The Brothers Gracchi - How Republics Fall - Extra History - Part 1

The Brothers Gracchi and how republics fall, Part 1 - Extra History
Rome had expanded rapidly during the 2nd century BCE. It now stretched from Spain to Greece, with holdings in Africa, and showed no signs of stopping. At home, this growth destabilized the entire economy. Slaves from captured lands became field workers for the wealthy. Common soldiers who used to own land could no longer tend it during the long campaigns, and returned to find themselves either bankrupt or forced to sell to the large slave-owning elites. Now these displaced landowners flooded Rome looking for work, but many of them remained unemployed or underemployed. In the midst of this, two boys named Tiberius and Gaius were born to the Gracchus family. They were plebeians but of the most distinguished order. Their mother, Cornelia, was the daughter of Scipio Africanus. Their father was a two-time consul who'd celebrated two triumphs for winning great campaigns. But their father died early, so Cornelia raised her children alone and made sure they had a firm grounding in the liberal arts. As soon as he could, the elder boy, Tiberius, ran for office as a military tribune and joined the final campaign against Carthage. There he earned great honor for himself and learned from the Scipio Aemilianus, his half-brother who also happened to be the leading general. Upon return to Rome, he ran for quaeastor and was sent to serve in the Numantian Wars in Spain. This time, the general he served under was struggling and suffered defeat after defeat. At the end, he tried to flee, only to be captured by the Numantians along with the entire army. The Numantians insisted on discussing surrender terms with Tiberius Gracchus, whose father had long ago earned their respect, and he successfully negotiated the release of 20,000 captured soldiers. In Rome, however, the elites looked on his treaty with scorn: they felt his surrender made Rome look weak. The families of the soldiers had a far different perspective: they celebrated Tiberius, and even saved him from punishment at the hands of the Senate. He had learned that power could be found in appealing to the people.
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[@grfrjiglstan]

Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it - but those who DO know history are doomed to watch everyone else repeat it.

[@pifilixxiv3192]

perfect quote for this time

[@ricojes]

The helplessness is real.

[@williammcalpine2718]

Great wisdom, put that on a shirt.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

Truth!

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

I would buy that shirt.

[@Hans140]

"And this is how republics fall" So iconic and scary sounding its genius

[@algaedrone1833]

Here are some awesome stories from the ancient world that rarely get told: 1.) Mithridates "The Poison King" - He grew up in the wilderness, killed his mother, married his sister, drank poison recreationally, spoke 40+ languages fluently, slaughtered 100,000 innocent civilians in a single day, and waged three wars against Rome's greatest generals over the course of 22 years. 2.) The family of Attalus of Pergamon - The small city-state of Pergamon was ruled directly by King Attalus, or one of his two sons, for OVER 100 YEARS (seriously). They defeated massively larger armies of invaders, sponsored beautiful works of art (the Dying Gaul statue, the Pergamon Altar, the Stoa of Attalus, etc), and became the most influential state in all of Asia. They were Rome's earliest and staunchest ally, siding with them against Hannibal and Macedon when no one else would, even "sending" Rome their local goddess Cybele as a gift. Their familial bonds were so strong that after a hilarious misunderstanding, one of the sons accidentally stole his brother's wife and usurped the kingdom - but once the mistake was realized, instead of fighting the two brothers forgave one another. 3.) Julian "The Apostate" - He was a shy and bookish boy who had his entire family slaughtered when he was an infant. Despite a total lack of ambition, he managed to fall ass-backwards into becoming a masterful general, and then becoming the Emperor of Rome. But most shockingly... he was the first (and perhaps ONLY) ruler in history to be raised as a Christian, only to convert to paganism in adulthood. He hated Christianity with a passion, but refused to persecute it's followers, instead relying on intellectual debate and reforming paganism. Some considered him to be the ideal philosopher king, while others literally considered him to be the antichrist. His sudden death has left historians wondering for centuries about how history might had changed had he reigned for longer.

[@y7va]

Mithridates is the biggest madlad

[@Crafty_Spirit]

Thank you, I want to dive deeper into that once I have the opportunity

[@argh2945]

You dropped this 👑 But really, this is great thank you for compiling this list.

[@scotandiamapping4549]

I'm sorry but I'm going to need more detail on how someone *accidentally* stole his brothers wife!?

[@llSuperSnivyll]

@@scotandiamapping4549 Stealing someone without knowing it was his brother's wife, maybe?

[@enternamehere2222]

The reason why the Republic fell, and indirectly the Empire at some later point. Great to see extra history talking about such an underrepresented part of history.

[@extrahistory]

This is how Republics fall.

[@Xenin7]

I guess it has come full circle for you guys, referring back to your Punic Wars vids. I kind of wish I could see those animated versions of yourselves wearing togas again. :)

[@zachethucia1904]

So are getting Vikings soon or was a one off because I want more Vikings pillaging churches

[@JorneDeSmedt]

That intro sure sounds very familiar... Are you sure this is history and not the news?

[@ThatEmu]

I love all Extra History's

[@eoinharrington2692]

+TheRexDark wait trump and Tiberius both begin with T if Tiberius comes into power and conquers lots of places we are all doomed

[@codyosborne9307]

The year is 2020 AD and I thought this was current news.

[@Waldeinsamkeit森林之子]

there is no news under the sun

[@frykasj]

And then the Capitol got stormed in 2021...

[@Archon3960]

Too soon. You have commented too soon...

[@jeanhunter3538]

@@frykasj stormed by some idiots, not some coup d’etat

[@clockworx7689]

The year is 2021 AD and I thought this was current news

[@mitchelldunn9149]

The opening of this. Feels so relevant today.

[@InsolentEagle]

Fun Fact: Although Mancinus was indeed handed over to the Numantians in chains, they decided to spare him and he returned to Rome. Later, he had a statue built outside his home depicting this event. It was a mark of pride for him that he had been willing to sacrifice his life for the honour of the Republic.

[@swadow1497]

Poor lad, I cant imagine the absolute horror and relief of this event.

[@niccolorichter1488]

Well actually he returened back to the senáte , but next year a Tribúne of the plebs said that a Citizen couldnt have been handed naked over to the enemy and rather than declare that to be iligal , he declared that logickly Mancinus had lost citizenship Mancinus was thats removed from the senáte and list od citizens But shortly after public assambly returened his citizenship back

[@JonathanLundkvist]

I get a feeling we can learn from this.

[@tmage23]

Yeah, that opening sounded eerily similar to what's happening now.

[@htsur13]

SPOILERS both brothers end up being assassinated by the ruling eilte. it's quite sad realy because they both tried to make social change that would have proably saved the rebuplic of rome had they sucseeded.

[@Mon-keigh]

Look at America, not exactly learning are we

[@JonathanLundkvist]

Spoil Extra History? How dare you? You are the lowest of the low!

[@fist-of-doom487]

Everyone compares America to the Roman Empire and looking at their history it's hard not to see the similarities. While the rich get richer, the middle class shrinks and lower class grows, people grow angry and violent mad, but not quite sure what they are mad at and spiders who should get the honor they deserve instead go broke and more are becoming homeless. America is not too far off from the Roman Empire.

[@tongliu4614]

Aww yeah! Ever since I saw the BBC cover this in a docudrama, I've been enthralled by Tiberius Gracchus. Imagine my delight when I found out EC was going to cover him as well, and he has a brother??!! Can't wait guys!

[@nathanoconnor421]

... dose anyone else feel a strange sense of deja vu when watching this and looking back at our own society? I will be following this series with great interest.

[@nathanoconnor421]

+Outer M. Agreed. The next twenty too thirty years will probably prove to be very interesting.

[@twistedbunny527]

The thing is, America is not in the state that Rome was in when this was happening. Some people, (especially Republicans) are trying to paint America as a fallen society, as one that is in the state that Rome was in, but that simply isn't true. Is America perfect? Hell no. But it is not anywhere near as bad as some people are portraying it to be.

[@danielhall271]

Sorry, you can't educate people not to follow their own interests and sense of justice. The regular people that the rich depended on were screwed over and looking for their share of the pie.

[@TheAztecGamer123]

+twistedbunny527 That's quite true Rome got to this state after defeating Carthage on the 1st and 2nd Punic wars the 3rd was pretty much when Carthage was too weak. In the present day I can't really compare America to something like this Closet I can think I probably Russia or China.... Anyway what do you think

[@comlanger2833]

+Radosław Orman Did you just call Poland-Lithuania a republic? It was an elective monarchy where the nobility had all the power and the people had none.

[@xdguy2569]

Wow guys you're so smart. You picked up on that parallel that was about as subtle as a brick to your face

[@snackythornt]

This series should be mandatory viewing for all high school students and perhaps even college students.

[@ElarianFirescale]

AWWWW HELL YEAH! We are back in classical antiquity, my favourite era! While the other episodes were all great and I learned quite a bit from them, it does feel good to hear you talk about stuff I'm more familiar with. As always I am eagerly awaiting the next episode! :D

[@InternetLaser]

I feel like this is another "This is a good lesson. I hope we learn it some day" episode.

[@matthewwobensmith8309]

YES! love it when you guys do stuff on Rome. I know BBC did a episode on Tiberius in the Rise and fall of a Empire. awesome that Extra Credits is focusing on his story

[@thepyropaladin8608]

Thank you! I love this story, glad to see you guys at Extra Credit cover it!

[@Yahriel]

The year could also have been 2016 and the intro would still be spot-on

[@huwguyver4208]

My thoughts exactly. I wander if EC set the intro up like that on purpose.

[@KungKras]

Of course they did :)

[@omni-sett6532]

im positive they did.

[@inventor121]

Well as they say History repeats itself

[@masteroutlaw100]

History repeats itself

[@DragoniteSpam]

0:30 The year is 2016 CE, and . . . this is _still_ how nations fall :^)

[@rjfaber1991]

Well, the only countries to fall apart in the 21st century so far are Sudan and Serbia-Montenegro, and both of those were torn apart by regional nationalism, so I'd say your statement isn't quite correct...

[@DragoniteSpam]

The twenty first century is still pretty young, matey.

[@rjfaber1991]

DragoniteSpam You're right. We'll see what the future holds, although if I had to choose between the two movements in sovereignty currently going on in different parts of the world, I'd choose increasing supranational cooperation over increasing separatism...

[@dynamicworlds1]

Unfortunately globalism comes in multiple flavors. Some forms of globalism are quite beneficial, if still inadequate. (the rise of multiculturalism has greatly reduced tensions between different peoples, and the UN, for all its failings, has still managed to avert WW3 so far) Others, though, are exploitative at best, and aren't so much about supranational cooperation as making nations subservient to privately-owned, transnational corporations. (the TPP being a rather blatant and current example of that) Then, there's the experiment of a new form of international integration we see in the EU that's having its ups and downs (but still a lot better than enlarging a nation through war or other forms of imperialist subjugation)

[@helioscomis3732]

Trump for Emperor, Make Pax Americana great again

[@Acularius]

I like the shift from just speaking of the history and giving it a personal touch, like spoken from the perspective of a another person. Brings it more alive.

[@horesfan400]

it was all caused by Walpole

[@peterjumper881]

Isn't it always? Its always Walpole. (Well, not really, but after the recurrent line from the South Sea Bubble series in Extra History…)

[@robertwalpole360]

;)

[@jonbaxter2254]

Of course!

[@KaptenN]

I'm sure Walpole had a half sister who's brother-in-law's father wrote a letter to someone in which he quoted Tiberius or something...

[@EuropeanQoheleth]

Everything that ever happened was caused by Walpole.

[@anderskorsback4104]

There's actually another, possibly even larger reason for why the landowning farmer middle class was shrinking: The Second Punic War. All those legions Rome would spam at Hannibal to bring him down, who died in numbers that no other ancient society would consider acceptable losses. The losses were disproportionately felt by that middle class, and a large part of the farms whose owner had died ended up for sale on the open market, where rich landowners would pick them up.

[@1945joshuaruiz]

Crazy eh? The rich took advantage of people who fought for their country

[@TheCodeSwordfish]

I love the narrative voice! Very clear and yet fast. It goes well it the history Channel

[@MidnightAphelion]

You're putting so much information in my brain! Where were you when I was taking terrible history lessons in high school?

[@ecolvill]

Almost two years later, the opening to this episode really speaks to the current day.

[@TheRealLanMisa]

I really love how you guys draw your horses! They certainly do not fear hunger. :D

[@dominicgutierrez3568]

Wow it’s like we’re reliving the Roman Empire

[@dunkeybroast1466]

I am so pumped for this series. This is nearly the exact topic I did for my final thesis during undergrad. Much like the channel I tied the satisfaction of soldiers, farm estates, and the Gracchi Bros to the fall of the republic. If the channel follows the same logic I did, we will see the influence of generals ,like Julius, grow as they begin to reward their dissatisfied troops with the spoils of war. Alea iacta est!

[@samt3702]

I was going thru the KZbin front page and my eyes quickly glanced over the title of this video and thought it said "the gucci brothers" then I was like "no way" and re-read the title

[@blackmagemasher4031]

I can honestly say Extra History is probably the top spot for what I wait for most on all of KZbin,

[@mutopis]

Dan Carlin's podcast "Hardcore History: Death Throes of the Republic" goes into details regarding the fall of Rome. A really good listening.

[@lousy7580]

But I don't want to pay...

[@negvey]

highly recommend this... his podcast is fucking insanely awesome!!!!!

[@adcaptandumvulgus4252]

nice

[@Standard_Deviant]

I can't believe how applicable that beginning part is to now a days.

[@MrsTippett]

3:02 That moment when Dan makes a reference to The Punic Wars. "Death struggle" is a good way to describe that.

[@DomyTheMad420]

I just realized this would be/is the first youtube channel is feel like supporting ;3 keep up the amazing work!

[@jimmynyarlathotep6857]

That great feeling when the end credits have special music, and you realise a mini-series is brewing :D

[@danialkhan3176]

I get the feeling that this is going to be a good one. Cant wait till next week!

[@BIONICLECLAYPOKEMON]

Y'see, there was two brothers. One was exceptionally well tempered, a kind man, and a good general. There was another, an exceptionally skilled orator, and a bit histrionic. They loved their home, and more importantly, the people! But after a terribly held election, the first pointed to his head, and claimed the Senate wanted his head. And so, perhaps in the cruel irony only history can bring, the Senate came and beat him into a stain on the ground. The second's death is a lil of a mystery. But it's also certain, that he was beheaded for crimes against the state. We ought to remember these men. Though populists, they genuinely cared for the people of the land they called home. ... And we should too. "Gracchi" to hope and struggle for the people. That was the name of these brothers.

[@understorymainchannel8326]

Also we must remember a populist of that time isn't like one now

[@Neil122]

I binge-watched all your videos this weekend. Really amazing stuff!!

[@frankupton5821]

I've read that Roman tax policy also favoured larger farms. Roman landowners paid a tax based on the amount of land that they owned. That sounds fair but it bore more heavily on small farmers, who needed a larger percentage of their produce to feed themselves. The small farmers therefore paid a larger percentage of their disposable income as tax. In a bad year, they might face a choice between paying their tax and feeding themselves.

[@jhoncastle8132]

Started listening to this channel when I was 14 now I'm 20

[@ajl8975]

I love how all the intelligent people have come back here like ‘ahh yes... this story seems very familiar...’ it’s almost like you could just take the Cheeto man and the gracchi brothers and just directly swap them and their stories would basically remain unchanged. My biggest concern is... how long before Caesar turns up.

[@Teddybear2pt0]

That, is a killer track. Great job on the episode EC team. :)

[@rudidelport8324]

Extra history is awesome. I love the topics you cover, and you how do them!

[@husavik4]

The intro was a very clever comparison to the U.S.A. It´s really ironic to see the similarities and know that history, sadly, repeats itself. Maybe you´ve seen the BBC dramatic miniseries about Rome a few years back. One of the episodes was about Tiberius Gracchus and the factors that were put in place and led eventually to Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon River and putting an end to the republic for good. It was a well done episode, especially in showing Gracchus as both sincere and yet getting pulled into the fame of the position he had, too, making him more ambivalent. They left out the other Gracchi, but it was still a good episode. And this episode of yours is fantastic!

[@huidezhu7566]

guys, the parallels here with the usa are clearly done on purpose. It doesn't mean that your a genius if you saw it, it just means your not stupid

[@trevorsullivan2331]

The parallels were not put there on purpose though, they were already existent. They're being highlighted, not fabricated.

[@w.m.5676]

There are parallels everywhere on earth and throughout history, and we would do well not to overestimate their importance. The Roman Republic fell due to well over 50% unemployment, political intrigue so intense that politicians were frequently assassinated upon losing public favor, a functionally nonexistent middle class, and an unfortunately powerful series of military generals. The US' unemployment rate is currently 4.9% and slowly improving from its peak of 10% immediately following the recession, assassinations are incredibly impactful on the public due to their astonishing rarity, the vast majority of the US population are in the middle class, and our generals are remarkably weak in the political scene, as you can see from the fact that the US has never had a single attempted coup in its entire history. The American Republic isn't falling anytime soon.

[@strategicgamingwithaacorns2874]

Holy crap, there's going to be an Emperor!

[@Yous0147]

I disagree. Parralels make up a powerful learning tool, with them you can learn and understand what you need to from a seemingly different but otherwise similar incident. A story with a moral, or any benifitting story wether it be through metaphors or direct speech, is by and large teaching you things through your ability to draw parralels. The same can be said about history more so than stories. If you can't draw parralels, you can't learn from history. Just because a lot of people can see the parralels doesn't make it stupid or insignificant.

[@trevorsullivan2331]

W. M. You are citing events. Looking at individual people and individual events is not a good way to learn from history, because they are itty bitty bumps in the overall contour of history. If you want to learn from history, you need to watch trends, movements, and large-scale patterns, and we are definitely seeing a repeat of a trend. .

[@JunkPhuJP]

Posting this on January 11, 2021. I feel this series is relevant.

[@ericcloud1023]

I can't wait until next week! I watched an amazing movie/ documentary on Tiberius a few months ago, oh how the fates weave such triumph and disgrace into the life of one man. Never knew about his brother though so I'm genuinely excited! Keep it Extra Credits team, you make history fun for the masses.

[@FlubbedPig]

Ooo, I really like that guitar track at the very end. Can't wait to hear the whole thing.

[@CoolHand190]

I have a feeling that I'm really going to love this series :)

[@revanius2213]

I'm surprised there are not many movies based around Tiberius Gracchus, his life makes for a great story, of a young noble Roman who started out on the traditional path of a politician before facing hardship and turning to support the common man.

[@jakdaniles6259]

As to the veterans bit, they actually used an ingenious strategy of turning new provinces/border regions into retirement communities for legionaries. That way they had a loyal percentage of the pop to defend against invasion/ as informants.

[@RobertoGonzalez-gg3jc]

Loved the choice, the history of the Gracchi is one of the most moving tales of fight for social justice! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@Kobudokaiju]

that intro sounds like the usa now

[@parforet]

Yep.

[@Ted52]

I agree. That has to be intentional.

[@isin4b]

probably is maybe

[@tenkenroo]

History is a wheel, for the nature of man is fundamentally unchanging. What has happened before will perforce happen again.

[@acuerdox]

maybe that is because we forget history. or we don't act against it.

[@Its_Jonny_Boi]

Love the Extra History series. One thing you might find interesting: the grips of Roman shields (the scutum) were mounted horizontally, rather than vertically, as depicted here. Love what y'all are doing; keep it up!

[@rjfaber1991]

I'm sorry, but Lorica Segmentata simply wasn't a thing at this stage... Roman legionaires and ancilliaries in the Numantine Wars wore, like most soldiers in Roman history, Lorica Hamata, or simple chain mail.

[@mlovecraftr]

+

[@RFTL]

Yeah such a major error by a history channel. That's a way bigger mistake than a slightly wrong flag. For people that don't know. They show these guys www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/upload/yuiupload/1139882291.jpg instead of those guys www.angelfire.com/empire2/unkemptgoose/republicsoldiers.gif

[@user-nkmaretsik]

True Lorica Segmentata was put in use during I think Augustus reign ,but I am not sure. Also Scipio wasn't Tiberius half Brother but nephew

[@GaldirEonai]

It's about iconic images, not accuracy. That's how a "roman legionnaire" looks like to 99% of the potential viewers they have, so that's how they drew them.

[@quegames4786]

So why not educate people a little? If you're interested history learning how the Citizen army was different (in appearance and organisation) is a good way to start. Another way to think about it is its also like showing a world war 2 soldier to represent soldiers today.

[@m24213]

you guys make the best history videos, the topic, the narration, the animation, all of it are the best

[@sherman128]

End of the republic/start of the Empire is my favourite period of history and I can't even tell you how happy I am that you're doing this. Also, anyone see the clear parallel between the end of the republic and our current society? Massive swing in the distribution of wealth, rise of cheap labour and simmering unease and anger of the working class at the current system? A lot of people say we've advanced as a world so collapse is impossible but I bet the Romans thought the same thing haha

[@confusedone97]

Keep the amazing content coming. Love you guys!

[@zachpaterson2585]

I know it’s a minor nitpick, but the way the troops are drawn in this look a century to advanced for the period being discussed.

[@joaoleitao5191]

Yes. An episode on Plutarchs Roman Lives is a great idea. Looking forward for more.

[@alexioskomnenos9050]

It's almost painful to read the comments because half of them are "beginning is US" and "BCE vs. BC"

[@danielp.977]

What is the difference between BCE and BC And wdym by US Like the United States Us as the Human Race?

[@Rainbowthewindsage]

@@danielp.977 so BCE is just a non religious version of BC. BCE just means Before Common Era and then it's counter part is Common Era.

[@siyacer]

@@danielp.977 it's United States

[@TlacuachePride]

Thank You Very Much! I've been in many a political discussion and made historical references to the Gracchi only to be met with blank stares. By doing this project, you've given me wonderful videos to explain the historical parallels between Ancient Rome and the American Republic at present. Now I get to feel a bit less like Cassandra in Troy... Thank you!

[@mcinnisboy]

I love that you're covering the Gracchi. Thank you so much for this series.

[@ScrewtapeTheDemon]

Gosh, I wish there were some parallels between this episode and today's world. It really hard to imagine such a time like this...

[@mikloscsuvar6097]

This pace of narration is optimal. The Punic wars were extremely fast.

[@eezokk]

That intro had me going "ayyyyy lmao look it's us"

[@eliparker7151]

I really REALLY love Extra History, and this one on Rome is among my favorite. I only think that you sometimes fall into the trap of drawing too close a comparison between ancient Roman political and economic strife with modern Western ones. While, of course, there are some similarities, and these similarities require similar viewpoints and vocabularies, they shouldn't be equated. Specifically, calling the rural Romans "blue collar" is what tipped you over the edge, in my mind. Calling them blue collar implies that non-elite city-dwellers were somehow not blue collar, though by today's standards they most certainly were. Just a small critique. Love the series either way.

[@oliilo1]

Damn it! I love these videos. Thanks for keeping me entertained during night shifts! :D (So I dont have to sit and think.. and get angry!)

[@Sophistry0001]

I swear, at 0:33 I thought you were going to say that the year is 2016. I'll be damned if history doesn't seem to be repeating itself.

[@TheTrueAdept]

As a wise man said "History doesn't Repeat, but it likes to Rhyme". A wise internet goer amended to it: "History doesn't repeat, but it has a sick rhyming scheme".

[@RC15O5]

+Aaron Neumann Who said that? I'm going to be using that now.

[@TheTrueAdept]

RC15O5 Twain I believe.

[@blueman688]

This episode really brings to light what’s going on rn

[@davididiart5934]

My favorite conclusion from "The Ghosts of Cannae" (which, if I'm not mistake you guys drew heavily from for the original Punic War series) was the idea that Scipio was the true death knell for the Republic. He decided to play the "Revenge Card" with the Cannae survivors exiled to Sicily, and so earned their undying loyalty. It was the first time a General became the center of a Roman Legion's loyalty, NOT the Senate.

[@alexzanderxx]

Already loving this new series!

[@parthdatar]

Oh my God, we learned about him in 7th grade. Never thought I'd see that name again

[@leventeferenczy6922]

Great summary of the gracchus brothers, understandable and short. Keep up the good work!

[@sasha1mama]

Speaking from Feb of 2024...that intro just described the world today. Let us now pay close attention, that we might learn a way out of this mess we find ourselves in.

[@Mitsunosai]

So happy to see some of my favorite politicians from the Plutarch brought to life here.

[@eoinharrington2692]

100th episode omg congratulations E.C

[@augustusdens]

Yes! I first heard about these guys as a kid and I've never seen anyone cover them. They're awesome.

[@Emmet-sd8og]

The "time to think, time to be angry" reminds me of the COVID lockdown almost 4 years after this was published. People now have time to be at home and think about their life and be angry at the govt. George Floyd's death was the spark on the sea of petrol setting half the western world alight.

[@singed54]

Idc about george floyd the world is a better place without him. He was a dirtbag

[@bruhsselsprouts3986]

@@singed54 yikes

[@igrolfthenord3668]

@@singed54 Edgy alert

[@hia5235]

That entire anger is manufactured by the press bro. You dont know George Floyd. Either do I.

[@hobogrifter]

@@singed54 So we should give the death penalty to every criminal? Yes he wasn't a great person but he didn't need to die.

[@robertrobertson7129]

Thank you. As a student of Roman history ,I found that worth seeing

[@ianmoore3470]

The algorithm has a sick sense of humor😂😂😂😂

[@demonprinceofkhorne]

I can't be the only one who enjoys extra history more than extra credits

[@frozenfeet4534]

The first thirty-two seconds of this video coincide exactly with the United States and modern democracy. Nice work, EC.

[@hobogrifter]

Oh if only you knew

[@RogueOne2012]

This could have not come at a better time. We are learning about this conflict in history class and have a test on it on Thursday

[@occasional_doomer]

I can already see the comments about much this is like the US today. But look beyond the surface, and the situation is entirely different. Besides the really obvious differences( like enslaving defeated foes and conquering/ annexing swathes of new territory), other important differences include Rome's citizen soldier, non professional military of the period( and thus the lack of a huge mass of angry displaced veterans) and of course Rome's unique political structure at home( like the importance of the patron client relationship and the assemblies and how the Romans voted ). The fact is, beyond vague description, the similarities in situation between Rome and the Modern US are few. Doesn't mean you can't draw lessons from the history, but everyone using Rome as a rhetorical cudgel to shout about their particular bugbear with modern politics is tiresome.

[@rjfaber1991]

No, that's quite true. The US today doesn't enslave defeated foes, it enslaves its own citizens for slight misdeeds...

[@occasional_doomer]

Robert Faber I going to be honest, I didn't know I could roll my eyes that hard.

[@rjfaber1991]

Mataeus The Apostate Is that because you're unaware of the atrocity that is the US' criminal justice system, or are you actively endorsing it?

[@occasional_doomer]

Robert Faber Oh, I don't deny our Justice system has issues. I'm just aware that convicts spending a few hours a day making license plates or some shitty clothing for sub par wages is a bit different than spending the rest of your days withering in salt mines or being forced to work plantations.

[@rjfaber1991]

Mataeus The Apostate Well, if you get life imprisonment thanks to the US' bizarre three-strikes rule, and then you are forced to spend the rest of your life manufacturing goods, I'd say that is pretty much exactly like slavery.

[@armorsmith43]

This makes everyone in post-revolution pre-constitution America's freakout over Shay's Rebellion make so much more sense. All of the educated classes would have been familiar with Roman history, so they would have seen echoes of it when a bunch of retired continental soldiers took up arms because they could no longer pay for their the debts on their farms.

[@purkie103]

it's nice to get the origin story of Scipio africanis before his time traveling began

[@DimiKaye]

I love Extra History.

[@Magicallyrandom]

"Kids, I'm going to tell you an incredible story--the story of how our republic fell" "But in order to get to there, I have to tell you how I got there. It all started around 140 years ago..." Was really hoping for something like the above in a how I met your mother reference.

[@oiausdlkasuldhflaksjdhoiausydo]

I think this is going to be the most important and popular extra history.

[@frostyguy1989]

I've had a bit of a fascination with the Gracchi since leaving university. They were brothers who recognised that Rome needed to change and adapt to the times, but were held back by a deeply conservative, wealthy patrician class too short-sighted and greedy to see the troubles brewing. Kind of like what's happening today.

[@Art1611]

Yes! I can't wait for every episode!

[@awesimo4684]

Plot twist when the year is revealed at the start, I thought he was talking about today

[@studentoftheblade6201]

already loving the new series guys

[@epipen22]

OMG. The introduction of this video sounds like the description of the current US political climate!

[@LD-xt1vo]

A little too close...

[@CasperKersten]

2:40 This is not entirely true. Sometimes, the army would provide a soldier with the needed equipment, but the costs of it would be part of the soldier's salary. This meant that after the end of a soldier's time serving in the army, he would receive slightly less money.

[@coredumperror]

Anyone else realize that the opening narration could have been exactly the same, and then gone "The year is 2016" instead of "The year is 121 BCE", and it still would have been accurate? EDIT: Wow, this whole video rings scarily close to the current situation...

[@1945joshuaruiz]

Not really . The us senate has yet to murder a fellow senator or presidential candidate

[@eaglesclaws8]

Oh boy. History repeats itself.

[@Liberater4589]

1:00 EXTRA CREDITS SERVES THE DARK LORDS OF CHAOS BY THE EMPEROR

[@horesfan400]

they serve Walpole

[@satansgrandma6728]

+Minrod Vils (The night gamer) Don't we all serve Walpole?

[@horesfan400]

hail Walpole

[@Liberater4589]

Minrod Vils SO MUCH HERESY

[@ADayintheLifeoftheTw]

+Minrod Vils (The night gamer) lol That made my day. Good job sir!

[@thebreakfastmegapowers]

Suddenly, humanity was given a grave reminder. .