Gaius Blossius

Gaius Blossius(/ˈɡaɪ.əsˈblɒsiəs/;2nd century BC) was, according toPlutarch,aphilosopherand student of theStoicphilosopherAntipater of Tarsus,from the city ofCumaeinCampania,Italy,who (along with theGreekrhetorician,Diophanes) instigatedRomantribuneTiberius Gracchusto pursue aland reformmovement on behalf of theplebs.Tiberius was accused by his political opponents of attempting to provoke a popular uprising, and have himself crowned King. Eventually, he wasassassinated,and his body thrown into the riverTiber.

After the death of Tiberius Gracchus, Blossius was interrogated by theconsulson the matter. Blossius freely admitted that he had done anything Tiberius had asked. The consuls asked "What? What would you do if Tiberius ordered you to burn theCapitol?"He answered that Tiberius would never have given such an order. Being pressed on the point, though, Blossius eventually stated that Tiberius would only have ordered such a thing, if it were in the true interests of the Roman people. After that, he was released. Blossius went to the province ofAsia,where he took part inAristonicus'popular uprisingagainstRome,aiding in the organization of theHeliopolis state.When the uprising was ultimately defeated, he killed himself.

In literature

Blossius is a sympathetic character inSteven Saylor's novelRoma.Saylor follows the known facts of Blossius' life, but adds a long-lasting love relationship between him and a Patrician Roman woman, which is not attested in historical sources.

See also

• Blossia (gens)

References

• Plutarch,Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans,"Tiberius Gracchus". (online version)
• Maria Jaczynowska, Anna Mączakowa,Witold Tyloch,Historia Starożytna(in English,Ancient History), Warsaw 1974