Exam 8: Empires, Networks, and the Remaking of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, 500 Bce-600 C.E

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The long-term causes of Rome's civil wars during the late republic can be attributed to a combination of political, social, and economic factors.

One major cause was the breakdown of the traditional political system, as the Roman Republic faced increasing challenges from ambitious military leaders and powerful aristocratic families vying for control. This power struggle led to a weakening of the republican institutions and a rise in political corruption and violence.

Social and economic inequality also played a significant role in fueling the civil wars. The growing divide between the wealthy elite and the lower classes, as well as the influx of wealth from Rome's expanding empire, created social tensions and economic instability. This led to widespread discontent and unrest among the Roman population, contributing to the breakdown of social order and the outbreak of civil conflict.

Furthermore, the military expansion and conquests of the late republic brought about significant changes in the Roman society and economy. The influx of wealth and slaves from conquered territories led to the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, while also causing widespread unemployment and land displacement among the lower classes. These economic and social changes further exacerbated the existing tensions and conflicts within Roman society, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of civil wars.

In conclusion, the long-term causes of Rome's civil wars during the late republic were rooted in the breakdown of the political system, social and economic inequality, and the impact of military expansion and conquests. These factors created a volatile and unstable environment that ultimately led to the collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.