Page "Gaius Gracchus" Paragraph 5

The political career of Gaius Gracchus prior to 123 started with a seat on his brother Tiberius's land-commission upon its formation in 133 BC.

He served, in 126, as a quaestor in the Roman province of Sardinia.

In Sardinia he advanced quickly in notoriety based on his successful merits.

During his quaestorship in Sardinia, Gaius began to hone his legendary oratory skills.

One particularly harsh winter caused legate to requisition supplies from the local towns for the Roman garrison.

When they appealed and won the Senate's approval to have their supplies, Gaius personally made a tour of the towns to appeal for their aid.

Fearing Gaius was making a ploy to gain popular approval, the Senate refused envoys sent by Micipsa, king of Numidia, who had sent grain to Gaius out of his personal favor for Gaius.

The Senate further decreed that the garrison would be immediately replaced but that Gaius would remain with the general to ensure he stayed out of Rome.

Enraged, Gaius returned to Rome to appeal.

Initially he was treated with suspicion for abandoning his post, but quickly won popular support when he argued that he had served twelve years, two beyond the requirement, and had served as quaestor for two years though legally only required to serve one.

Further, he argued, he used the Roman money to aid Sardinia and never heavily extolled the province to line his own pockets.