Roman Historia

The world of Roman politics had never been short of intrigue, plots and shadowy business. Throughout its history, the Roman Republic would see dodgy dealings and behind the scene plotting as part and parcel of politics within the city. However, in 63 BC a plot was hatched by a group of conspirators that aimed at an act so heinous that it shock Rome to its foundations. Driven by ambition, greed and bitterness, a group of nobles sought to forcibly overthrow the state and undertake a coup against the Senate. Led by Lucius Sergius Catilina, the conspirators rejected Roman democracy and instead looked to utilise open violence and seize control of the Senate. The affair would become notorious not just for the level of violence and destruction that almost engulfed Rome, but also for the reputation that was made by the hero of the hour – none other than Marcus Tullius Cicero. Bad Reputation For Catiline, this would not be his first brush with controversy. Under the dictatorship o...

Once every year, the overcrowded streets of Rome would see its hustle and bustle brought to even greater heights. To the people of Rome, the increasing energy within the city could only mean one thing – election season had arrived.   Patrons would begin to call on their clients, gatherings would be held across the city, and potential candidates would bring out their specially whitened toga for the occasion. To the political elite of the Roman Republic, the election season offered them the chance to compete for the greatest prize of all within Roman society – the Consulship. Through victory at the polls, eternal glory could be won by the victor, with even the year itself deriving its name from the two Consuls elected. However, as we shall see, convincing the electorate was less a case of talent and political manoeuvring, and more down to upper class snobbery and prestige. The Executive Branch At a glance, the Consulship was similar to a modern day president or ...