Definition: The populares were Roman political leaders who were on the side of "the people" as is indicated by their name. They were opposed to the optimates who were concerned with the "best men" -- the meaning of optimates. The populares were not always so much interested in the common man as their own careers. The populares used the assemblies of the people rather than the aristocratic senate to further their agendas. When motivated by noble principles they could help provisions that benefitted the common man, like extending citizenship.
Julius Caesar was a famous leader aligned with the populares.
