What led to the ruin of the peasants in ancient Rome?

The ruin of the peasants in ancient Rome occurred because they ceased to be the masters of their lands. Emperors distributed lands in ancient Rome to distinguished military leaders and their entourage. The new landowners allowed the peasants to work for them, and in return they took part of the harvest or a fixed amount. The peasants were obliged to work on the landlord’s land for two weeks. As a result, the peasants became impoverished, their status was equated to the status of slaves, who also worked only for food.