Roman Aristocracy Essay

Words: 4234
Pages: 17
Open Document
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…
One had to have a good reputation and be a good man to achieve gloria and “…was awarded by the political class for political achievements”18 If both virtues were exhibited one attained honos, bestowing honor on your family. To achieve pride in your family you had to devote your life to military and public service.19 The Scipionic epitaphs reflect both these virtues; Lucius Cornelius Scipio displayed his virtus through his courage in military success “…he captured Taurasia and Cisauna in Samnium”(ILS 1) plus he went on to achieve in politics “…he was aedile, consul, and censor among you”(ILS 1) Another Lucius Cornelius Scipio attained the virtues of virtus and gloria by his individual political and military attainments “…he was aedile, consul and censor…this man captured Corsica and the city of Aleria…” (ILS 2&3) he was also pious and dedicated a temple to the Goddess of Weather. This display of political and military success proved that the Scipio’s had achieved virtus and gloria and honored their family as the proper aristocrat should.

It was not Roman custom to speak ill of the dead, but it is clear in some cases like Publius Cornelius Scipio that some aristocrats did not achieve greatness. Publius’s epitaph envisions what he could of achieved had he not been short lived “...if you had been allowed to enjoy a longer
Show More

Related Documents: Roman Aristocracy Essay

Hist Essay

World History I January 23, 2015 This paper will discuss the influence civilizations had on the development of the roman republic and empire. The Neolithic revolution had a huge impact on the development of social classes and government structure. The Romans established a form of government, a republic stemming back to the Neolithic revolution. During the Neolithic revolution social classes first emerged. The Neolithic Revolution was…

Words 853 - Pages 4

Notes on the Mediterranean Essay

tradition -Socratic method -Greco-Roman history -more dynamic, but less successful -* We can clearly recognize the connections and our own debt without adhering to the notion -that the Mediterranean world somehow dominated the classical period Complicated – passed through two centers Rome preserved many of Greek achievements Rome vs. Greece Mighty empire vs. inept/Greek city-states Mastered engineering vs. scientific thought western Europe – Greco Roman vs. Eastern Europe – Greek influence…

Words 1243 - Pages 5

Roman Empire and Colosseum Essay

history of the Roman Colosseum started hundreds of years before it was actually built, when the tastes of Roman citizens craved the excitement and blood desire of the gladiatorial games. Their taste for blood and this form of entertainment dates back to 264AD when the first recorded Roman gladiator fights took place in Rome. The main intentions for the Colosseum to be built was so they could host all kinds of gladiatorial contests as well as public spectacles, to entertain the Roman population and…

Words 404 - Pages 2

Roman Gaul Wars

History Mr. Rennie The roman Gaul wars The War of Gaul was a war fought in 58-56 B.C. to as late as 52 B.C (according to different websites) between the Roman empire under the control of Julius Caesar against the Celtic tribe of the gauls, also known as the Celtic Region. This region consisted of today’s countries of France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Northern Italy. This war was started due to Caesar’s desire to expand his empire territory. The major players on the Roman side were of course Gaius…

Words 378 - Pages 2

The Twelve Tables: The Code Of Hammurabi

Twelve Tables is an early attempt to create a code of law and is the earliest piece of literature coming from the Romans. They were the first formal codification of Roman laws and customs. (Spielvogel 116) The Twelve Tables created the idea that all free citizens were protected by the law and they were also the basis of the Roman legal system. One of the abnormalities of Roman society is its strongly patriarchal nature. The eldest male in the line had full power over all his descendants…

Words 404 - Pages 2

Biography Of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa

Agrippina the Elder and Agrippa Postumus. Family: Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa belonged to a provincial family.Which means his family began placed in the middle class then the family was later raised into royalty—the second tier of the Roman elite which meant that only the Senate was above them. Another indication is that Marcus went to school and was educated in Rome, something beyond the means of most families. It was in Rome, that the Marcus met Gaius Octavius, who was a distant relative…

Words 1072 - Pages 5

The Definition Of Democracy Dbq Essay

different political powers in the Republic. The Roman Republic was not a democracy because most Romans did not vote, the magistrates and the Senate held military and financial power, and the magistrates had political control over the Assemblies. First, most Romans did not have the ability to vote. Professor Alan Ward stated that “all voting had to be conducted in Rome”(Document C). This made voting very difficult for the vast majority of people in the Roman empire,…

Words 562 - Pages 3

Rebellion Against Tarquinius

Alqarihi Dr. Arvanigian Assignment Rebellion against Tarquinius failed to achieve independence the final of rome, but it must be the birth of the Roman republic. It was after the revolution. Also, initially called Praetors. Consuls and held all of this force for a period of one year, which ruled most common kings such as Rome. The revolt by the aristocracy in Rome, which shows that this consideration of the insurgency. As Soon as after a substantial plot was discovered, the goal of which was to place…

Words 457 - Pages 2

Roman Empire Research Paper

The Roman Empire was very unique in many ways. They had two types of governments in their many years. The Roman Empire lasted for 300 years and came after the end of the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic started when they overthrew a Eustracan king. They decided to try and start their own thing. It became one of the most successful republics in the history of the world. They elected representatives on their own behalf. The aristocracy dominated the republic early on. The aristocrats were known…

Words 694 - Pages 3

History Of Ancient Rome

history can be divided into three main periods: early monarchy, Roman republic, and Roman Empire. The Roman Republic lasted from 509-27 BC. Roman republic replaced the monarchy. The transition from monarchy to republic was based upon the establishment of a republic with a constitution. Rome was originally ruled by a king that was chosen, not based on heredity. After a period in which the monarchy expanded its powers, the local aristocracy, in 509 BC, overthrew the king, abolished monarchy and established…

Words 733 - Pages 3