Western Civilization I / Unit 6 WC1 0515 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Equestrians, Provincials, and the Vanishing Free Farmer
Captions available
The idea
Senators were banned from commerce in the late third century, so equestrians became the business class. Provincial elites could earn citizenship; most subjects stayed at a governor's mercy. The rich bought out small farmers, which the anchor calls an existential threat to Rome's armies.
In practice
The citizen-soldier farmer as the Republic's foundation.
Where people slip
Land and army were one problem. The Gracchi try next.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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