In this essay we will explore the importance of wealth in the Roman political system during the time of the Late Republic (218-31BC). Therefore, this essay shall use modern scholarship to supplement the ancient sources. We will cover the Servian constitution, the brothers Gracchi, Cicero’s Against Verres, Livy, Plutarch, Appian and V. Paterculus.
Cicero, writing 2nd Century BC says that the Servian Constitution concentrated political power in the hands of the wealthy. This involved organising people by wealth which determined military and political roles. Thus, the comitia centuriata was organised by military class into 193 units. Consequently, the equites were the top 18 units with their vote being asked for first. It is thought that the …show more content…
Moreover, since the Lex Sempronia Frumentaria needed money to support its operation, it can be seen that wealth played a major role in the workings of politics since it was required that the state now provide food and at a subsidised price. Garnsey and Rathbone assert that Gaius’ main achievement was the grain supply for the people. This accounts for the political and social clout which wealth commanded. Thus, if Attalus III had not bequeathed his wealth, it is fair to say that Tiberius’ agrarian commission may never have come about; meaning that Gaius may never have instituted his own …show more content…
One finds this view untenable owing to the fact that, as previously stated, the top level of power in the comitia centuriata resided with the cavalry class (equites), who could be a very wealthy group; due to the fact that there was no Lex Claudia to stop them from making money via trade or through tax-farming as publicani. Equally, the power did not really lie with the people as the plebeian assembly was summoned by consuls, not their own authority. Plutarch, writing 1st Century AD states that Lucullus reduced the people of Asia to slavery via his tax-gatherers. Furthermore, we can see that wealth played a powerful role in both the politics of Rome and the fates of Rome’s provinces.
Gaius also introduced the Lex Militaris which stated that the government was to equip and clothe the Roman army which meant that more soldiers could enlist as they did not need to worry about purchasing or obtaining armour. It is evident that wealth did affect the political system and the running of Rome as the Lex Militaris shows that the army was no longer just for those who could afford to buy the
Cicero, writing 2nd Century BC says that the Servian Constitution concentrated political power in the hands of the wealthy. This involved organising people by wealth which determined military and political roles. Thus, the comitia centuriata was organised by military class into 193 units. Consequently, the equites were the top 18 units with their vote being asked for first. It is thought that the …show more content…
Moreover, since the Lex Sempronia Frumentaria needed money to support its operation, it can be seen that wealth played a major role in the workings of politics since it was required that the state now provide food and at a subsidised price. Garnsey and Rathbone assert that Gaius’ main achievement was the grain supply for the people. This accounts for the political and social clout which wealth commanded. Thus, if Attalus III had not bequeathed his wealth, it is fair to say that Tiberius’ agrarian commission may never have come about; meaning that Gaius may never have instituted his own …show more content…
One finds this view untenable owing to the fact that, as previously stated, the top level of power in the comitia centuriata resided with the cavalry class (equites), who could be a very wealthy group; due to the fact that there was no Lex Claudia to stop them from making money via trade or through tax-farming as publicani. Equally, the power did not really lie with the people as the plebeian assembly was summoned by consuls, not their own authority. Plutarch, writing 1st Century AD states that Lucullus reduced the people of Asia to slavery via his tax-gatherers. Furthermore, we can see that wealth played a powerful role in both the politics of Rome and the fates of Rome’s provinces.
Gaius also introduced the Lex Militaris which stated that the government was to equip and clothe the Roman army which meant that more soldiers could enlist as they did not need to worry about purchasing or obtaining armour. It is evident that wealth did affect the political system and the running of Rome as the Lex Militaris shows that the army was no longer just for those who could afford to buy the