Gaius Gracchus

Gaius, the brother of Tiberius, ran for Tribune of the Plebs nearly ten years after his brother's death at the hands of an angry mob (likely incited to riot by the Senate).

He was given, by the Senate, commissions and postings away from Rome; they were frightened of him continuing in his brother's vein of legislation. He eventually returned, however, and was elected and reelected Tribune in 123.

He passed a great deal of legislation during his time in office, and was a charismatic speaker. His goals were unclear; theories range from overthrowing the Senate entirely, though it was more likely he sought to curb Senatorial power (which was effectively absolute) and empower the equestrian class.

Gaius' Legislation

 * taking power away from the Senate
 * ​provincial taxes would be taken by publicani rather than by the Senate
 * gubernatorial positions and commands would be named before consular elections (meant to diminish bribery in elections)
 * renewed land redistribution legislation
 * fixed price of grain subsidy (for poor hand-to-mouth Romans)

Death
After losing the election for Tribune in 121, Gaius left Rome and the consul at the time (one Opimius by name) tried to undo some of his legislation; a riot broke out and Opimius' herald was killed.

The Senate called him to defend this action (effectively stand trial for the murder; though there was no evidence it was his doing), and he retreated to the Aventine Hill (traditional association with plebeians, and was their original settlement).

The Senate had him declared a hostis and issued a senatus consultimum ultimum, which gave Opimius every right to protect the state in whichever way he desired. Gaius committed suicide on the hill as the Romans were advancing on him.