Learn on PengiIMPACT California Social Studies, Grade 6Chapter 9: Rome: Republic to Empire

Lesson 3: The End of the Republic

In this Grade 6 lesson from IMPACT California Social Studies, Chapter 9, students examine the factors that led to the fall of the Roman Republic, including the economic gap between patricians and plebeians, the rise of latifundia, and the political crisis surrounding Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 B.C.E. Students analyze primary source accounts of Caesar's murder by senators Cassius and Brutus, connecting political conflict and social unrest to the collapse of republican government. The lesson builds students' skills in identifying cause-and-effect relationships within ancient Roman history.

Section 1

Expansion Divides Roman Society

Key Idea

Rome's constant wars created serious problems at home. Many soldiers were small farmers who had to leave their land to fight. When they returned, their farms were often ruined and taken over by the wealthy. The rich created huge farming estates called latifundias, which were worked by enslaved people.

These jobless citizens crowded into cities, leading to unrest. The harsh conditions for the enslaved also sparked violent slave revolts, most famously the revolt led by Spartacus in 73 B.C.E., which threatened the stability of the Republic.

Section 2

Reform Ends in Violence

Key Idea

As problems for the poor grew, two officials named the Gracchus brothers tried to help, starting in 133 B.C.E. They wanted to pass laws that would give public land back to small farmers. This made them heroes to the common people but enemies of wealthy senators.

Instead of debating the reforms, powerful Romans used force. Both brothers were murdered for their ideas. This introduced political violence as a way to solve disagreements. The tradition of law and order was broken, weakening the Republic and paving the way for more conflict.

Section 3

Marius Builds a New Kind of Army

Key Idea

As Rome's problems grew, its army faced a shortage of soldiers. Many poor citizens no longer owned land, which had been a requirement for military service.

Around 107 B.C.E., a general named Marius changed the rules. He created a professional army by recruiting these landless men. He promised them a salary and, more importantly, land of their own after their service was over.

Lesson overview

Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.

Expand

Section 1

Expansion Divides Roman Society

Key Idea

Rome's constant wars created serious problems at home. Many soldiers were small farmers who had to leave their land to fight. When they returned, their farms were often ruined and taken over by the wealthy. The rich created huge farming estates called latifundias, which were worked by enslaved people.

These jobless citizens crowded into cities, leading to unrest. The harsh conditions for the enslaved also sparked violent slave revolts, most famously the revolt led by Spartacus in 73 B.C.E., which threatened the stability of the Republic.

Section 2

Reform Ends in Violence

Key Idea

As problems for the poor grew, two officials named the Gracchus brothers tried to help, starting in 133 B.C.E. They wanted to pass laws that would give public land back to small farmers. This made them heroes to the common people but enemies of wealthy senators.

Instead of debating the reforms, powerful Romans used force. Both brothers were murdered for their ideas. This introduced political violence as a way to solve disagreements. The tradition of law and order was broken, weakening the Republic and paving the way for more conflict.

Section 3

Marius Builds a New Kind of Army

Key Idea

As Rome's problems grew, its army faced a shortage of soldiers. Many poor citizens no longer owned land, which had been a requirement for military service.

Around 107 B.C.E., a general named Marius changed the rules. He created a professional army by recruiting these landless men. He promised them a salary and, more importantly, land of their own after their service was over.