Historiae Romanorum

Gaius Gracchus

Gaius Sempronius Gracchus

133 - 121 BC

The nephew of Scipio the Younger and brother of Tiberius Gracchus.  After the death of his brother, Gaius Gracchus took up the position of champion of the plebeian class.

In 123 BC, he was elected the position of tribune, just like his brother.  Gaius, however, was far more successful than his brother by gaining the support of the equestrian class as well.  Not only did he push through the Senate land reforms, but also public works projects and rights for the equestrians.

Eventually, however, Gaius became too progressive for many his own supporters to stomach.  Mainly, he attempted to give Roman citizenship to all Italians. In 121 BC, Gaius failed to win reelection to his third term.  He and his supporters began to riot.  Seeing their oportunity, the Senate passed a senatus consultum, which effectively gave the consul the right to do whatever he thought best to preserve the republic.  The consul, named Opimius, brought in several thousand soldiers and attacked the mob.  Gaius, seeing his followers slaughtered, ordered a slave to kill him.

This page was last updated on August 03, 2004.