Latifundia were large agricultural estates in ancient Rome that were typically owned by wealthy landowners. These estates relied heavily on slave labor to cultivate crops, which included grains, olives, and grapes. The latifundia system contributed to the economic disparity between the rich and poor in Roman society. As the Roman Empire expanded, latifundia became more common, leading to the decline of small farms. Many small farmers were unable to compete with the efficiency and scale of latifundia, resulting in increased urban migration and social unrest. This shift played a significant role in the economic and social dynamics of ancient Rome.