The document summarizes political and economic developments in the late Roman Republic. Small farmers faced poverty and debt as they couldn't compete with large agricultural estates, known as latifundia. The Gracchus brothers attempted land reforms to help the poor but were murdered by senators. Over time, the army became professionalized and paid, soldiers served for material gain rather than duty, and generals became involved in politics. Three military leaders, Crassus, Pompey, and Julius Caesar formed an unofficial triumvirate that threatened the Senate's power. Caesar entered Rome as a hero with his army and became dictator, implementing reforms like a new calendar and granting land and citizenship to more people before his assassination on March 15, 44 BC