QA 6_1_2

Q: Is it true that modern historians consider the Gracchi Dynasty as the founders of socialism?

A: Yes, the two representatives of the Gracchi dynasty in the 2nd century BC, Tiberius and Gaius Sempronius Gracchi, are considered to be founding fathers of both socialism and populism.  These two reformist politicians attempted to pass land and social reforms that would have filled up the chasm between the patricians and the plebeians.  Both brothers were murdered by members of the Roman Senate for their reformative policies, Tiberius in 133 BC and Gaius in 121 BC.