The Gracchi Brothers
Tiberius Gracchus
At this period of time, there was a class struggle due to changes in demand and supply; there were many huge farms set-up from colonised land which led to decreased subsistence farming and the rise of the 'Money Economy'. This created huge polarisations between the rich and poor, leading to crime, due to the power of Roman capitalists and aristocrats.
Tiberius Gracchus annoyed the senate by bypassing them in agreeing to a peace treaty with the Numantii, who had revolted in Spain as land was taken from them by the rich as they could not defend themselves. The peace this created led to political support for Gracchus from the families of soldiers who were no longer required to risk their lives; this support resulted in Tiberius Gracchus being appointed as People's tribune in 133 BC. Recognising the problems facing Rome due to the landless nature of many of the citizens, he proposed that land ownership should be limited to 640 acres per person. This would remove much of the land owned by the wealthy. The land reform suggested by Tiberius Gracchus had immense support from the people.
However, Octavius, a senate-backed tribune, was persuaded to veto Tiberius Gracchus’ proposal. This caused outrage in the people. In order to get revenge on the snubbing of his proposal, Tiberius Gracchus vetoed the daily functions of the Senate, bringing Rome to a standstill. Eventually, he had Octavius removed from his office, an unconstitutional manoeuvre. The land reforms were quickly passed after this.
The following year, Tiberius Gracchus ran for election as people’s tribune for a second consecutive year, this was another unconstitutional manoeuvre. The Senate spread a rumour that he wanted to be a king, causing outrage in the public minds. Riots broke out at the elections and he was assassinated by a group of senators.
Tiberius Gracchus established a new type of politics. Previously, all politicians had made political changes with the support of the patricians in the Senate. However, he instead appealed directly to the masses and used them as his source of power. This made two political divisions, the populares (those who gained power through the support of the people) and the optimates ( ‘the best’ – those who attempted political change through traditional methods of the Republic).
Tiberius Gracchus annoyed the senate by bypassing them in agreeing to a peace treaty with the Numantii, who had revolted in Spain as land was taken from them by the rich as they could not defend themselves. The peace this created led to political support for Gracchus from the families of soldiers who were no longer required to risk their lives; this support resulted in Tiberius Gracchus being appointed as People's tribune in 133 BC. Recognising the problems facing Rome due to the landless nature of many of the citizens, he proposed that land ownership should be limited to 640 acres per person. This would remove much of the land owned by the wealthy. The land reform suggested by Tiberius Gracchus had immense support from the people.
However, Octavius, a senate-backed tribune, was persuaded to veto Tiberius Gracchus’ proposal. This caused outrage in the people. In order to get revenge on the snubbing of his proposal, Tiberius Gracchus vetoed the daily functions of the Senate, bringing Rome to a standstill. Eventually, he had Octavius removed from his office, an unconstitutional manoeuvre. The land reforms were quickly passed after this.
The following year, Tiberius Gracchus ran for election as people’s tribune for a second consecutive year, this was another unconstitutional manoeuvre. The Senate spread a rumour that he wanted to be a king, causing outrage in the public minds. Riots broke out at the elections and he was assassinated by a group of senators.
Tiberius Gracchus established a new type of politics. Previously, all politicians had made political changes with the support of the patricians in the Senate. However, he instead appealed directly to the masses and used them as his source of power. This made two political divisions, the populares (those who gained power through the support of the people) and the optimates ( ‘the best’ – those who attempted political change through traditional methods of the Republic).
Gaius Gracchus
In 123 BC, Gaius Gracchus, Tiberius’ younger brother, was elected as people’s tribune and he became incredibly popular. He even got elected for a second term the following year and he made several important laws. He stabilised the price of grain by building store-houses for the excesses. This allowed small farmers to be guaranteed a certain amount of income as well as preventing the price of grain from becoming unaffordable for the poor to afford. He also suggested that citizenship should be extended to the Italian allies. This would have greatly increased the base of his support. However , 121 BC, the senate passed a law that got the consuls to make the Republic safe and thus declared Gaius Gracchus as an enemy of the state. He killed himself and several thousands of his supporters were killed or executed.