Gracchus, Gaius Sempronius

Gracchus, Gaius Sempronius

(born c. 160—died 121 BC, Grove of Furrina, near Rome) Roman tribune (123–122 BC). He joined the outcry over the murder of his brother, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus and helped implement his agrarian law. He combined the votes of plebeians and equites to pass reforms aimed at curbing the corruption of the nobility. His attempts to extend citizenship to Rome's Italian allies and more freedom to plebeians were unpopular. Though he came from an aristocratic family, his policies were seen by extreme conservatives as an attempt to destroy the aristocracy. He committed suicide while under siege on the Aventine Hill.