The Beginning of the End: The Gracchi Brothers

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The late Roman Republic has long been a source of fascination - whether for the great historical figures it produced (think Caesar or Cicero) or for the resulting empire that would emerge from its ruins. Although the generation of Caesar and Pompey became synonymous with the republics fall, we must look further into the past to see the start of its deterioration. The role of the Gracchi brothers provided the first spark of revolution that would continue over the next century. By the late 2nd century BC, Rome had established itself as the dominant force in the Mediterranean world - conquering Carthage, large parts of Spain (Hispania), Macedonia and Greece (among others). However, despite the vast wealth generated from these conquests, not all within Rome were content with society back home.

The Gracchi

Born c. 168 BC, Tiberius Gracchus made a name for himself through a spell of successful military service. He participated in the Siege of Carthage (146) and held the Quaestorship  in 137 (serving in Spain). It was during his military service that he saw first hand the need for reform within the republic. Whilst travelling through Italy on his way to Spain, he noticed a growing trend within Roman society. As fresh lands had been conquered and new territory brought under Roman control, a massive surplus of slaves had become available. Tiberius Gracchus saw the impact of this first hand - with the large estates across Italy being worked primarily by these slaves, as opposed to the traditional peasant class (who now saw themselves out of a job).

Upon becoming Tribune in 133 BC, Tiberius saw his chance to champion the cause of the peasant class. He introduced legislation to help alleviate economic equality through a bill regarding land reform. This involved the redistribution of land in the form of allotments, with this land coming from larger estates that held above his planned legal limit of 500 iugera (300 acres). Due to the controversial nature of his bill, Tiberius opted to bypass the Senate completely and take his law to the Popular Assembly. After much back and forth, including the deposition of his fellow tribune Octavius, his bill was passed and a commission was established.

Upping the Stakes

However, Tiberius would pay a heavy price for this attempt. After announcing his intentions to stand for his second tribunate - a move which broke past protocol - calls in the Senate were made to destroy what they saw as a tyrannical power grab. A mob was raised, and the end result was the death Tiberius Gracchus in the temple of Juppiter Cappitolinus, along with 300 of his followers being clubbed to death.

This trend of violence would continue with Gaius Gracchus, the younger Gracchi brother. Gaius Gracchus has served on the land commission instigated by his brother, and had successfully served as tribune in 123 before taking up a second term the year after. Gaius used his position to target the opponents of Tiberius - alongside continuing with his brothers land reforms. Added to this was a plan for the subsidising of corn by the state, thus helping to alleviate the financial burdens for the poor. However, it was not to be. As tensions rose again, mobs were formed by both sides. Just as a few years prior, the Senate came out on top - with Gaius murdered in the ensuing confrontation.

Although both of the Gracchi brothers would face violent deaths, their legacy would live on for far longer. Internal violence had now returned to the republic, with the Senate sending a clear message - mess with us, and face death. It was this return of political violence and upheaval within Roman politics that would have the greatest impact on the generation that followed. The Gracchi brothers would ultimately provide the first sparks for the fire of political violence that was to come.

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