Most of Roman land belonged to the state. However, the patricians appropriated most of it, not leaving much land for small peasants. Despite agitations by the plebeian poor and attempts at legislation to limit the size of holdings, this situation did not change. In the mid-republic, this was eased by establishing colonies (settlements) in annexed areas or in areas of peoples had been defeated (but turned into allies, rather than annexed) in Italy. The land problems was one, but not the only one, factor behind expansion.
in the late republic, landless peoples were allowed to become professional soldiers. Their pension consisted in plots of land in the provinces (conquered areas outside Italy)
in the late republic, landless peoples were allowed to become professional soldiers. Their pension consisted in plots of land in the provinces (conquered areas outside Italy)
