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The Roman Revolution

The Land Act

His solution was to give away huge tracts of land to Roman veterans. The veterans would settle the land and begin to farm it, in the traditional Roman manner. They would have families and raise a new generation of Romans. Thus, with a single reform, Tiberius proposed to redress both the quality of the army and the neglect of the many veterans.

The land to be given away was owned by the state in theory, but in fact much of it was in the hands of the aristocracy who had huge latifundia there (most of this land was in Italy, some in North Africa). In order to give the land to the veterans, the aristocrats would have to be compensated.

There was no question of not compensating them, for it was the Senate that had to pass the bill and it was the Senators who had the estates. But, in any case, it could hardly be more than a proposal, for where could that much cash be found?

Then, in 133 BC, something extraordinary happened. King audio gif Attalus III of Pergumum died and left his entire kingdom to the Senate and people of Rome. Attalus had no natural heirs and feared his kingdom would fall into civil war or be invaded by enemies upon his death. His was a wealthy, peaceful kingdom and rather than risk his lovely city, he delivered it into the arms of Rome for safe keeping.

Did I mention that Attalus was rich? The entire royal treasury became available, and just like that, Tiberius had his financing. His land reform could be implemented with no burden on Roman finances.