Question

Scenario: During the Roman Republic, citizens of the city of Rome received a grain distribution. The government provided free or reduced-priced grain each month. The numbers of those receiving free or reduced-priced grain expanded to an estimated 320,000 people. Much of the grain came from Egypt, Africa, and Spain. However, as the population of the city of Rome grew, grain distribution became more costly, and it was difficult to transport so much grain. Caesar Augustus is considering decreasing the number of citizens receiving the grain distribution. You are a member of the Senate. How would you advise Augustus?

Answer 1

Answer: I would advise Augustus to not reduce the program.

Explanation: This would cause and uprising within his city and also compromise his trading with Eqypt and Spain. There could be a compromise whereby the grain could be less reduced, however, to shut it down would be a massive uprising.