Political context Flashcards
Political Factions x4 +1R
Pro Sestio 105
o Defence of populares ‘in times past’ – modern factions acting out of self-interest
o Optimates and populares old classification
Lege Agraria 2.3
o Optimates as the ‘boni’ (however does say he will be a ‘popularis consul’)
o Focus on ‘novus homo’
o BOTH in political context – pro sestio as a defence speech against populares, Lege Agraria to differentiate himself from both traditions – keeping support from both sides
Elections 2- 2+3
- Letter to Atticus 1.1
o Amicitiae central, mentions hope of winning as ‘very many of my amici are coming forward’
o Balancing amicitae ‘difficult position because of my close friendship’ - Electioneering Pamphlet – Q.Cicero
o Campaign important for a novus homo - jealousy of other novi hominem and nobles
o Opposition to an eques gaining power
o Election has two different types of activity ‘support of one’s amici, secondly to win the goodwill of the people’
Senate and tensions
Marian faction reawakened by Caesar- Plutarch Caesar 6
Obstruction of veterans’ laws for Pompey - CD 37 optimates blocking them
Obstructionism led to many turning to figures such as Catiline, because of issues such as debt relief, which the senate blocked due to business interests
