The senate hated and feared the army because it was a source of often unpredictable violence, especially in the tense conditions of the third century when the government was forced to tax more heavily to pay for its mounting military expenditures.

The Senate's Hatred and Fear of the Army

The Senate was the governing body of the Roman Republic and played a major role in the political and military affairs of the state. During the late Republic, the Senate became increasingly concerned about the power and influence of the army, which was led by powerful generals who often became involved in politics and sought to expand their own power.

Reasons for Hatred and Fear

There were several reasons why the Senate hated and feared the army:

1. Threat to Republican institutions: The Senate feared that the army, under the command of ambitious generals, would undermine the Republican institutions and replace them with a military dictatorship.

2. Military power: The army was the most powerful force in the Republic and could easily overthrow the government if it chose to do so. The Senate feared that the generals would use their military power to gain political power and dominate the state.

3. Corruption: The Senate was concerned about the corruption that often accompanied the army. Generals would use their military campaigns to enrich themselves and their soldiers, often at the expense of the state.

Causes of Army's Influence

The army became so influential during the late Republic for several reasons:

1. Military successes: The army had achieved great military successes in the past, which had brought glory and wealth to the Republic.

2. Generals' ambition: Many of the generals were ambitious men who sought to increase their power and influence.

3. Soldiers' loyalty: The soldiers were often more loyal to their generals than to the state, which gave the generals a powerful tool to use in politics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Senate's hatred and fear of the army were based on legitimate concerns about the army's power and influence. However, the Senate's efforts to limit the army's power only served to exacerbate the problem, as it pushed the army further into the hands of ambitious generals who sought to use their military power for their own purposes. Ultimately, this contributed to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.