Roman Republic Downfall

Words: 541
Pages: 3

In the eventual demise of the Roman Republic, the start can most likely be traced back to the terrible behavior of Rome in the Spanish wars. This led to antagonism between the citizens who supplied soldiery and leadership back in Rome. Even more so, this conduct back in Rome was directly connected to the eventual break with the nobility by the brothers Gracchus. In Numantia in 153 BC, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus made a treaty with the Spaniards in order to save the trapped army of Mancinus from destruction. The senate dishonorably revoked this treaty, and in doing so disgraced and angered many people and set a chain reaction over more than a century. This betrayal by the senate had profound effect. Due to this, Tiberius felt that he and the memory of his late father was disgraced. Tiberius shocked the system by standing not for a magistracy, but for the office of Tribune. An outstanding member of the Roman Nobles, who was destined to be consul, was …show more content…
In doing this, he acted according to the law, but not in the spirit of the Roman constitution. This set a precedent taht many would follow.
Tiberius was set on a collision course with the senate. For a candidate, Tiberius had many astounding backers, some of which being Servius Galba and Appius Pulcher, both ex-consuls. He was known for his ideas for land reform, which eventually got him the support of the common people. With the support of both the backers and the common people, Tiberius was elected tribune for the year 133 BC.
Gracchus’s sheer support from many of Rome’s politicians demonstrates that many saw land reform as overdue, due to Rome’s vast majority of land being owned by the rich and powerful. Tiberius’ land reform was loved by many, and the public felt it as heartfelt and sincere. But he faced severe opposition by those who held significant public lands. One of these was Scipio Nasica, who would be Tiberius’ enemy till Tiberius’