Question

In the period of Republican Rome, it has been suggested that Rome was a "Republic of Farmers". What was the role of farmers in the rise of Rome and how did the decline of peasant farmers affect Rome?

Answer 1

Rome is known to have practiced agriculture, whose main aim was to provide for the surplus population. Agriculture and trade dominated Roman economic activities, and the two main econo0mic activities were supplemented by small-scale industrial production (Manning & Joseph., 2018). Regardless of other alternative economic activities, agriculture was practiced by small and large-scale farmers to a massive population. The Romans grew crops like grains, grapes, and olives in the Mediterranean region. The farming landowners, large estates, and wealthy farmers utilized slave labor in enhancing their activities.

 The rapid growth of Roman City provided a ready market for agricultural products especially grains hence developing commercial markets and long-distance trade. The decline of peasant farmers significantly resulted in the fall of the Roman Empire; the farmers made the larger population of the empire involved in the payment of taxes (Manning & Joseph., 2018). The amount levied was utilized in running the affairs of the kingdom like management, development, and purchasing weapons for the empire soldiers. Disparities emanating from the farmer's failure led to the overthrow of the kingdom by Barbarian tribes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rome is known to have practiced agriculture, whose main aim was to provide for the surplus population.