Instruction:This week we're talking about the growth of the Roman Republic

in its early centuries. Traditionally, people have seen this growth as a sign of "success"--
but there were definitely darker sides to it; and it created a great deal of conflict between
different classes of people in Roman territory: wealthy patricians, plebeians, citizens, non-
citizens, free people and enslaved people.
For this week's discussion, I'd like you to think about the process of deciding when
something you want is "worth it." Pick an example of something in your life that you want,
and describe the pros and cons of getting it. Then compare those pros and cons to
something from this week's material-- where do you see a Roman (or non-Roman) getting
something they want, but having to deal with pros and cons?
***Write a response about 250 words and write about 50 words to respond to the peer's
response (which is below)***

Grading guidelines: thoughtful and substantive questions and comments

+ thoughtful and substantive response to other people's questions and comments.

Materials: I've attached 2 ppt and 1 PDF of the reading.

Peer's response: "An example of something in my life that I'd want would
be to own a plot of land where I'd build a cottage-like home and maintain my own garden
where I'd grow as many decorative and food-sustaining plants as possible. It wouldn't have
to be a large property at all (as typically seen with modern ranches and farmland) - I would
just like a secluded area preferably by the ocean or forest in the Pacific Northwest. Some
benefits I can see would be improved mental health, the ability to be self-sustaining while
reducing carbon footprint, and financial freedom from having to pay rent as long as I lived
there (like I do now in Davis). However, a con would include needing a large sum of money
to be able to afford land in the United States (as it can be very expensive depending on
location) and any materials I would need to build and maintain my homestead. If I were
paying in installments and had a sudden health issue, there was an environmental disaster,
or work simply didn't yield enough money at the time, I could go into massive debt and very
quickly lose my home. I would very likely be evicted and forced to live somewhere that my
work could afford until I had the opportunity to purchase land again.
I can see a Roman also wanting their own plot of land to maintain a homestead. If they
were a plebeian (a commoner like me), I can envision pros and cons that are somewhat
similar to my aspiration. For example, I see how owning their own plot of land would be
very beneficial for them: they'd have the ability to design their home how they see fit and
can participate in farming or crafting activities to bring them income since they would have
the space allocated for that. However as Rome was constantly expanding and adding to
the labor force, it was difficult for common Romans to find work in the first place in order to
purchase their own land and the world of job opportunities were much more limited
compared to today. If they were finally able to afford their land, they may have stills faced
multiple cons despite having achieved what they wanted. For example, if a wealthier
Roman were to desire that land, they could purchase it with little dispute since money was
hard to say "no" to in times of war and famine. In contrast to what a modern-day person
would have to face, a Roman could easily become enslaved and lose all that they own if
they were to come into debt towards the government. Additionally depending on the
location of their land, they would've also been at risk of attack by an opposing force of
Rome (e.g. the Gauls) and lose their land or life. So ultimately, depending on the
circumstances that created many hardships for common Romans, owning a plot of land
may not have been "worth it" as it would be today.
I'd like to know.. Does anyone else have similar aspirations to wanting to own a home
away from suburbia? If so, where and what kind of home! I'd also like to know of any other
hardships a plebeian may have faced in wanting to own their own property in Rome."

Remember: No Citation needed. Do not use other resources except what I

provided to you.