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133 BCE
The Gracchi reforms
Tiberus and Gaius Gracchus, two brothers and populist tribunes, proposed land reforms to redistribute wealth to the poor. Both were killed, leading to social tension. Their deaths marked the start of political violence in Rome and highlighted the growing divide between the plebians and the patricians. -
Period: 133 BCE to 70 BCE
Rise to Prominence - Before, during and after Caesar's birth.
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107 BCE
Marian Reforms
Gaius Marius is elected consul, and reforms the army, recruting landless citizens. -
104 BCE
Marius Reforms - the sequel
Marius is re-elected consul multiple times, consolidating his power with his loyal army. -
100 BCE
Julius Caesar is born
Julius Caesar was born on July 12 or 13, 100 BCE, in Rome into a prominent and influential family. His lineage claimed descent from the goddess Venus, a connection he later used to enhance his political image. -
91 BCE
Social War (the italian war) 91 - 87 BCE
Significance: A conflict between Rome and it's Italian allies over the issue of Roman Citizenship. What happened: Rome's Italian allies revolted, leading to a war that resulted in Rome granting citizenship to many of the italian states to secure loyalty and manpower. -
88 BCE
Sulla's first march on Rome - 88 BCE
Significance: It marked the first time a Roman general led his army into Rome, setting a precedant for military intervention in politics. What happened: Lucius Corneilias Sulla marched his legions into Rome to assert his command against Gaius Marius, leading to Marius' temporary exile. -
87 BCE
Sulla and the Mithridates
Sulla leaves Rome to fight Mithridates; Marius seizes power but dies shortly after in 86 BCE -
83 BCE
Sulla's Civil war - 83-81 BCE
Significane: A power struggle that led to Sulla becoming dictator and implementing constitutional reforms to strengthen the Senate's authority. What happened: Sulla returned from campaigns in the east, defeated by the Marian forces, and initiated proscriptions against his enemies. -
82 BCE
Sulla's Dictatorship
82 BCE - Sulla defeats his enemies and becomes dictator. 81 BCE - Sulla initiates proscriptions, targeting his political enemies. Caesar is targeted but spared due to his youth and family connections. 79 BCE - Sulla voluntarily retires from dictatorship 78 BCE - Sulla dies. -
73 BCE
Third Servile War (Spartacus Revolt) - 73-71 BCE
Significance: It was the most important slave uprising against the Roman Republic. What happened: Led by gladiator Spartacus, the rebellion was eventually surpressed by Marcus Licinius Crassus, bolstering his political career. -
70 BCE
End of Sulla's rule and political unrest
78 BCE - Sulla's death leaves a powe vacuum, leading to renewed political instability. 73-71 BCE - Spartacus slave revolt. 70 BCE - Pompey and Crassus are elected consuls, beginning their political careers that would later intersect Caesar's rise.