This phrase originates from Rome in
Satire X of the Roman satirical poet Juvenal (), who saw "bread and circuses" (
panem et circenses) as emblematic of the loss of republican political liberty: Juvenal refers to the Roman practice of providing free wheat to Roman citizens (the Annona) as well as costly
circus games and other forms of entertainment as a means of gaining
political power. In much modern literature, this represents the Annona as a "briberous and corrupting attempt of the Roman emperors to cover up the fact that they were selfish and incompetent tyrants". Yet Augustus disapproved even the idea of a grain dole on moral grounds, even though he and every emperor after him took the responsibility and credit for ensuring the supply to citizens who qualified for it. ==See also==