What was the optimates in ancient Rome?

The traditional view of the optimates refers to aristocrats who defended their own material and political interests and behaved akin to modern fiscal conservatives in opposing wealth redistribution and supporting small government.

Was sulla a populares and optimates?

Sulla played an important role in the long political struggle between the optimates and populares factions at Rome. He was a leader of the former, which sought to maintain senatorial supremacy against the populist reforms advocated by the latter, headed by Marius.

What contributed to the crisis of the late Roman Republic?

The causes and attributes of the crisis changed throughout the decades, including the forms of slavery, brigandage, wars internal and external, overwhelming corruption, land reform, the invention of excruciating new punishments, the expansion of Roman citizenship, and even the changing composition of the Roman army.

Who were publicans in Rome?

publican, Latin Publicanus, plural Publicani, ancient Roman public contractor, who erected or maintained public buildings, supplied armies overseas, or collected certain taxes, particularly those supplying fluctuating amounts of revenue to the state (e.g., tithes and customs).

Who was Sulla in the late Republic )?

Sulla was the son of a politically unimportant patrician family. He early showed a taste for luxury and aspired to a political career, which he began in 107 bce, under the command of Gaius Marius, as a quaestor (financial magistrate) in Africa in the war against King Jugurtha of the Numidians.

What are the four main factors that weakened the Roman Republic?

8 Reasons Why Rome Fell

  • Invasions by Barbarian tribes.
  • Economic troubles and overreliance on slave labor.
  • The rise of the Eastern Empire.
  • Overexpansion and military overspending.
  • 10 Innovations That Built Ancient Rome.
  • Government corruption and political instability.

What were the main problems Rome faced during the last century of the republic?

The problems that led to the fall of the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic was in trouble. It had three major problems. First the Republic needed money to run, second there was a lot of graft and corruption amongst elected officials, and finally crime was running wild throughout Rome.

Who were the three rulers of the triumvirate?

The First Triumvirate (60–53 BC) was an informal alliance among three prominent politicians in the late Roman Republic: Gaius Julius Caesar, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus and Marcus Licinius Crassus.