The Gracchi

The brothers Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, tribunes whose land, grain and court reforms of 133-121 BCE ended in their deaths.

Category: Figures

Compare with other topics →

1. 133 BCE
   Tiberius Gracchus: land reform and murder

   As tribune in 133 BCE Tiberius Gracchus pushes a law to redistribute public land, deposing a fellow tribune who vetoes it. When he seeks re-election, senators led by Scipio Nasica beat him and his supporters to death.

   Roman RepublicThe Gracchi📍 Capitoline Hill
2. 123 BCE
   Gaius Gracchus holds the tribunate (123-122)

   Tribune in 123 and 122 BCE, Gaius Gracchus fixes the price of grain, gives corruption-court juries to the equestrians and backs colonies, including one at Carthage. He loses a bid for a third term.

   Roman RepublicThe Gracchi📍 Rome
3. 121 BCE
   First "ultimate decree"; Gaius Gracchus dies

   In 121 BCE the Senate issues the first senatus consultum ultimum, urging consul Opimius to defend the state. Fulvius Flaccus is killed and Gaius Gracchus dies, by murder or suicide. Opimius is later acquitted.

   Roman RepublicThe Gracchi📍 Aventine Hill