Sources - Patronage Flashcards
What was one aspect of Roman society known as?
Patronage
What did patrons do?
They gave help and protection to others less rich or powerful than himself, and they performed various services for them in return.
Give examples of different types of patronage
- An emperor regularly nominating a senator for next years consul
- Rich businessman introducing merchants to useful contracts
- A poets patron arranging his work to be recited to an audience/ provide him with money
What would a patron except and give an example
-They would not only except gratitude but service in return
Eg a poet would praise the patron in his poetry
How did we know of patronage in operation?
It was written about in Pliny’s letters
Give two examples of the patronage written about in Pliny’s letters
- Pliny asked to speak in a case in court and agreed on condition that his young friend would be able to speak
- When his friend Erucius stood as a election candidate, Pliny wrote to an influential ex-consul and persuaded others to support him.
Was Pliny a patron? If so what did he do?
Yes - he was a patron of his home town Conum in North Italy, and of the little town of Tifernum-on-Tiber.
He gave generous gifts of buildings and money to both believes
What was the commonest type of patronage?
When a patron looked after a number of poorer people who depended on him for support or employment. These people were known as clients.
What were the clients expected to do?
A client was expected to present himself at his patrons house each day for the salutatio or early morning ceremony of greeting, at which they hoped to recieve a gift known as the sportula.
What was the gift? and what did it use to be?
- The gift was money; the standard amount was fixed by custom at sesterces
- It use to be a little basket of food until the Domitians time
What was the client expected to where at the salutatio?
They were expected to dress formally in a toga
How did the clients address there patrons? and what happened if they didnt?
- They address his patron as domine
- If they forgot, the patron punished him by hiving him no sportula.
What kind of help may have the client received from the patron?
- May have advised him if in trouble
- Give him occasional presents
- Find him employment
- Speak for him in court on his behalf
Could clients be invited to dinner at their patrons house?
Occasionally - at these dinners some patrons served to different qualities of food and wine……
