extravagance Flashcards
Extravagance was
denounced in the senate by a former praetor and consul
what commodities were denounced
Use of a golden plate for private entertainment prohibited and silk clothes.
Because at this point what was it still a usual practice for senators
Still a usual practice for senators to put forward any matter that they believed to be in public interest
A former praetor asked for restrictions on
silver plates, furniture and slaves
In opposition of denouncing extravagance
Gaius Asinius Gallus spoke in opposition: the extension of the empire=has meant the growth of private fortunes. Wealth must be judged in relation to the country. Leading men would have all of their worries and dangers, and none of their compensations
Why was opposing the denounciation of extravagance supported
“This euphemistic admission of debauchery readily won his audience, since extravagance was wide-spread”
Why did Tiberius not curb extravagance
Tiberius observed this was not the time for a censorship. If morality deteriorated he said his his services as reformer would be available
Why was the capital nervous
anticipated stern measures against the current extravagance
sums spent on gluttonous eating
the emperor’s old fashioned austerity inspired fears os of rigorous action
What did the Aediles bring up about extravagant eating
that the law restricting expenditure was being ignored, that prohibited food prices were increasing daily.
what happened to the extravagance problem
Raised in the senate and referred without discussion to the emperor who sent a letter (very long letter included).
Tiberius’s long letter
Suetonius thought that he would have to humiliate or disgrace eminent men if he carried it out.
Any officials may relieve me of my burdens, denounce misbehaviour and take credit for it.
I also do not want to make enemies, I will face hostility but not when it is useless and unprofitable.
Outcome of the extravagance problem
Aediles excused from the duty
- Extravagant eating has gradually become unfashionable
- “the reign of terror, when distinction meant death, induced prudence in survivors”
- numerous self made men admitted into the senate from Italian towns and provinces brought frugal domestic habits
- No one promoted simplicity more than Vespasian, with his own old-fashioned way of life. For deference to the emperor and the wish to imitate him were more effective than legal penalties and threats”
