Background

Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus was born into the distinguished Plebeian Gracchi family.  He was one of twelve children and only three of the twelve reached maturity.  Tiberius, his brother Gaius, and their sister Sempronia were the only three who survived to maturity.  The Gracchus family came from a long line of impressive heritage and experience.  Tiberius Gracchus’ father, Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus the elder, was twice consul and once censor.  His mother was the daughter of Scipio Africanus.  Along with his father, Tiberius Gracchus’ great uncle was also elected consul twice and also elected proconsul.

Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus

Gracchi2

As a young adult, Tiberius Gracchus went through ten years of mandatory military training as part of his early education.  His formal education consisted of being taught by Greek teachers.  His informal education included Greek and Latin language studies along with Greek and Asiatic government studies.

Tiberius Gracchus had a lot of military experience that helped him earn his titles in the Roman senate.  He bravely fought and help Rome win in the Third Punic War.  Probably his most glorious accomplishment was Gracchus being the first man over the wall at Carthage and survived to tell it.  He was awarded the mural crown for his courageous military efforts.

Once Tiberius Gracchus was of age, he married Appius Claudius’s daughter.

Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus’ early educational life and military experience helped him gain popularity and knowledge.  His popularity and prestige helped him attain offices in order to become one of the most important and controversial Roman politicians in the empire’s history.

 

Source:

Boren, Henry C. The Gracchi. New York: Twayne Publishers, Inc, 1968. Print.

Picture Source:

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