GRACCHUS

plebeian Rom. family of gens Sempronia, of which most noted members were Tiberius Sempronius G. and Gaius Sempronius G., generally known as the Graccht, sons of Tiberius B.C., and his wife Cornel i a (@.2.). fought under Scipio against Cart hag in i ans; became tribune, 133, when he pa ed agrarian law, allotting public lands to the poor; killed with number of followevs, by patricians headed by Scipio tribune, 123; introduced many reforms, pa ed corn law, and re-established agrarian law; while at Carthage, his reputation was undermined by enemies at home; on return, rejected for tribunate; escaped from ensuing riots, but was found dead next day; like his bro., a lofty character, an ardent reformer, and 2 fine orator,