answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Giving bread to the poor (or grain) gave them something to eat so they could work harder. Most didn't have enough earnings to eat regularly without the handouts.

The circuses let a large number of people (i.e. poor) in free to fill the cheap seats AND keep them entertained.

People who are fed and entertained are far less likely to riot. This is why today we have food stamps and television

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

The grain dole started during the Roman Republic; that is, even before the rule by emperors. It was like a welfare measure to keep the poor and unemployed fed. It was not always free. Subsidized grain was started in 173 BC by the plebeian tribune Gaius Gracchus. Free grain was introduced by another plebeian tribune, Claudius Pulcher, in 58 BC. Augustus considered scrapping it. Instead he reduced the number of people eligible to 200,000. Later emperors used free or subsidised grain to keep the poor fed. Septimius Severus added olive oil. Aurelian stopped the distribution of free grain and replaced it with the distribution of free bread. To this he added salt, pork and wine, either free or subsidised.

The grain dole was started when many peasants who lost their land in the country migrated to Rome, did not find jobs and lived in abject poverty. It was introduced by the populares, politicians who were sympathetic to the plight of the poor. It became impossible to abolish it, and later rulers felt that it was also a means to prevent social unrest. This lead to the expression “bread and circuses,” which meant keep the populace happy by feeding and entertained it to avoid unrest. The circuses were racing tracks. Many chariot races were organised because they were popular. The games at the Colosseum were also seen as a way to keep the populace happy.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why was free grain given to the poor by Roman emperors?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about History of Western Civilization

What did ancient Roman emperors do to keep poor people from rioting?

To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.


What was the bread and circuses policy and how did Romans politicians benefit from it?

"Bread and circuses" is a term coined by the Roman poet Juvenal. It referred to the emperor's "congiarium" or gifts to the people of either free grain, oil, wine or money and the entertainment of the races and other events paid for by the emperors or during the republic, by political candidates. The politicians benefited because the people remembered their generosity at election time and the emperors benefited by quelling any civil unrest.


What were some possible negative consequences of following the policy '' bread and circuses''?

On the entertainment side of the policy there could be the danger that overambitious or egotistical emperors could organised extremely lavish or extravagant games which were too expensive and could be a burden on treasury. Augustus capped private and public expenditure the gladiatorial games to save the Roman elite from the bankruptcy. He restricted them to two religious festivals and capped them a maximum 120 gladiators and a cost of 25,000 denarii. However, this did not stop some of the successive emperors form holding gigantic and extremely expansive games. For example, over 9,000 wild animals were killed during the games which inaugurated the Colosseum. Trajan celebrated his victories with games with 10,000 gladiators and 11,000 animals over 123 days. Marcus Aurelius legislated a cap on expenditure as costs were spiralling out of control. However this had little effect. One the bread side of the policy, the Roman state had to make sure that it had the money for the grain dole for the poor, who were given free grain.


What was the family life of a poor roman?

A poor Roman sometimes did not even a source of water if their house. Mostly they would live in apartments and couldn't cook because their house was made out of wood and was worried about fire. They sometimes bought hot food in bakeries or some other stores. Luckily, emperors such as Augustus gave free food to the Romans.


How much did it cost to go to a public bath house in rome?

The price of admittance to a Roman public bath was minimal, generally a quadrans, which was the lowest denomination of Roman coin. However most time the public baths were free as it was customary for emperors or other wealthy men to give the people free access to the baths for a year as part of a celebration of some sort. Now these were the public or imperial baths. There were many private baths that charged various rates.

Related questions

What did ancient Roman emperors do to keep poor people from rioting?

To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.To control the masses, the emperor's indulged them with the "bread and circuses" policy". They put on free entertainments during festival times and gave the people free grain and oil. Donatives called "congiarium" which were gifts of money, were also given out.


What is a way Roman emperors tried to prevent popular disorders?

One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.One way that the emperors tried to prevent popular disorder was by the "bread and circus" method. This was that all citizens received a measure of grain (free food) and the emperors staged amusements for them. At certain festival times the emperors would give a "congiarium" to the people, which was money. In dire circumstances he always had the option of sending in the Praetorian Guard to quell any riots.


How did roman Emperors maintain control over the plebeians?

The Roman emperors did not have to "control" the plebeians in any way. By the time of the emperors, the plebeians were the nobility along with the patricians and had just as much to lose or gain through politics. The "bread and circus" routine at certain times of the year satisfied the poorer masses. This consisted of free food, free entertainment, and gifts of money.


Why was it in the interests of the Roman government to feed and entertain its people?

Beacause in that times poor citizens needed wheat for bread to survive. When wheat harvests were bad, the poor often rioted, and to avoid this, the emperors provided free grain to the poor. They also provided spectacular shows, called circuses.


How affordable was a roman amphitheatre?

If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.If you mean the building of it, by affordable, it cost millions and only the emperors or the very wealthy could afford to build one. If you mean, an entrance fee by affordable, it was free. There was never a charge for Roman entertainment.


How did the emperor keep the poverty-stricken masses pacified?

The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.The emperors kept the poor people pacified by the practice of "bread and circuses". This meant that every citizen received a measure of grain per month and sometimes oil. Also free entertainment. At the various entertainment events, there was a grand finale, so to speak, when gifts were tossed out to the masses in the stands.


Why did the roman emperors provide free gain to the poor?

Upon returning from war, many of the veterans had accumulated enough money to move into the urban areas. This caused the sale of farmland to aristocrats who began building large farmsteads similar to plantations. These large farms grew cash crops such as olives and grapes. This caused the Italian Peninsula to import gains to feed the citizens. Rome began buying grain and selling it at a reduced price to its urban citizens who were not able to grow sustenance crops. This measure helped but many of Rome's poor were still unable to feed themselves. To solve this issue and gain favor among the plebeians, a new program was instituted providing free grain to starving Romans.


Why was admission free in roman colosseum?

Admission to the Colosseum was free because the gladiatorial games were enormously popular and because the Roman elites believed that they needed to provide the poor with plenty of entertainment to keep them happy and prevent riots. The games were financed by the emperors or by very rich officials.


What company sells grain free dog food?

Addiction Brand from New Zealand sells grain free dog good. I have seen a variety of grain free <a href=" http://www.pawsitivepamperings.com"/dog food</a> processed from free range animals.


What type of food did Roman slaves get?

The type of food that was given to the Roman slaves depended upon where he/she lived and their status. (Yes, slaves had status depending upon their work) An urban domestic slave would eat the same food as the free members of the household while the rural farm slaves would be given coarse grained bread, barley, and mostly other grain based foods as this type of diet was thought to be both filling and strength enhancing.


What did poor romans eat and drink in ancient days?

In Ancient Rome, the emperor would institute "Bread and Circuses" in which the less privileged of society (poor people) could go watch a free chariot race or gladiator fight and enjoy free food provided by the emperor. This was basically a tactic used to increase an emperors popularity. However, the free food was only given to citizens at certain times and consisted of grain, oil and wine. For the most part the poor people ate their grain allotment supplemented with meat and veggies and drank either cheap wine of a drink called "posca" which was a water and vinegar mixture.


How did the Romans takeover the Roman emporor?

The Roman emperors were quack rulers. At Rome's first empirical stages, the emperor said he was elected from the "great people or Rome" and Rome was "not a monarchy" because he was simply "first citizen". This is untrue because the emperor was chosen by the previous emperor, seized by power, or chosen by the Senate (a group of the wealthiest Roman citizens). Ultimately, this shows Rome was not a republic, but an empire. Emperors had absolute power, and some of them abused it. Lowly Roman citizens were angry because slaves were taking up the workforce, they couldn't find jobs, and they had to live off of free handouts of grain and oil. Some gladiators felt like they were not getting enough recognition for their fighting and grunt work. These factors and many others caused the Roman people to bring up many rebellions, but Rome truly fell when barbarians led by Alaric sacked Rome.