As important in Rome as now, politics was one of the main concerns of a typical Roman citizen. An interest as widespread as sports in modern society, Roman politics could be quite fascinating, as well as quite rough. Often, Roman politics was as much a murder mystery as anything else! One of the more famous murders that took place was that of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March. One scholarly article postulates a motive.
It follows that some Roman emperors would have died unusual deaths, and this is in fact the case. Some of them died or were killed in a manner that is unknown to modern scholars. One such emperor is Titus. The article invites a reconsideration of the circumstances surrounding the death of this man after his short reign of a little over two years. Many believe that Titus was killed by Domitian, and the article examines that proposition as well as other possibilities.
To understand Roman politics at all, a little background is necessary. After this, it is important to see at what time of year the elections were held, and what went on. In order to do this, a Roman kalendar may be of use. In addition, in order to equate a timeline of Roman history with those in power at the time, there is a list of ordinary consuls, censors, and emperors and in what year the positions were held. Also included is a genealogical guide to the Julio Claudians.
Do you know who the beneficiarii consularis are and what they did? Perhaps you should investigate!
After the demise of
the Roman Republic came a long period
during which Rome was ruled by successive emperors. For a comprehensive
overview, don't miss De Imperatoribus
Romanis, which is in English (don't worry!), and bills itself as an
online encyclopedia of Roman emperors. Contrary to many such billings,
this one is accurate. This History Channel gave this site an award for
having in-depth historical content. Check it out! Perhaps your
interests lie in a more visually-oriented direction. Fair enough, many
pmodern political cartoons depend heavily on being able to recognize
caricatures of politicians. Rome was much the same way, everyone knew
the likeness
of the current Emperor, and many of the past ones as well
being that statues commemorating the past leaders of Rome were more than common.
For quick reference, there is a simple list
of Roman Emperors. Simple it may be, but it is comprehensive although
not terribly long.
Trying to trace your ancestry all the way back to one of the Roman emperors? Good luck. Merely doing research for a class? My condolences. However, on the subject of Roman emperors there is a plethora of information. More than likely, the Res Gestae of the Divine Augustus would be a good place to start. The Divine Augustus left many reminders of his time of power behind him when he died. Further, he left behind him a comprehensive set of laws with which leges sine moribus may provide some insight.
For a short biography of Theodosius I, the Catholic Encyclopedia online has what you may be looking for. The Emperor Diocletian had a love of building as well as ritual. For those fans of Diocletian, there is abundant information on Diocletian and the Tetrarchy for the asking!
Those of us boasting knowledge of Greek culture as well may be interested in the reign of Aurelian in Eunapius' Histories. Beware, this essay is not for the casual reader!
Oh those Severan Emperors! Judgement will be reserved on these men whose reigns happened to coincide with the end of the Roman Empire. For some insight into the character of these men, examine the coins minted whilst the Septimius Severus was in power. Also read some modern analysis of this and other issues relating to the Severans. With this in mind, read about some of the Severan propaganda before forming an opinion on this famous line of emperors.
|
Last updated: 21 July 1997 Send Comments to: Eleanor Rodgers, erodgers@uclink4.berkeley.edu Copyright © 1997 UVM Classics Department All Rights Reserved. |