Appius Claudius Pulcher (consul 143 BC) facts for kids

Appius Claudius Pulcher was an important Roman politician who lived in the 100s BC. He was known for his military actions, political alliances, and family connections during a time of big changes in the Roman Republic.

Early Life and Political Start

Appius Claudius Pulcher was the son of Gaius Claudius Pulcher, who was a consul (a top Roman official) in 177 BC. Following in his father's footsteps, Appius also became a consul in 143 BC.

Military Campaigns and a Special Parade

As consul, Appius wanted to celebrate a triumph, which was a huge parade in Rome to honor a military victory. To get this, he attacked the Salassi, a tribe living in the Alps. At first, his army faced a defeat. But after following advice from the ancient Sibylline Books (a collection of prophecies), he managed to win the battle.

When he returned to Rome, the Senate (Rome's governing council) refused to grant him a triumph. Appius was determined, so he held the triumph at his own expense! During the parade, a Roman official called a tribune tried to stop him. But Appius's daughter, Claudia, who was a Vestal Virgin (a very respected priestess), walked beside his chariot all the way to the Capitol, showing her support and making it difficult for anyone to interfere.

Later Political Roles

The year after his consulship, Appius tried to become a censor, another powerful position responsible for keeping track of citizens and public morals. He didn't win that election, but he later held the office of censor with Quintus Fulvius Nobilior, probably around 136 BC.

He also held other important roles in Roman society. He was an augur, a religious official who interpreted signs from the gods. He was also a princeps senatus, which meant he was the leading member of the Roman Senate. The famous Roman speaker Cicero said that Appius was a very good speaker, fluent and forceful.

Alliance with Tiberius Gracchus

Appius Claudius Pulcher formed a strong alliance with Tiberius Gracchus, another important Roman politician. Tiberius Gracchus married Appius's daughter, Claudia, making them family.

Appius strongly supported Tiberius Gracchus's plan for land reform. This plan aimed to give public land (called ager publicus) to Roman citizens who had lost their own property. In 133 BC, Appius, along with Tiberius and his brother Gaius Gracchus, were chosen as commissioners to divide these lands. Their job was to survey the public land and help distribute it.

However, many powerful senators opposed Tiberius's land reform ideas. This led to a lot of conflict. Sadly, Tiberius Gracchus was killed in 133 BC because of these political struggles. Appius Claudius Pulcher was known to be an enemy of Scipio Aemilianus, another influential Roman figure of the time. Appius himself died shortly after Tiberius Gracchus, likely around 130 BC.

Family Connections

Appius Claudius Pulcher was married to a woman named Antistia. His great-granddaughter was Clodia, a well-known woman in Roman society.

Family tree