Many problems that arise come from the sudden amounts of new territory. After the Punic Wars, Rome has conquered many new territories such as Spain, Greece, Cisalpine Gaul, Numidia, Sicily, North Africa, Corsical Sardinia and Illyria. Although Rome gained a great deal of territory, the pressure of controlling and governing it was very difficult and caused a lot of problems.

However, not only were there many problems over who and how to govern new territories, but also after the Punic Wars, the government takes a big turn around. Firstly, after the Punic Wars, the senate slowly begins to gain power. Partly because they were in smaller numbers and could easily get together. The senate starts taking over and controls the army, finances, foreign affairs and new territories

Hence, the decline of the small farmers and the growth of unemployment changed the Roman social changes. Romans begin to judge people by their wealth instead of character. Increase of wealth brought materialism and spendthrift mentality. The increment of slaves makes life easier, no hard labor works. Romans become dependent of slaves, and treated the slaves poorly. This therefore led to the revolt of Spartacus in 73 BC. Over 70,000 slaves were involved, though the Roman army overthrown them in 71 BC. Spartacus and his main followers were then crucified. The new territories, wealth spoiled the Romans and led them to become power hungry. As a result, the Roman values such as hardworking, patriotism, loyalty, obedience (“virtus, gravitas and dignitas”), were lost completely.

However, as the result of decline in farming, trade increased. Equites or business people earned their living on trade. They also earn money from contracts for public works, tax farming etc. Due to the large territory Rome now owned, trading has become easier, traveling from one area to another was no longer a problem. Equites become quite wealthy although has little political power. Despite the decline of the agriculture industry, new job opportunities sprung as a result.

In addition, not only were the people of the provinces treated unfairly, their governor also ruled them unjustly. The governor of a provinc

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