Land reform and the fall of the Roman Republic, 133-83 BC.

Abstract

This thesis follows the birth and growth of the land reform movement in Roman politics from the period of 133 - 83 BC. Beginning with Tiberius Gracchus in 133 and moving through the periods of leadership of Gaius Gracchus and Gaius Marius, the thesis will argue that land reform was a keynote issue over a fifty year period of Roman History, during which the land reform movement and its leaders effected great changes in procedures of governance at Rome, the military system of Rome, and Rome's relations to its Allies. As well, the thesis will argue that the land reform movement laid the foundation for the later deconstruction of the republican system at Rome.