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The Roman Revolution

The Initial Contest

Tiberius tried to work through the Senate to enact his reforms, but he was opposed at every step. Frustrated there, he ran for tribune of the people and was elected for 133. A patrician could serve as tribune, though this was not common. He was not well-liked for his action.

Senate now persuaded the other tribune to veto the bill. This was a traditional way in which the Senate exercised influence in the other assembly. Any tribune could veto a bill simply by walking to the speaker's podium and announcing veto, which is Latin for "I deny."

When the moment came, and it was obvious the Land Act would pass, the other tribune went to the podium, whereupon some of Tiberius' men grabbed him and carried him out of the assembly. The veto had no effect unless it was delivered personally by the tribune, so he shouted in vain. The bill passed.

This is the traditional beginning of the Roman Revolution because it marks the use of violence for political ends. This was certainly not the first instance, but it was dramatic and public and there is a thread between this event and Caesar that is essentially unbroken.