The Gracchi BrothersThe Gracchi brothers were officials in the Roman empire that campaigned for greater and more equal land distribution in Rome. Prior to their office, there was an extremely wide social gap between the rich patricians and the poor Plebeians. As tribunes, these two brothers tried their best to help the poor and make life better in Rome.
Tiberius Gracchus, the elder of the two, was a distinguished soldier and later became a fairly popular politician. His main focus was agrarian reform. He attempted to pass a law that would force the rich to give up any owned land in excess of 500 iugera (about 0.623 acres). He gained many enemies with this attempt at reform, and soon was attacked by a mob, led by Scipio Nasica, and killed. Gaius Gracchus was a bit more reserved in his actions, but still gained many enemies. He attempted a land reform campaign similar to his brother's. He also sought support from the equestrian class, the citizens who had not yet ascended into senatorial office. The Senate did not appreciate his actions, and later, he lost most of his support through campaigns to provide non-Roman Italian allies citizenship of Rome. He was later killed in a mob which was led by Lucius Opimius. |
Other FactsTiberius Gracchus
• Born: 169 BCE • Died: 133 BCE, age 36 Gaius Gracchus • Born: 154 BCE • Died: 121 BCE, age 33 • Father: Tiberius Gracchus the Elder • Mother: Cornelia |
Fun Facts• Tiberius and Gaius were the source of their mother's pride, and she often called them her "jewels"
• Tiberius Gracchus won the corona muralis during the seize of Carthage for being the first soldier over enemy walls • Gaius Gracchus founded the colony of Junonia over the fallen ruins of Carthage |