Roman Republic Flashcards
(125 cards)
1
Q
09Why does Plutarch say Pompey rose to prominence during Sulla’s reign?
A
“More people worshipped the rising sun than the setting sun” in reference to his triumph
Plut. Pompey 14
2
Q
What did Plutarch say was the result of one man rule?
A
“The senate was not its own master”
Plut. Sulla 9
Also in reference to the proscriptions and general tyranny
3
Q
What precedent did Sulla’s proscriptions set? What did this inspire Augustus to do?
A
The consolidation of power through reign of terror and proscribed death lists normalised violence against the masses at the whim of one man
Caused Augustus and the 2nd triumvirate to do the same where “ once [the proscriptions] began he carried it through more ruthlessly than either of the others” - suet. Deified Augustus
4
Q
What powers did Sulla seize from the tribunate in 82/81?
A
- took away legislative powers
- prevented tribunes from ascending up the cursus honourum
5
Q
Who removed the ban on tribunes holding further office and when?
A
Aurelius cotta, consul in 74
6
Q
Who documents the macer speech and how does he portray the sullan dictatorship?
A
Sallust, histories 3.34:
“State of slavery engineered by Sulla
7
Q
When was power of tribunes restored?
A
“The tribunician power was restored in the consulship of pompey and Crassus”
Sallust, bellum catalinae, 38
8
Q
When and how was trib. Vatinius used to bypass and weaken the senate?
A
In 59, he was used to ratify pompey’s eastern settlements, give Caesar Gaul and Crassus the tax rebate
(Plut)
9
Q
Two examples of tribunals being used to bypass and weaken the senate?
A
- lex titia makes 2nd triumvirate and their actions legal
- pompey uses lex gabinia to get command over pirates and lex manilla to get command against mithridates (plut. )
10
Q
How does Sallust romantically describe the tribunate in his histories?
A
“The tribunician power, the weapon our ancestors fashioned in defence of freedom”
11
Q
How does mark antony and another tribune motivate the army?
A
They paraded in front of the soldiers to garner sympathy and empower them to go to war (plut. Caesar 31)
12
Q
Why does lentellus “gave Caesar the best possible excuse for taking action”?
Plut. Caesar 31
A
He insulted Antony and curio and drove them both out of the senate
13
Q
How does plut show suspicious to be violent and corrupt in Sulla. 8.1?
A
Claims he had “3000 swordsmen” and a group of equestrians he referred to as his “anti-senate” - a threat of mob violence
14
Q
Who did what to try to prevent the prevention of mithridatic command being transferred to Marius?
(Plut. Sulla 8.3)
A
“Sulpicius attacked them [the consuls] with a mob”
Tribunes using violence + corruption
15
Q
How does Cicero portray clodius as violent?
(Ad atticus 4.3)
A
He had “an armed gang” (raised from his popularity as tribune) and “he thinks of nothing but massacring his enemies”
Tribune violence + corruption
16
Q
On what issue were Mark Antony and a colleague forbidden to use their veto on in 49 bc?
(Caesar civ wars 1.5)
A
They could not vote against Caesar being forced to disband his army. This was supposedly enforced by pompey and enemies of Caesar.
Senate suppressing people’s power
17
Q
“For among the magistrates, the one who has the veto always prevails”
Said by who, why?
A
Appian bk 3:
In 43 salvius vetoes legislation to put SCU on Antony, saving his life.
Final examples of republican institutions working, power of tribunate over senate
18
Q
Example of tribunes being stopped from using veto by Caesar and Pompey?
A
Plut. Pompey 48:
“Two of the tribunes who were escorting him [bibulus - caesars consular colleague] were wounded”
Allowed for land distribution, eastern ratifications and Gallic province allocation law to be passed
Violence and corruption in politics - threat of first triumvirate
19
Q
Why did curio veto legislation to strip Caesar of command?
A
“He paid the enormous debts of the tribune curio” (plut. Caesar 29) example of caesars open bribery in senate - leading motive for his prosecution after provincial command ends
20
Q
What evidence suggests tribune power was revered?
A
In 58 Caesar adopted powers of a tribune and in 36 Octavian “was chosen a tribune for life” (appian bk 5)
Coveted due to protection by sacrosanctity, reputation for protection of people etc.
21
Q
How does plut Caesar 14 show soldiers loyalty to generals more than state?
A
Pompey threatens to “come up against swords with sword and shield” using his veterans if anyone should quarrel caesars land bill and “filled the forum with armed men” to ensure Caesars consulship.
Shows breakdown of republican institutions, violence in politics, undying loyalty to generals
22
Q
How was relationship between soldiers and generals symbiotic?
A
Appian 5.13:
“The rulers depend on the soldiers to guarantee them power… the soldiers depend on the men who have given them land to continue in power”
Integrity of military in politics, loyalty to generals over state, instability of republic
23
Q
How does Caesar exemplify ambition of generals?
A
“Mother, today you’ll see your son either pontifex maximus or an exile” (63bc, plut Caesar 7)
“Prestige has always been of prime importance to me, even outweighing life itself” (Caesar civ war)
Highlights “never aging passions” and reinforces that “in this Caesar I see many a Marius” (suet. Caesar) said by Sulla after pleas to de prescribe him
24
Q
Why was crossing the rubicon so significant?
A
Suet div. Jul. 32: “the die is cast” (corroborated by plut, pollio. He could not turn back after breaking sacred law by bringing a provincial force across the boundary northern river, desperate/rash behaviour displayed - shows his fear of prosecution and lust to keep power
Phrasing implies this was a gamble, aids to Caesars impulsive personality
25
What was Caesars counter offer to giving up all power?
Offered to give up most of his provinces should he be able to keep “at least Illyrian and 1 legion” (suet. Div. Jul 29)
26
What did Octavian inherit rom Caesar (not money or property - intangible)?
The loyalty of Caesars legions: “his followers call him Caesar” (cic. Ad att. )
The army wanted to make him consul “because he was Caesars son” (Appian 3.88)
First instance of hereditary power and succession encouraged - breakdown of republic
27
Examples of Caesar bribing soldiers?
“Every infantryman of Caesars forces earned a reward of 24000 sesterces… and a farm” (suet. Div. Jul. 28)
He gave “each man a present of 250 drachmae” (years wages) to keep loyal to him and convince Pompey Caesar was unpopular when they returned to him
(Appian civ. war bk 2)
28
What did military tribune ofilius say about troops rewards?
App. Bk 5
“The rewards for soldiers were lands and money”
29
How did Octavian take 2 of Antony’s (ex Caesars) legions?
“By means of lavish gifts did Octavian bind these mercenaries to himself” (app. Bk 3)
Used bribery to bring them over like Caesar
30
Why did Appian say in book 5 were the colonies created?
“The colonies were established with the purpose of the republic never lifting its head because mercenaries, ready to do the bidding of men in power, had been settled along side them”
Fear tactics. Nearby veteran soldiers loyal to generals ready to fight decisions against their commander
31
What tactic did Catullus try to use to stop Caesar running for pontifex maximus in 63?
Bribery, the briber became the bribed.
Plut. Caesar 7: “Catullus… tried to induce Caesar to desist from his ambitious project, offering him large sums of money”
32
Who used bribery to gain power?
Everyone, it was necessary. Usually it was accepted as underhanded gentleman’s agreements but Caesar was quite open - this attracted a disliking from the traditionalist optimates
33
Why did hybrida not support the rullan land bill?
Cicero (uncharacteristically) bribed him with wealthy province of Macedonia post consulship to gain his opposition
34
Why were tribunes bribed?
Powerful men bribed “pet tribunes” to get through legislation in return for money or auctoritas
Eg. Caesar and curio (50bc), bibulus’ injured tribunes and Pompey and gabinius (as in lex gabinia -pirates) who was “sponsored” by Pompey going on to be consul for 58 (plut. Pomp. 47)
35
Why did verres take money from the Provences in 70bc?
One years worth for himself, another to pay off his debts and a third to pay off the jurors (cic. Against verres 1.40)
Bribery to avoid punishment for actions - prevalent in juries
36
What does Cicero ad atticus 1.16 was the reason clodius got off in 61?
Despite ciceros damning evidence for his criminality in the bona dea scandal, he was found innocent:
“The reason for the acquittal of clodius… was the poverty and disreputable characters of the jurors”
37
How were Sullan proscriptions in 82 a kind of bribery?
Killers/captors gain deceased’s estate- use of money to get his way.
Hence the system was open to corruption:
“Many too were killed as a result of private feuds…in order to gratify his supporter” (plut. Sulla 10)
38
Why is violence used so readily in Roman politics?
Physical threat is a great scare tactic to have over people, the use of mob violence also empowers the people and creates a physical manifestation of political power and it lends itself to the integrated military criteria required for Roman politicians, letting them effectively use army command techniques in politics.
39
Examples of corruption due to law carried incorrectly?
- clodius trial of 61
- in 63, Pompey passed a law preventing a consul from gaining a province until 5 years after he leaves office but forgot to exempt Caesar until after the law was passed (suet. Caesar 28)
40
How does Cicero claim Antony abuses power in Phillipics 2.97 in 44?
Insinuates he falsifies last testaments of Caesar (giving up province of Crete once Brutus leaves) for personal gain and states “there was nothing in the whole world which anyone would want to buy that this fellow would not sell”
41
How does ciceros phillipic 2.91 suggest Antony abuses his power regarding citizenship in 44?
“Citizenship was also being given… to entire provinces” insinuating Antony had a private favour following these unusual acts of generosity
42
What did piso and Catullus blame Cicero for in 63?
“Piso and Catullus blamed Cicero for having spared Caesar when he was vulnerable during the affair of cataline”
(Plut. Caesar 7)
43
Examples of embezzlement from provinces?
Verres in 70 bc with Sicily (cic. Against verres 1.40)
Crassus’ tax rebate is evidence of misappropriation of funds and embezzlement (plut)
44
How does plut Sulla 8 describe sulpicius in 88?
As a “man who’s consummate villainy was second to none” with “3000 swordsmen” and an “anti-senate” with which he “attacked them [the consuls] with a mob” for trying to stop him transferring mithridatic command to Marius
- not good
45
How does plut Sulla 9 suggest the republic is collapsing under sulpicius and Marius?
“The senate was not its own master”
Relatively true for majority of republican era following this
46
How was intimidation to pass laws used in 43 bc in octavians favour?
“This will make him consul if you don’t” (suet. Dei. Aug. 26)
Soldier revealing his sword in the senate house as Octavian marches on Rome
47
What aided mark antony and cassius when they came to incite caesars legions to march on rome?
They were 'roughed up a bit' which allowed them to accuse the senate of going against the people by attacking their defenders and gaining the dissatisfaction of the gods (injuring sacrosanct person)
48
Why does cicero dislike clodius?
What evidences his feelings?
Mainly because of his involvement in the bona dea scandal of 62 when cicero provided damning evidence against him but he was found innocent because of judicial bribery - clodius also had a popularis political outlook that polarized cicero's and challenged his anti-political-violence stance.
"clodius is hostile to me"
"thinks of nothing but massacring his enemies" and has "an armed gang"
(cic. ad. att.)
49
How many times were proscriptions implemented in the late republic and what did they do?
Twice; sulla, 2nd triumvirate. They gave leaders the ability to remove opposition, gain their wealth (for private or public benefit) and ingratiate themselves with amicita (would kill off other's rivals, grant their estates to thank powerful men for support)
50
How did octavian carry out his proscriptions in 43 (continuing sulla's precedent)?
"once [the proscriptions] had begun, he carried it through more ruthlessly than either of the others" (suet. dei. aug.)
although initially reluctant, he used the power more severely than antony, lepidus or sulla - republic collapsed due to practices and problems already present being taken to the extreme and exploited
51
How many people were killed in the 2nd triumvirates proscriptions?
300 senators and 2000 equites, cicero being one of the number (encouraged by antony, reluctantly agreed to by octavian due to sympathies with caesar's assasins)
52
How many were murdered in the sullan proscriptions of 82 and how does plutarch describe them?
520 were proscribed over a few days without sulla consulting anyone
"slaughter and murders without number...many too were killed to gratify personal hatreds" - sulla 31
At least 1600 equestrians and 40 senators were killed in all
53
How did caesar continue sulla's precedent for one man rule in 49?
As a break from civil war in 44, rome "accepted the bit" and "appointed him dictator for life" in "undisguised tyranny" (plut. caesar 57)
After in 49 he Takes same office then resigns to consulship. Later holds dictatorship again but does not step down like sulla - suggests republic collapsed due to growing extremity (ambition, corruption, etc.)
54
How does sulpicius set a precedent for actions of clodius?
When he "attacked them [the consuls] with a mob" in 88, backed by "3000 swordsmen" and an "anti-senate" (plut. sulla 8) to reinforce his popular power as tribune and ensure mithridatic command passed to marius.
This inspires clodius' "armed gang" and "massacring his enemies" of 58 (cic. ad att. 4) also to enhance popular tribune status.
55
Why was underage command (pompey, oct.) considered a threat to republic?
Demonstrated subversion of cursus honorum, which was a vital republican institution; represents extremity of precedents set in early 1st century bc amplified to cause fall of republic
56
How did pompey set precedent in 81 for octavian taking underage command in 43?
He demanded a triumph (reserved for distinguished generals) and claimed consulship without entering cursus honorum, usurping the whole order of politics under plutarch's guise that "more people worshiped the rising sun than the setting sun" using his army to do this.
Octavian also "seized the consulship at 19 marching on rome as if it was his enemy" (suet dei. aug. 26) also using a private army and having never entered the cursus honorum
57
How does octavian's actions of 43 emulate caesar's in 44?
As "the die is cast" (suet., plut.) caesar crosses the rubicon to prevent his prosecution and take the consulship. Octavian does the same thing but to raid the treasury to pay soldiers and gain consulship (suet)
58
What makes the actions of the 2nd triumvirate and the alliance itself legal in 43?
the lex titia
59
Why were alliances and amicitia important in rome? (with examples)
They consolidated power within groups of a few select people perpetuating crimes against the people - this is what the patricians did for hundreds of years to keep the plebs out and now it was working inversely.
eg. rise of caesar - "accepted the bit... undisguised tyranny" (plut); 1st +2nd triumvirate, the whole of the senate.
60
What did each of the triumvirs stand to gain from using tribune vatinius in 59?
caesar - gallic command
pompey - ratification of eastern conquest
crassus - equite tax rebate for the publicani (private tax collectors)
plut. caesar 14
61
Why did optimates dislike new populares alliances?
They gave the opponent the upper hand and this caused them to believe it was wrong:
Cato "cried out that it was intolerable to have supreme power prostituted by marriages of alliances" - plut caesar 14
62
What was an example of alliances leading to criminality/immorality in 59?
Pompey "filled the forum with armed men" to secure caesar's consulship - plut caesar 14
representation of alliances as physical threat to republic (senate symbolises this) brought by caesar and helped by pompey
63
What archaeological evidence tells us that in 39, antony and octavian were allies?
The denarius of octavian and antony - wide distribution suggests this was not clandestine, fundamental change to cloak and dagger of 1st triumvirate showing collapse of republican values/convention (discretion used and tactfulness disappear in place of populares forwardness - caesars contribution?)
64
How is the lex titia such a great blow to the republic?
Splits empire into 3 autocratic regions (lepidus added slightly later) each is governed by one man - senate (republican mascot) clearly powerless
65
What is cicero advised to do concerning collection of amiciti?
Collect as many amiciti as possible with senators, equites and influential men of all other ranks - quintus cicero, a short guide to electioneering
66
What distinctions does quintus say to make when using amiciti?
Make temporary amiciti for the sake of winning the election, showing the nature of your alliances in the republic, and to treat your real amiciti (blood relatives, relatives by marriage, people in your collegium) well - quintus cicero, a short guide to electioneering
later politicians can be seen to break this rule by constantly changing marriages etc. for political power - destruction of republican (cicero's) convention by caesar, crassus etc.
67
What is civil war often disguised as ,what usually occurs after?
Portrayed as foreign fights (marius - sulla CW slips into social war with italians, caesar - pompey fought all over with foreign troops aiding pompey, oct - ant shown to be egyptian) what follows after all is a one man rule of sorts
68
Why does octavian fight mark antony at actium in 31?
He has an affair with cleopatra (against octavian's sister), bequeaths chunks of empire to illegitimate egyptian children upon reading his will, he attempts to make alexandria the new capital.
coincidentally this also makes oct the last triumvir standing and defacto tyrant
69
What does **p. marvin** say about the new loyalty of soldiers to generals resulting from their relationship?
after the gracchi's changes to who joins the army "it would fall to individual generals to provide for their troops, and ultimately reward them with booty and the possibility of land upon retirement"
70
Why upon octavian's rise to prominence did the senate have no power?
"the senate was inordinately terrified since they had no military force at their disposal" - app. bk 3
this meant they had no leverage against the single holder of the army
71
How did octavian starve the senate of military leverage when he began his ascent through power?
He gave himself all of the unruly provinces that needed military protection and came with legions incase trouble started and palmed the senate off with minor "easy" provinces with no legions at their disposal
72
How were the remaining republicans swept up in 43?
The proscriptions dealt with them and their estates
73
What does 42/3s denarius of brutus show?
Attempt by republicans to gain eastern support - brutus emulated those with actual power
74
What does plutarch foreshadow about the marian - sullan conflict?
"that most fatal feud which did rome more harm than all her wars together had done" - sulla 7
suggests this was the start of roman breakdown and initial benchmark for populares and aspiring dictators to follow suit
75
Why was the people's tiredness of war such a great factor in their malleability to new rule?
manlius' speech says "[they] are wretched and destitute" (sall. bel. cat 33) - majority don't care about politics they just want a quiet life which they had not got thus far. hence promises from politicians (eg. oct tells troops "he would not engage them in any more civil wars" - app.bk 3) they back with 100%
76
Why was a promise to troops of no more civil war of demobilisation so effective to win support?
It was a job all said and done, loyalty was to general not state and promise of land, money, demob and peace was heavenly
romans hated spilling roman blood over internal strife - notably in some of caesar's civil war battles, men from the opposite camp would come and drink with his own legions and complain about having to fight (which unlike his enemy he let slide)
77
What were cicero's definitions for optimates and populares in pro sestio in 56?
optimates - "those who acted in such a way that their policies found favour with the best people"
populares - "those who wanted what they did and what they said to be pleasing to the crowd"
78
How was caesar seen to be reasonable in 56 when the senate refused?
His "very moderate demands" (caes, civ war) were that he offered to give up most of his provinces so long as he could keep "at least illyricium and one legion until he become consul" (suet dei jul 29)
but they didn't want this because they wanted to prosecute him for bribery and sacrilege (anything - it didn't matter as long as he was gone)
79
How was the civil war between caesar and pompey seen as more of a personal tragedy rather than political?
In 49 caesar (civ war 1.7) claims "they have seduced pompey" and plutarch believes "for it was not... the quarrel between caesar and pompey that brought on the civil wars but rather their friendship" (caesar 13)
showed transition between sentinal like republican figures and human populares who identified with the people because they shared their basla emotions and seemed more like them (like pompey actually loving his wife)
80
What was cicero's most famous quip about the use of octavian and what did this mean?
He should be "praised, raised and erased" ie used and then disposed of - evidently this didn't work as they underestimated octavian
ironically, octavian adopted princeps title derived from princeps senatus - a term synonymous with cicero
81
How do we see the continuous changes in constitution yoyo-ing between oligarchy and democracy in the early republic?
There is a "state of slavery engineered by sulla" (sall. hist. 3.34 - macer spch.) followed by how "the tribunician power had been restored in the consulship of pompey and crassus" (sall. bel. cat. 38). shows the two polarising camps of populares and optimates in the beginning.
82
How is oligarchy and democracy flitted between at the end of the republic?
Mark antony "removed the title dictator from the constitution" (cic. phill. 2.91) then he, oct. and lepidus back the lex titia to ratify 2nd triumvirate + actions. ends when oct. "was chosen tribune for life". (App. 3)
unlike early rep. no clear definition of populares/optimates. - seem to be the same people, those only motivated by power and goals.
83
What shows that the rep. was never a pure form of democracy?
organisation of voting tribes/centuries in favour of rich, only certain people enfranchised, clear rigging of the election system:
"pompey got lepidus elected consul" (plut. caes. 14) and election of bibulus as a consular foil for caesar shows that votes could be brought or organised for the most powerful people to govern almost autonomously - pre organised system
84
How is caesar and pompey's relationship mutually beneficial?
in 59, vatinius secures gaul for caesar, eastern ratification for pompey and tax rebate for crassus (plut. caes 14) and shows all triumvirs benefitting from collective efforts.
and when caesar is ratifying land bill, pompey swears to "come up against swords with swords and shields" (plut caes. 14) - pompey gets lang, caesar gets his help.
85
In plut caesar 14, what did cato exclaim?
he "cried out that it was intolerable to have supreme power prostituted by marriages of alliances"
this may have been a dig at caesar's apparent promiscuity and many marriages and pompeys similar reputation - could contribute to Aug. desire for moral reform to avoid assassination?
86
Evidence for genuine friendship between pompey and caesar?
"they have seduced pompey" (caes. civ war. 1.7) - sad resignation, genuine loss felt.
"it was not... the quarrel between caesar and pompey that brought on the civil wars but rather their friendship" (plut. caes.13) - powerful bond determined fate of rome
87
Why were rural poor suffering economic hardship in early rep.?
Slaves brought from carthage/rest of empire put rural poor out of work; when citizen soldiers went to war, lost family farms (ager publicius) to latfundii and forced to move into city; constant revolts (spartacus [73-71], servile in sicily) saw rural poor pillaged and burned - left to pay for losses themselves.
farmers poor.
88
What caused economic downturn in 60s?
Roman economy basically grain.
sullan veterans were bad farmers; low crop yield and grain shortages in 63 - said by manlius (sall).
in 67, pirates restricted grain into rome, shortages followed, civil unrest, hunger, poverty
89
Why did moneylenders call all their debts in the 60s and 50s?
Pompeys eastern gains produced potential for eastern investments that would benefit loan sharks more than petty borrowings.
This caused recession in Rome leaving citizens of all classes “wretched and destitute” (Sallust)
90
How did clodius make himself popular In 58?
He introduced a free grain dole because food prices were too high
91
How does Caesar restore the economy in suet. Div. Jul. 41?
He reformed the corn dole “reduced from 320,000 to 150,000”, sent 80,000 people out to colonies and created many jobs through a public building program
92
What does the corn dole being “reduced from 320,000 to 150,000” show?
Caesars reforms worked as people no longer needed free food and suggesting the economy had stabilised
93
What was Cataline’s justification to run for office regarding economic ostracism?
“Many of us have been driven from our country by the violence and cruelty of the moneylenders” (Sal. Bel. Cat. 33)
People unfairly caused to leave by overwhelming control of lenders
94
How did cataline play on the poverty in Rome to initiate the first catalinarian conspiracy?
“Cataline promised them the cancellation of debts, the proscriptions of the rich, offices, priesthoods, plunder and all the spoils [of war]”
(Sal. Bel. Cat 22)
Induced the people to support him to escape financial danger; evidences destitution of economy after social war/before Caesar’s reforms
95
What are the general poors attitude to politics and national finances?
“The men of the free towns… care absolutely nothing about anything other than their fields” - cic. Ad att
Shows senate didn’t work/ care for the people and the vast majority just wanted peace and food not political morality or foreign riches
96
In 67 what shows that the senate is reluctant to step out of their own interests and sort the people’s?
Pompey must use Gabinius to get lex gabinia to gain command against pirates (plut. ) despite being needed imperatively and being highly damaging to plebs food supply.
Evidence senate didn’t work for people
97
Example of republican senate actively subjugating people?
Macer speech: “state of slavery engineered by Sulla” (Sal. Hist. 3.34)
Blatant premeditation to bring no benefit but to extort the people - senate didn’t work for people
98
When was tribunician power restored?
“Tribunician power was restored in the consulship or Pompey and Crassus” (Sal bel. Cat. 38)
Occurring in 70 bc
Shows earlier, there was no representation of the people, this senate does not work in their interest
99
What does tribune servillius rullus propose in 63?
The agrarian land bill pushed for by the first triumvirate. It would involve selling off foreign and public land to settle colonists - this would target rich landowners and favour the people governed by a council of 10.
Cicero opposes this in le lege agraria speech, and although opposing what’s best for the plebs, he portrays the image of the people’s consul while doing this:
“10 lords of the world are to be set up under the pretence and name of an agrarian bill”
100
How could the tribunate seem strong in 88?
when sulpicius used violence to get his way - “sulpicius attacked them with a mob” (plut sulla)
Suggests tribunate had leverage and physical threat in 88
101
How could the senate seem weak early in the period but post Sulla?
In 75, Pompey “threatened to come back to Italy with his army if his request was not granted” plut. Pompey 20 - wanted more money sent to spain
And
“The senate was not its own master” (plut. Sulla 9) when Sulla slipped out of the city
102
How could the senate be seen as weak at the end of the period?
Augustus “seized the consulship at 19, marching on the city as if it were his enemy” (suet. Dei aug. 26)
After which in 43 post divvying up the empire between the three and the senate, leaving the senate with no army:
“The senate was inordinately terrified since they had no military force at their disposal” (app. Bk. 3) - in the same instance we also see the pitiful legions they do have defect to Octavian when they see him approach
103
How did Caesar decrease the power of the senate as dictator?
He increased the number of senators, quaestors, aediles, praetors so that he could appoint half of them except the consuls.
This stops democratic elections occurring
104
How were tribunes used by autocrats to weaken senatorial power?
(Eg. 59 and 43)
in 59, vatinius was used to grant caesar gaul, pompey ratification and crassus the tax rebate - bypassing the senate's view (plut)
43's lex titia saw the second triumvirate and their actions legal, including the proscriptions of many senators
105
Why was source of legitimacy of power so important?
Romans, despite not benefiting from it were most proud of theit rep. and overthrowing the tarquin dynasty for democracy. Thus to gain power, you had to curry favor with the people and give a republican image; ie. consul, following curs. hon., later bloodline etc.
106
Why did pompey want to be an optimate and what tells us?
in 49, "they [the senate] have seduced pompey" (caes. civ. war 1.7) and the fact that pompey married a scipio (optimate family) over caesar's offer suggests his desire to want to join. This would give him traditional auctoritas, wealthy friends and a source of legitimacy to ice his military accreditation
107
What shows that traditional high offices were still vied for?
In 63, one of cataline's points for overthrowal was he "saw unworthy men elevated to honourable positions" (sal. bel. cat 35) and in reference to his pont. max. campaign "catulus... tried to induce caesar to desist from his ambitious project, offering him large sums of money" (plut. caes. 7)
jealousy and bribery insinuate desire over positions and shows even revolutionaries still respected their power
108
How did octavian secure legitimacy?
In his early days, "he seized the consulship at 19, marching on the city as if it were his enemy" in 43 (suet. dei. aug. 26) and got the triumvirate ratified in the lex titia.
Later, he kills off any of caesar's potential children, clears out antony and lepidus and establishes his own dynasty - along with constantly comparing himself to caesar and lots of gods and heroes
109
Why was the senate powerless against threats?
Examples?
from the start of the period, the senate has relied on generals and consuls to provide their armies, of which most tend to turn on them:
- in 75, "pompey threatened to come back with his army if his request was not granted" (plut. pomp. 20)
- thought oct. could be "praised, raised and erased" but he turned an army against them and finished them with the 2nd triumvirate
- in 43 "the senate was inordinately terrified because they had no military force at their disposal" (app. bk 3)
110
Why couldn't the senate control generals?
they were too ambitious:
"mother, today you'll see your son either pont. max. or an exile" (plut caes 7)
they were unpredictale:
"the dye is cast" (suet, plut, pollio), pompeys nickname of the teenage butcher
they were smart and tactical
111
What proves that tribunes were more important than the senate?
at every great upheaval for populares since tribunician powers were restored, a tribune has been used to pass legislation directly throughout the commitia plebis tributa when it was buffered by the senate
112
How important was the SCU and could it be ignored?
Arguably, not greatly important
In 43, salvius vetos motion to put Antony under SCU “the one who has the veto always prevails” (app. Bk. 3)
And in 100, trib. Saturninus uses street gangs for violence and dies as consequence of SCU this caused Caesar to get one of his tribunes to prosecute rabrius, his murderer. This may have been to show the populates wouldn’t succumb to any more SCUs and show Caesar feared its future use against him
113
How was the SCU and other senatorial violence the cause of the fall of the republic?
Caesars pretext for civil war was “to defend the rights of the tribunes” (Suetonius) in 49 and in the same year, lentellus “gave Caesar the best possible excuse for taking action and supplied him with excellent material for a propaganda among his troops” (plut, caesar) - apparently they had to escape the city disguised as slaves to avoid prosecution by the senate
114
How did armies determine who claimed power?
Violence and threat became the universal language In Rome and hence those with the power to use it claimed power: “his followers call him Caesar” (cic. Ad att) and in 43, the army wanted to make oct. Consul “because he was Caesars son” (app. 3.88) - the army in effect chose the first emperor
115
Why were soldiers vital for maintaining power?
“The rulers depended on the soldiers to guarantee their power… the soldiers depended on the men who had given them land to continue in power” (plut. Caes. 14) and “the senate was inordinately terrified since they had no military force at their disposal” (app. 3)
Stems from mercenary relationship - help for gifts
116
Examples of the army being used a political assets?
Pompey “filled the senate with armed men” and promised to “come up against sword with sword and shield” (plut. Caes. 14) when Caesar was ratifying his land bill of 59
Oct sends in armed men to the senate “this will make him consul if you don’t” (suet Dei. Aug. 26) during his march in 43
117
How did troops exhibit power over generals?
“Rewards for soldiers were land and money” (app. 5) they became wealthier and able to dictate more/ congregate and revolt in colonies
They could change favour to the better general easily, keeping their own in check through fear:
- in 43, better pay and conditions caused troops to switch from ant. To oct.
- clodius incited lucullus’ army to mutiny to make way for Pompey
118
How did power shift from generals to soldiers over time?
C. 81, Pompey threatens he would rather cancel triumph than give into troops demands (plut?) - power in generals hands
By the late period, Oct promised “he would not engage them in any more civil wars” and “by means of lavish gifts did he bind these soldiers to himself” (app. 5, 3) to keep them onside - troops hold power
119
How did politicians get the people onside?
Through largesse (bread and circuses):
- Caesars “public banquet… gladiatorial contest… naval battle” (suet. Div. Jul. 38/9), his proposition of land bills “making the consulate some kind of tribunate” (plut. Pomp. 47) to gain popular support immediately in his consulship, also creating new colonies
- Aug “paid 300 sesterces under my fathers will” (res gest) per man
120
How did unfair power distribution cause the cataline conspiracy?
“I saw unworthy men elevated to honourable positions” (Sal bel cat 35) used to justify his upheaval
121
How did economic hardship cause the cataline conspiracy?
He used this as an impetus to rise up, following manlius speech of being “wretched and destitute” (Sal bel cat 33) to exemplify that “many of us have been driven from our country by the violence and cruelty of moneylenders” ( Sal bel cat 33) to rille up popular support
122
How was the cataline conspiracy resolved?
Cicero held a great debate to discuss what do do with the conspirators despite having authority under the SCU to kill them - trial of rabrius made him go to senate for consolidation
Caesar only one who suggests imprisoning them instead (plut, cic, Sal) in Italian towns- possibly doesn’t want this happening to him in future
123
What suggests cat con may have been a storm in a teacup?
“A more powerful adversity would have wrestled both supreme power and freedom from them” (Sal bel cat 39)
Shows it was not as dangerous as the Lepidus revolt in 78
124
What advocated for cat con being a substantial threat?
Mary beard finds idea that it “was a figment of ciceros imagination…is implausible” in SPQR and plut cic tells us weapons were found in cethegus house (probs not a weapons enthusiast) and given that legions did fight sullan veterans at pistoia, it may be real
125
What is known about the first cat con?
“Cataline promised them the cancellations of debts, the proscriptions of the rich and all the spoils [of war]” (Sal bel cat 21) although Sal says he can’t confirm/deny events as many may have been fabrications of senate trying to tarnish reputation.
It is believed the plot was to kill most of the senate, take the consulship and the province of Spain
