10/23/2007

The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis

From the Gracchi to Caesar

Radicalization of politics Use of tribunician legislation leads to the rise of populares politicians, increased stridency in the opposition of optimates The deaths of the Gracchi were the vanguard of violence in the political process Military as a political force Marius professional army became a powerful, and dangerous, clientele Sullas march on Rome began a series of coups Generals became beholden to their troopsthe constant issue of discharge bonuses and rewards Demagoguery Appeals to the people, as both a political and mob force became common Gaius grain legislation was the beginning of a program of trying to buy the electorate

10/23/2007

22. The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis

22. The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis

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Setting the Stage for Conflict: Parties after Caesars Assassination

The so-called Liberators, usually termed the Republicans
Led by Brutus and Cassius Remember here that Republic = oligarchy

Fence-sitters like Cicero

Cicero comes out on the side of the Republicans Others, like Caesars father-in-law, Calpurnius Piso remain neutral Caesarian leaders Antony was consul Lepidus was master of horse, in command of a large army outside of Rome

Urban plebs were angry, middle classes quiet

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Antonys Compromise
Brutus and Cassius party felt increasingly threatened Many of all parties had benefited from Caesars regime and his future designations of magistracies Under Antonys leadership, the Senate resolved an interim agreement
Amnesty for the liberators Caesars acta confirmed

New political maneuvering began almost immediately

Antony tried to confirm his hold on the Caesarian party Title of dictator abolished Brutus and Cassius left Rome, lingered in Italy Antony appropriated Gallic provinces to control Italy

10/23/2007

22. The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis

22. The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis

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Symes Roman Revolution

Sir Ronald Syme, Oxford professor of Ancient History Roman Revolution first written during the 1930s
Very influenced by the rise of Mussolinis Fascists

Foremost English prosopographer

Tracing and revealing political alignments through relationships, particularly family relationships

Methodology
Identify the movers and shakers within the oligarchy Privilege patricians, consulars, old families Doesnt always work in the Late Republic!

10/23/2007

22. The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis

22. The Roman Revolution, a Midpoint Analysis