In the last hundred years of the Roman Republic interest in theatre dwindled. People were more interested in going to see the gladiatorial fights at the arenas. During this time the Republic was also divided. There was the unrest that the Grachus brothers caused during their times as tribunes. The Republic was also at war in many different places causing a strain on finances, and military resources. Rome also suffered through many civil wars, and slave uprisings. 73-71 BC saw the rise of Spartacus, and his downfall. 60 BC saw the first Triumvirate between Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. In 49 BC Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his army and marches on Rome. Civil war ensues between the armies of Caesar and Pompey.
In 44 BC Caesar was declared dictator for life, and on March 15th of that year, was assassinated by the Senate. In 43 BC there is the second triumvirate of Antony, Octavian, and Lepidus. In 31 BC Octavian defeats Antony in naval battle at Actium. August of 30 BC Antony and Cleopatra commit suicide. 28 BC the Senate confers upon Octavian the title of Princeps Senatus, and in 27 BC grants him the title of Augustus. Finally in 23 BC the Senate grants Augustus the titles and powers of Imperium proconsulare maius and tribunicia potestas for life, thereby turning over to him complete control of the State and ending the Roman Republic.