RomanArmyTalk

I have noticed that during some historical periods where large societies/states began tearing itself apart, there are usually economic woes preceding it. I've heard of some of the social issues facing Republican Rome in the 2nd and 1st Centuries BCE, ie. the reduction of the land owning "middle class" and the rise of the plutocrats. However, I am wondering if there are any other indications of other problems, such as inflation, coin debasement, drought, disease, etc. that could have exacerbated the situation. Any thoughts?

you should listen to the following series of podcasts for a very insightful and most entertaining description of the end of the Roman republic: Dan Carlin - Hardcore History - Death of the Republic. There are five episodes. each about 1-2 hours. Great stuff.

Listening to them now. Thanks

Also well worth looking at the Oxford Roman Economy project, led by Andrew Wilson, which is doing some really excellent work IMHO. http://oxrep.classics.ox.ac.uk/