The Social War, Marius, Sulla & Caesar: Patricians vs.

Plebeians

Global History ISpiconardi

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