Roman Aristocracy Essay - 4218 Words

Classics 105 – Roman History What virtues and attainments defined the Roman aristocrat in the Republic? How, if at all, did this conception of the aristocrat change during the empire? Select one biography, by either Suetonius or Plutarch: discuss its subject’s successes and failures in realizing the appropriate aristocratic ideal. Include in your essay some consideration of the importance placed on this matter by the biography’s author (that is, is the matter of aristocratic excellence relevant to the biography, and, if so, in what ways? If not, why not?) What virtues and attainments defined the Roman aristocrat in the Republic? How, if at all, did this conception of the aristocrat change during the†¦show more content†¦A greater client base enhanced the nobles’ political success by increasing their number of votes. The clients were pleased with this arrangement as long as stability and freedom were secured.11 The clientela system had similarities to the process of lobbying observed today in many modern democracies. If the nobility could uphold these benefits to the ordinary Romans, all would be well. This relationship enabled the Roman elite to control not only Rome, but also the rest of Italy and its allies giving the aristocrats more prestige and influence in the political scene.12 In the Republic, aristocracy followed two main virtues, virtus and gloria and displays of these two virtues defined one as a great man, honoring ones ancestors and progeny. Virtus can be translated in many different ways depending on what it concerns. The most common translation is ‘manliness’ but it can also be associated with prayer, money or the quality of man.13 In context to the Roman aristocrat it was in relation to the individuals glory and greatness one attained from serving the Roman state.14 Virtus could also be gained by the good conduct of the aristocracy.15 Their morals in the second BC had been tainted by debauchery but they still prided themselves on not fighting their wars with money, reward or trickery.16 Aristocracy had toShow MoreRelatedPolybiuss Politics And Aristocracy In The Roman Republic1469 Words   |  6 Pagesnations governments, it was not without flaws. In John Norths article Politics and Aristocracy in the Roman Republic he contends that P olybiuss constitution was democratic, while in reality it did not operate as such. In the article, Polybius on the Roman Republic: Foretelling a Fall, Mary Jo Davies challenges that the Roman Imperial power did not allow for republican politics. Polybiuss theory of the Roman Constitution can be viewed as a political philosophy on Rome; however, one can alsoRead More Daisy Miller by Henry James Essays949 Words   |  4 Pages he is willing to accept her for the vivacious young American girl she is. Although Daisys customs are not what are expected of young girls in European society, Winterbourne is charmed by Daisy and her original ideals. He defends Daisy to the aristocracy, claiming that she is just uncultivated and is truly innocent. As the story progresses, Winterbourne finds himself questioning Daisys true nature in comparison to the standards of European society. Winterbournes opinion of Daisy changes fromRead MoreEssay on The Age of Chaucer567 Words   |  3 Pagesundersta nd fully the background of this age. Great Britain is divided into England, Wales and Scotland. Its inhabitants, the Britons, spoke Celtic. From the first to the fifth century, England was a province of the Roman Empire and was named Britannia. 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However, whenRead MoreThe Roman Republic874 Words   |  4 PagesCenturies the Roman Republic was ruled over by some twenty families of Patricians , these families represented the upper crust of society, a society which prided itself on the continuation of the family line. This system was threatened by the ideology of novitas which people achieved glory not from there illustrious family history, but through merit. Cato the Elder and Gaius Marius were not born of noble stock and thus represent two of the best examples of novus homo in action. The Roman RepublicRead MoreThe Classical Romans And The Roman Civilization1202 Words   |  5 PagesMarlee Bunker HIS-111-02 Mr. Shelton October 13, 2014 The Classical Romans There is a lot of background on the Classical Roman Civilization. They had many traditions and values that came from ancient Italians. The culture of the Romans was inclined by classical Greece. Many of the things that Romans did came from the Greeks. They were the type who did not like the idea of new things coming to place because they thought it may be dangerous. They wanted to keep the old traditions and values, asRead MoreThe Importance Of Socialization In Ancient Roman Society1043 Words   |  5 Pagesbiggest and most indicative social activity in ancient Roman society was that of gladiatorial combat, and all of the additional components that went along with it. Roman’s of all ages, backgrounds, and social classes spent an exorbitant amount of time observing and enjoying this brutal pastime. For many, especially historians that hold Rome in high regard, it’s hard to believe that these games were such a critical and pervasive component of Roman social life. â₠¬Å"To historians the games are scandalousRead MoreThe Fall Of The Roman Empire921 Words   |  4 Pagesthe beginning of the Roman Empire there were two political classes, the Plebeians and Patricians. The Patricians were the aristocracy in society and put all the hard labor on the Plebeians, who were servants to the Patricians. The balances of power in Roman society changed quickly when the plebeians chose to rise up and rebel against the Roman rule. The rebellion the Plebeians had against the Patricians caused a drastic change in the Roman Empire. At the beginning of the Roman Empire the aristocratsRead MoreThe Roman Empire903 Words   |  4 PagesOne of the greatest empires in history is the Roman Empire, but ironically what makes it one of the greatest is also what lead it to start falling apart. In other words, many different factors lead Rome to its success and prosperity, but these factors also are the ones that initialize the ruin of the republic. Different authors such as Polybius, Cicero, Sallust and Plutarch describe several of these factors that lead the Roman Empire to its glory and failure. Polybius relates Rome’s success to itsRead MoreAfter The Fall Of Tarquinius Superbus’ Reign Of Rome, The1318 Words   |  6 Pagesnew era in Roman history: the republic. The early republic is mostly a patrician favoring institute and created it in order â€Å"to restore power and privileges that popular royal tyrants had usurped from them† and to make it â€Å"difficult for any one aristocrat to acquire t oo much power at the expense of the rest† (Ward 59). Greek historian, Polybius, in his book, Histories, talks about the greatness of this Roman republic and its constitution by claiming: â€Å"Now the elements by which the Roman constitution