Topic 2: Reform, Crisis and Violence
How the Gracchi brothers sparked a century of civil war (133-78 BC)
H408/33 - Politics of the Late Republic
Learning Objectives
By the end of this topic, you will be able to:
- Analyse how the Gracchi brothers pioneered popularis politics and triggered violent political conflict
- Evaluate Marius's military reforms and their impact on Republican institutions
- Assess Sulla's dictatorship as both a reaction to popularis politics and a precedent for autocracy
- Understand how reform movements created the factional divisions that would destroy the Republic
- Explain the escalation from constitutional competition to civil war and proscription
Choose Your Topic
The Gracchi Brothers
Explore how Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus created popularis politics and triggered the first political violence in the Forum.
Covers: Land crisis, lex Sempronia agraria, deposition of Octavius, grain law, judicial reforms, political murder, senatus consultum ultimum
Marius and Military Reform
Examine how Marius transformed the Roman army and created the first professional soldiers loyal to generals rather than the state.
Covers: Novus homo rise, Jugurthine War, Cimbri and Teutones, military reforms, veteran loyalty, consulships, popularis methods
Sulla's Dictatorship
Analyse how Sulla's march on Rome and bloody dictatorship established precedents for civil war and autocratic rule.
Covers: March on Rome, Social War, Mithridatic War, proscription lists, constitutional reforms, abdication, legacy for Caesar
Key Dates: The Escalation of Violence
133 BC
Tiberius Gracchus killed - first political murder in Forum
121 BC
Gaius Gracchus dies - 3,000 supporters executed
107-86 BC
Marius's seven consulships and military reforms
88 BC
Sulla's first march on Rome with legions
82-79 BC
Sulla's dictatorship and proscription terror
