Rome had become very large after the Punic Wars

Rome became very wealthy, but not all Romans shared in this new wealth

Roman generals came back from fighting in wars with riches from conquered lands

These generals used their new riches to buy up lots of farm land and displaced the poor farmers

Poor farmers went out of business

Poverty and unemployment was high during these times in ancient Rome

The wealthy Romans ignored the needs of the poor and things got very bad for those who were suffering

In the year 133 B.C., the Roman tribune (Roman official chosen by the Plebeians), Gracchus, tries to pass laws to give land back to the farmers

The Roman Senate (who looked out for the rich) did not like that Gracchus had these bills (proposed laws) passed by the Plebeian Assembly, instead of the Roman Senate

The Seante was not happy and ordered Gracchus' assassination 

Ten years passed after Gracchus attempted to reform Roman corruptions (dishonesty and fraud by those in power)

Gracchus' brother, Tiberius, tried to reform Roman laws ten years after his brother tried similar reforms (make things better)

In 107 B.C., Roman people elected the army general, Marius, as Consul (the highest elected official)

Roman generals had become powerful and important in Roman politics

Roman generals had become wealthy from war plunder (stealing from conquered people after war)

Consul Marius had allowed landless Roman citizens to join the army in previous years

These soldiers became extremely thankful and loyal to Marius for their generosity (giving money and fortune to others)

Marius became unpopular with the rich when he proposed changes

Sulla did not like Marius' reforms

Sulla rises against Marius (Sulla was a great military general)

Sulla marches into Rome and attacks Marius' army

Civil War (war between groups from the same country) begins

Sulla won and Marius fled out of Rome

Sulla makes himself Dictator of Rome

Sulla make a hit list of all of his enemies and has them killed

Sulla leads his army to fight in the east

Marius takes advantage and leads his army back to Rome

Marius' soldiers attack Sulla's supporters

Marius takes control of Rome

Sulla returns and attacks Marius' army

Sulla regains control of Rome

Decades later, Rome is in crisis, again

The Roman Senate gives great powers to two generals: Pompey and Crassus

Slaves revolt and Pompey and Crassus combine their soldiers and put an end to the rebellion

By 63 B.C., the Roman Republic is in chaos (disorder)

Consul Cicero tries to get the Roman government to reduce the power of the Roman army and bring back the checks and balances of government

Roman leaders do not listen to Cicero and Rome continues its descend