The Social War, Marius, Sulla & Caesar: Patricians vs. Plebeians Global History I Spiconardi

Social Structure Patricians  elite aristocrats of Rome Plebeians  commoners of Rome Republic  Government whose power is based on popular representation

The Social War Causes – Patricians refused to allow plebeians to hold high political office – The Roman government refused to give its allies citizenship – Peasant farmers were reduced to slaves – Political disputes between the Optimates (Patrician Party) and Populares (Plebeian party)

The Social War Resolution – Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus & Gaius Sempronius Gracchus pass legislation Limited the amount of grain patrician could buy Freed up more grain for plebeians to buy Assassination – The Optimates had both Gracchi brothers assassinated – The Populares and Italian allies revolt, but are put down by Optimate controlled army Oddly enough, they were granted citizenship under the Lex Iulia

Marius vs. Sulla Two Consuls of Rome, but hated each other – Marius  member of the Populares – Sulla  member of the Optimates In his seventh term as consul, Marius – Re-organizes voting methods to give the plebeians more of a political voice – Distributed grain to the plebeians Patricians are OUTRAGED!

Marius vs. Sulla In an attempt to seize power and control the army in an upcoming war Sulla… – marches on Rome and causes Marius to flee for his life – overturns all the reforms to aid the plebeians

Marius vs. Sulla While at Sulla was at war – Marius returns to Rome Burns down Sulla’s home Kills patrician supporters of Sulla Sulla returns to Rome with his army – Defeats Marius – Post conscription lists – Takes land away from plebeians & gives to his troops – Makes his troops Senators – Limits political power of the plebeians

Marius vs. Sulla Significance – End of the Republic? Elections did not matter – Whoever controlled the army, could control Rome – Plebeians lose political power – Agricultural production declines Sulla’s legions aren’t farmers – Rome forced to import grain from Africa

Gaius Julius Caesar Nephew of Marius Adopts populares platform Rises through the political ranks of Rome – Excellent Politician – Makes alliances with high-ranking government officials (Pompey, the most celebrated man in Rome)

Gaius Julius Caesar Rise to Power – Conquers Gaul – Caesar and Pompey distrust one another – Caesar marches on Rome and civil war breaks out! Pompey and patrician government officials flee Rome Caesar wins the war and his made dictator for life – Pardons all political enemies

Gaius Julius Caesar Activities and Reforms – Increases size of the Senate New seats are filled by plebeians and conquered Gauls – Revised Calendar (Stole it from Egypt) – Redistributes land to plebeians and veterans

Gaius Julius Caesar Absolute Monarch or Man of the People? – Senate fears his pro-plebeian reforms How dare he take from the patricians! – Senate fears relationship with Cleopatra – Accused Caesar of bribery and corruption

Gaius Julius Caesar The Assassination – Senators including those pardoned by Caesar plot an assassination “E tu Brutus?” – Caesar is approached by the Senators and stabbed to death How about this for irony….Caesar collapses at the foot of a statue of Pompey

End of the Republic Republic officially ends – Caesars grand-nephew & adopted son Octavius Hunts down Caesar’s assassins Defeats Caesar’s advisor Marcus Antonius in a power struggle Is crowned Emperor of Rome and given title Augustus Caesar