Lecture Notes: The Gracchus Brothers and Their Impact on Roman History

Introduction

• Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus were influential figures in late Roman Republic politics.
• They impacted Roman history significantly within a decade.
• Both brothers were victims of violence, but their legacies endured.

Context: Rome After the Third Punic War

• Fall of Carthage in 146 BC established Rome as a dominant Mediterranean power.
• Expansion brought wealth to leading citizens but also created societal issues.
• Significant wealth disparity: wealthy upper class vs struggling lower class.

Social and Economic Problems

• Constant warfare left many poorer citizens struggling economically.
• Land ownership was a requirement for military service; many soldiers lost their farms.
• Wealthy elites (often Senators) purchased these lands, compounding poverty issues.
• Unemployment and social unrest increased, especially in Rome.

Political Factions: Popularis vs. Optimates

• Popularis: Senators representing common people's interests; sought public support.
• Optimates: Senators representing what they deemed best for Rome; often supported elites.
• Political decisions often aligned with these factions.

Military Recruitment Crisis

• Traditional Roman military relied on land-owning citizen soldiers.
• Absence due to warfare led to loss of farms for many families.
• Wealthy purchased lands and used slaves, not local labor, for farming.

Tiberius Gracchus

• Born c. 168 BC; military experience in the Third Punic War.
• Elected Tribune of the Plebs in 133 BC.
• Proposed agrarian reforms to redistribute land and resolve military recruitment issues.
• Met with Senate opposition, primarily from land-owning Senators.
• Law eventually passed after removing opposing Tribune, Marcus Octavius.
• Faced financial obstacles; bypassed Senate using newly acquired wealth from Pergamum.
• Attempted re-election incited fears of tyranny; resulted in his assassination in 132 BC.

Gaius Gracchus

• Born 153 BC, Tribune of the Plebs in 123 BC; elected three times.
• Continued and expanded his brother's reforms.
• Proposed welfare programs and grain dole to support poorer citizens.
• Met with Senate hostility; considered a threat to their power.
• After political defeat, faced accusations of tyranny; committed suicide in 121 BC.

Impact and Legacy

• Gracchus brothers' deaths marked a shift towards violence in politics.
• Set precedents for election-related violence and murder as political tools.
• Their reforms, although reversed largely, highlighted the societal fractures in Rome.
• The brothers remain controversial figures in Roman history.

Conclusion

• The Gracchus brothers had a lasting impact on Roman political and social structures.
• Despite their tragic ends, their efforts to reform Rome influenced subsequent events.

Additional Resources

• Further study recommended on Roman history through additional videos and literature.