The term "Populares" refers to a political faction in ancient Rome that emerged during the late Republic. This group sought to represent the interests of the common people, or the plebeians, against the elite patricians. They often advocated for land reforms, grain distribution, and other measures to improve the lives of the lower classes. Key figures associated with the Populares include Gaius Gracchus and Julius Caesar. These leaders used popular support to challenge the traditional power structures of Rome. The Populares often clashed with the Optimates, who favored the interests of the aristocracy and sought to maintain the status quo.