Growth of Latifundia = demise of the small Italian farmer.
- Influx of slaves = more unemployment.
- Influx of rural unemployed into the city.
- Military service was based on property ownership = smaller recruitment pool
What was the gist about Appian’s quote about undistributed lands?
What is it talking about?
the rich, getting possession of the greater part of the undistributed lands believe they would never be dispossessed came to cultivate large tracts instead of single estates, using slaves as labourers and herdsmen, lest free labourers should be drawn into the army…
Talks about the rich swallowing up public lands.
What is the general situational vibe in 133BCE
The rich patricians are doing what they have always done; concentrating power into their own hands for their own benefit. Not caring how it impact the country, or the plebeians
Who did Rome fight against in the Punic Wars? What was its significance.
Carthage and Hannibal, and Greek states in the east.
It was a war of expansion.
