THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE RE
In all of Rome's conquests, Rome grew so large so quickly that crises in society, government and morals began to develop beyond control. The final result ended in the fall of the Republic and the beginning of the Empire. There are many reasons as the final fall, and I will elaborate on a few that I think are most pertinent. Rome had the pleasure of encountering its first civil war in 133 BC, and part of the cause for this was due to ruling of the Empire and problems between the ruler and the senate. The first to encounter such a problem was Tiberius Gracchus, elected as a tribune to the assembly. Bypassing the senate, Gracchus had a reform that would revert Rome back to its original greatness passed, which greatly displeased those in the senate. This reform was beneficial to small farmers, and most of those in the senate were large landowners. When Gracchus planned to run for a second term, senators at the election did what they felt was their only hope, and had him assassinated. (4) After Tiberius Gracchus, Gaius Gracchus was elected tribune. Quite popular throughout all of Italy for reformation steps, Rome was not so pleased. He was defeated in his running for a second term, a
fter which the senate made use of martial law and had Gaius and many followers killed. This use of force paved the way to further violence. (1 and 4) Sallust pinpoints these times to be after conquering Hannibal and Carthage, which would make sense because this was the turning point for Rome's expansion. No longer were they just the Mediterranean power, but now an international one (after they defeated Hannibal's ally in Macedonia). (6) It is understandable, and agreeable, that this is also the point that Rome's virtues and morals hit their low and continued in their decent. Like so many other problems that plagued the Republic, they grew to fast with little attention paid to the inner-workings of the Republic or the city. All focus was placed on expanding, offsetting any threats that may arise, and continue to rake in the wealth. Greed overpowered any thoughts in how to effectively rule the Republic beginning with the heart - the government and it's people.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Hannibal Carthage, Roman Republic, Decline Fallen, Tiberius Gracchus, Roman Morals, Cinna Marius, Gaius Gracchus, Carthage Macedonia, Overview Rome's, Sallust's View, marius sulla, accessed 05/11/01, civil war, mark antony, online copyright 1998, tiberius gracchus, elected tribune, accessed 5/11/01, hannibal carthage, city rome, smitha accessed, antiquity online copyright, copyright 1998 frank, frank smitha accessed, smitha accessed 5/11/01,
Approximate Word count = 1253
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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