The Beginning of the End: The Gracchi Brothers
How Two Brothers Caused a Political Revolution in Ancient Rome
The fall of the Roman Republic has long been a source of historical fascination, with historians and politicians alike turning to this period when examining modern political conundrums. Despite being the preeminent superpower of its time, in one generation the Roman Republic had collapsed into civil war and transformed into a monarchy. Whether you are interested in the great historical figures it produced (think Caesar or Cicero), or the resulting empire that would emerge from its ruins, the late Roman Republic offers no shortage of lessons that can be applied to today’s political themes.
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 sparks of revolution that would continue to burn over the next century.
The Gracchi
By the late 2nd century BC, Rome had established itself as the dominant force in the Mediterranean world — conquering Carthage, large parts of Spain, Macedonia and Greece. However, despite the vast wealth generated from these conquests, not all within Rome were content with society back home.
Born c. 168 BC, Tiberius Gracchus made a name for himself through his time in the military. A competent solider, he participated in the Siege of Carthage (146) and held a Quaestorship in 137 — solidifying his reputation as a rising star back in Rome. However, it was during his military service that this future revolutionary would first embrace a more radical form of politics.
Whilst travelling through Italy on his way to Spain, he noticed a growing trend within Roman society. As fresh lands were 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 large estates across Italy being worked primarily by slave labour — 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 peasantry. He introduced legislation to help alleviate economic inequality through a bill on land reform. This involved the redistribution of land in the form of allotments, with this land coming from the larger estates that dominated the Italian countryside.
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
Tiberius would pay a heavy price for this attempt at genuine reform. After announcing his intention to stand for his second tribunate — a move which broke with 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 of Tiberius Gracchus in the temple of Jupiter Cappitolinus, with 300 of his followers being brutally clubbed to death.
The cycle of violence would continue with Gaius Gracchus, the younger Gracchi brother. Gaius Gracchus was already 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 land reform programme. Spurred forward by the death of his brother, Gaius would also introduce his own measures through a corn subsidy targeted at 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. 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.
