The phrase “bread and circuses” most likely refers to which?
1.contests at which the winners were paid with grain
2.the bakeries that used round ovens that looked like arenas
3.the government’s attempt to keep all citizens employed with unskilled work at the circuses
4.the government’s attempt to keep poor citizens content with food and entertainment...
number 4 is my answer
Right.
It’s a concept/practice from ancient Roman Empire days.
The phrase "bread and circuses" most likely refers to option 4: the government's attempt to keep poor citizens content with food and entertainment. To understand the meaning of this phrase, it's helpful to look at the historical context.
During ancient Roman times, emperors aimed to satisfy and control the masses by providing free bread and organizing massive public spectacles known as circuses. The government distributed grain or bread to the lower classes in order to keep them fed and satisfied, while the circuses provided entertainment in the form of gladiatorial fights, chariot races, and other extravagant shows.
This strategy was employed to divert the attention of the citizens away from political issues, social unrest, and inequalities. By ensuring that the lower classes had their basic needs met and were entertained, the ruling power hoped to maintain social order and prevent rebellion.
So, the phrase "bread and circuses" is often used metaphorically to criticize governments or institutions that distract the population with superficial comforts or entertainment while neglecting or ignoring more significant problems or inequalities.