Discuss the changing role and status of
the equites and the tribunes in the
period 133 – 78BCE.
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Mapa Mental sobre Discuss the changing role and status of
the equites and the tribunes in the
period 133 – 78BCE., criado por super-fatboy em 03-06-2013.
Discuss the changing role and
status of the equites and the
tribunes in the period 133 – 78BCE.
Main body one: original role of equites
Horsemen of the phalanx, important role (blue book page 11)
Instituted by Romulus (smith)
wealthy middle class, no political
power. Represented by tribunes(
blue book page 11)
"It is only when Tiberius Gracchus
comes in that the role of the equites
that a chain reaction of reforms start to
happen, forever changing their original
role"
Quotes
The tribunes were in fact becoming an instrument of the senatorial oligarchy(Scullard)
tribunes
Main Body Two: Tiberius Gracchus
"a single tribune, by excercising his right of veto, could bring
the whole machinery of government to a stand still" (scullard)
Tiberius abused his power, tribune was now a powerful position
Now, the decisive power is in the
hands of any tribune who
interposes his veto(plutarch)
re-election as tribune. Considered illegal. Outside governing precedent (excel hsc book)
People such as Marius and Sulla became tribune
twice. Held power for longer allowing them to
complete goals.
"The Grachhi showed the way that the tribunate could
be used as an instrument for change. They had used it
to undermine the traditional powers of the senate and
revealed the potential for ambitious men to promote their own political career" (bradley)
for it was thought that the high and
honourable dignity of the tribunate, so carefully
guarded up to that time, had been insulted and
destroyed) (plutarch page 181)
Original role
Safe guarded the interests of the people
could veto the action of any elected official
Immune from arrest or punishment. Sancrosanct
Responsible directly to the concilium plebis
The tribunate was never intended to bring about change (revolution), Bradley
Equites
Gaius
"Gauis Gracchus greatly added to the power of the equites" (Scullard)