Gracchus (grak'-kus), Caius Sempronius. A Roman orator and statesman who, as tribune, was the originator of many excellent laws. Was born B.C. 159, and killed in a massacre organized by Opimius, 121. His brother, Tiberius Sempronius, born B.C. 163, was elected tribune, and was also killed B.C. 133, in an uprising of the patricians against his proposal to distribute the public lands.

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