C. Gracchus

C. Sempronius Gracchus

• Brother of Ti.
• Tr. pl. 123
• Self-conscious reformer
• Passes a number of laws
  • Vengeance against those who opposed Ti.
    • Popillius Laenas exiled for violating legal rights of Gracchan supporters as consul of 132
  • New form of extortion court
    • Juries of equites (wealthiest non-senators)
  • Limit on price of grain
    • For support of urban plebs
• Re-elected as tr. pl. for 122
• Attempts to pass law granting citizenship to Italian allies
  • Wealthy allies want vote, right to run for office
  • Others want citizens' protections against Roman officials
• Much opposition, law rejected
  • Nobles control present electoral system
  • Regular citizens jealous of privileges
• C. defeated for re-election
• Rioting during assembly to repeal one of his laws in 121
  • Gracchans seize Aventine to avoid fate of Ti.
• Consul has "final decree" passed
  • Use of violence now "official"
  • Like martial law
• Military force used to suppress Gracchans