Cornēlia (second century BC), mother of the Gracchi, famous in her day and after as the ideal Roman matron, distinguished for her virtue and accomplishments. She was the second daughter of Scipio Africanus, and married Ti. Sempronius Gracchus (d. 153). Among her twelve children were the two famous tribunes Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus, and a daughter Sempronia who married Scipio Aemilianus. After her husband's death she devoted herself to the management of her estate and the education of her children. She remained an important influence on her sons. Tiberius was said to have been urged on to propose his laws by his mother's reproach that she was known as the mother-in-law of Scipio, not the mother of the Gracchi. Plutarch tells the well-known story that when a visitor asked to see her jewels she produced her sons, saying ‘These are my jewels’. The authenticity of two fragments of letters from her to Gaius which have survived in quotation has been disputed.

Cornelia

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Cornelia
Gender Female
Origin
Word/Name Latin
Other names
Related names Cornelius

Cornelia is a feminine given name. It is a feminine form of the name Cornelius. Nel or Nelly can be used as a shortened version of Cornelia (or Helen or Eleanor). Conny, Connie, Nele or Neele are popular German short forms used in their own right.

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Cornelia (family name)
Skinner, Cornelia Otis (American actress and writer)
Cornelia Goethe (person)