Late Roman Republic Crisis

The plebeians were frustrated because, despite having a voice in government, their attempts to enact favorable legislation were often thwarted by the Senate, sometimes through the execution of their tribunes.

Although raised as members of the aristocracy, both Gracchus brothers sought to implement reforms benefiting the plebeians and were ultimately assassinated for their efforts.

By the mid-second century BCE, the vast majority of Italy's farms, mines, mills, and manufacturing relied on the labor of the plebeians.

Severe social unrest was prevalent, as evidenced by the slave revolt led by the gladiator Spartacus in 73 BCE.