Question

What did the term bread and circuses refer to during the time of the Roman emperors?

A.
religious holidays and parades for the religious groups in Rome

B.
jobs and free housing for anyone who pledged loyalty to the empire

C.
free bread and entertainment for the poor

D.
the leisurely lifestyle of the Roman elite in which most Romans participated

Answer 1

Duing the time of the Roman emperors, the term bread and circuses referred to C. free bread and entertainment for the poor. Many leaders at the time understood that in order to prevent the poor from rising up and attacking the elite lifestyle of the ruling class, they must be kept fed and entertained, which is why there are so many coliseums.