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Even as Roman power and influence spread throughout the Mediterranean region, the republic was becoming less stable.
The many enslaved people arriving in Rome from conquered lands caused problems for the economy. Roman workers, especially farmers, couldn’t compete with the free labor of enslaved people. Many farmers had to sell their land. Without work, many became beggars.
The rich and powerful didn’t care about the problems of the poor. Even the tribunes, who were supposed to speak for the plebeians, didn’t help. The Roman government was designed to divide power among its parts, but over the years, the Senate had gained power. Rich and powerful patricians controlled the government. The stage was set for conflict.
