The Gracchi were two Roman brothers, Tiberius Gracchus and Gaius Gracchus, who lived in the 2nd century BCE. They are best known for their attempts to reform the Roman Republic's social and economic structures. Both brothers advocated for land reforms to help the poor and reduce the power of the wealthy elite, which led to significant political conflict. Their efforts to implement these reforms ultimately resulted in their deaths, as they faced strong opposition from the ruling class. The actions of the Gracchi are often seen as a precursor to the later social upheavals in Rome, highlighting the growing tensions between different social classes in the Republic.