Who were the Gracchi brothers and why were they murdered?

The Gracchi brothers, Tiberius and Gaius Sempronius Gracchus, were tribunes of the plebs in 133 and 122-121 BCE, respectively, who introduced land reforms and other laws, circumventing the Roman Senate. They were beaten to death by their opponents.

What are the Gracchi brothers most known for?

Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus is known for his lex agraria, the land reform that proposed fair distribution of the land held in common. A decade after his brother's death Gaius Sempronius Gracchus tried to continue his brother's policies, fought corruption, and planned to extend Roman citizenship.

Gracchi Brothers

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Definition

Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus (c. 163-133 BCE) and his younger brother Gaius (c. 154-121 BCE) were tribunes of the plebs in the Roman Republic. Serving in 133 BCE, Tiberius introduced a land reform but was beaten to death after his term. Eleven years later in 122-121 BCE, Gaius reaffirmed his brother's land reform and attempted to curb corruption. He met the same fate as his brother.

More about: Gracchi Brothers

Timeline

133 BCE
Numantia falls to the Romans who besiege the oppidum. Mass suicide ensues among many of the survivors. Land reforms by Tiberius Gracchus.
122 BCE - 121 BCE
Tribunate of Gaius Sempronius Gracchus.