The Roman Revolution Flashcards
Tiberius Sepronis Gracchus: dates
163 BC - 133 BC
What did Gracchus see?
Citizens were being treated unfairly
What were some if the issues in Rome at this point?
Latifundias, poverty, class separation (poor distribution of wealth), allies annoyed, slave labour (Roman citizens lost jobs), poor army, senate = too powerful
What did the increasing amount of jobless veterans lead to?
More voters in Rome
When did Tiberius Gracchus become tribune?
133 BC
What was the Land Act?
Promised a distribution of agri publica to landless veterans
Who opposed the Land Act and why?
Opposed by Senate
Brought bill directly to the Tribal Assembly
By helping thousands of voters, Gracchus could dominate the election
What did the Senate do to stop the Land Act?
Persuaded another tribune, Octavius, to veto
Which political faction was Gracchus part of?
Populares
What did Gracchus do when he knew the senate wouldn’t pass his law?
Went straight to the tribune which caused chaos and insulted the Senate because it was untraditional
How did Gracchus react to Octavius’ vetos?
He vetoed daily Vero man I Essa such as opening public buildings e.g. the markets and temples which effectively shut down the entire city of Rome
What does Tiberius Gracchus do later on in his career?
Exposes the flaws of the republic which made him look genuine to the people
What was Tiberius Gracchus’ legacy?
Violence = political tool Break rules to get things done Used urban mobs as power base Exposed flaws in the system Loyal to one person (monarchy like)
How did Gracchus die?
He was chair legged by senators and supporters of the optimates faction
