Gracchus Brothers: Criminals or Heroes?
- Junia Lucilius
- Nov 30, 2015
- 1 min read
Dear editor,
I have been noticing how much controversy there has been over whether the Gracchus brothers should be loved or hated. Both Tiberius and Gaius have left everlasting legacies behind, and I definitely consider them heroes. And as a plebeian woman, I think what they accomplished in their time was incredible and I see absolutely no reason why anyone would be against them. I greatly admire how tirelessly they tried to make changes and actually made a difference. Tiberius was already an established warrior, but didn’t care for fame, he just wanted to help the poor and less fortunate. Even when he ran for reformer the first time, people noticed how great he was and he became a reformer. Unfortunately, the stingy, rich landowners couldn’t see past their jealousy which resulted in them killing him. One of the main reasons I believe he was so heroic is because of how much he cared and was willing to sacrifice for Rome and his citizens.
And then came along Gaius. After the tragic death of his brother, he heroically took up his duties and fulfilled what Tiberius wanted. Gaius improved the city in so many ways and so quickly. But just like Tiberius, his accomplishments resulted in his death. It seems to me that there are only two possible reasons why people would hate them or want to kill them. and those are jealousy and/or feeling threatened by their success. It is a shame what happened to the Gracchus brothers, but we should always remember how heroic they are and all they did for us.
Sincerely,
Junia Lucilius
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