Background Gaius Gracchus

gaius gracchus born family had strong tradition in politics of ancient rome. father, tiberius gracchus elder, powerful man in roman politics throughout 2nd century bc , had built large , powerful clientele largely based in spain. mother cornelia africana, daughter of scipio africanus, noble woman major influence on gracchi; widow, refused marriage proposal of ptolemy viii, king of egypt, preferring devote life upbringing of sons.

the family attached claudii faction in roman politics despite mother s background. can supposed, however, both gracchi brothers have come contact powerful members of both claudii , cornelii scipiones factions.

gaius gracchus younger brother of tiberius gracchus, 9 years. heavily influenced both reformative policy of older brother, , death @ hands of senatorial mob. plutarch suggests grief had suffered [that] encouraged him speak out fearlessly, whenever lamented fate of brother. aspects of reforms, , judicial reforms, seem have been directed @ people responsible brother s death.