Question

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

Responses

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

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

free bread and entertainment for the poor

free bread and entertainment for the poor

religious holidays and parades for the religious groups in Rome

religious holidays and parades for the religious groups in Rome

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

Answer 1

The term "bread and circuses" (in Latin, "panem et circenses") referred to the practice of providing free bread and entertainment for the poor in order to keep them satisfied and distracted from political and social issues. It was a method used by Roman emperors to maintain control over the populace and prevent unrest. So the correct response is:

**free bread and entertainment for the poor.**