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Bread and Circus Following the Punic Wars and during the time period of the reformers, Rome
experienced many difficulties. Among the numerous problems that Rome
faced were high unemployment rates, overcrowding in the city of Rome and
high wheat prices. The Gracchus brothers tried changing Roman laws and
policies to make things better for people, Marius gave thousands of people a
paid job as a soldier but did little to address the problem caused by the
latifundia system. In an attempt to calm the unrest of the people Roman
officials began instituting a policy of Bread and Circus. The idea was to provide
lots of free entertainment and low cost food to keep the people from revolting
against its leaders. Free gladiator fights took place on a regular basis. Food
prices (mainly wheat) were cut or, in some instances, given to the people.
Numerous Roman rulers used this policy to acquire and stay in power.
After reading the passage above please answer the following questions.
1. What does the term Bread and Circus mean? Be sure to explain what the
“Bread” and what the “Circuses” are.
2. Why did the Romans try this policy? Please explain
3. Did the policy fix the problems that existed in Rome? Explain why. Use
the back if you need additional space for you response.