Bread and circuses indeed

Bread and circuses: A phrase used by a Roman writer to deplore the declining heroism of Romans after the Roman Republic ceased to exist and the Roman Empire began: “Two things only the people anxiously desire—bread and circuses.” The government kept the Roman populace happy by distributing free food and staging huge spectacles.

That’s a good little flock.

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Published:
5.28.06 / 3pm
Category:
Politics
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