Gracchus, Gaius Sempronius c.159-121BC
Roman politician

After the murder of his brother Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus he continued trying to solve major social and economic problems - the growing landlessness of the Roman peasantry and the consequent decline in army recruitment - by enacting reforms. He was Tribune of the Plebs in 123 and 122BC, and when he failed to achieve a third term he led a demonstration that turned into a riot. Many of his followers were killed and he committed suicide. The legislation and reforms enacted by Gauis and his brother were influential in the last century of the Republic.