Ancient Political Thought **

Ancient Political Theory
19 Sept 07

I. Three forms of Gvt in Ancient Thought: Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy. Each form has a good form and a bad.
Kings and tyrants
Aristocrats and Special interests = Oligarchy
Democracy (can this be good?) and Mob Rule

II. According to Polybius, Rome’s strength comes from its mixed constitution whose combo of the three forms serves as an addition check/balance. Those poleis with a pure gvt suffer a constant political stasis, and many fall to coups/revolution where one form of gvt replaces another as soon as the pure form goes corrupt, anacylusis
A. Monarchy - two consuls have the power of a king and ability to respond swiftly if in agreement. But they have the power to oppose one another.
B. Oligarchy of the Senatorial families whose mass numbers provide the most likely right course of action in a crisis. They also in unison can oppose one consul by making things uncomfortable.
C. Elections provide mass participation in political process, but rich vote first so the poor do not always vote. They do occasionally riot to express opinions.

III. Cursus Honorum
Dictator
Censor
Consul / 2 created in 509
Praetor / 2, 4 later 8 created in 366
Aedile / 2, later 4 created in 367
Tribune ?? / 2, soon 10 created 494
Quaestor / 1 per magistrate from 509

IV. The different comitia (assemblies)
A. centuriata 193 centuries: 18 equites, 80 1st class, 20, 20, 20, 30, 2,2, 1. Rich vote first. They elect consuls, praetors, 2 aediles, quaestors. Approve treaties, laws, consists of all citizens.
B. tributa 35 tribes, vote laws, plebiscites, also consists of all citizens.
C. concilium plebis just like c. tributa w/o patricians, elects tribunes, 2 aediles.
D. curiata eventually replaced by tributa, works by acclaim. Bestows imperium and oversees adoption.

V. Class struggle and the rights of plebeians
A. Sexto-Licinian laws of 367 to open consulship to plebeians.
B. C. Marcius Rutilus, first plebeian dictator, 356.
C. CMR was also the first plebeian censor, 351.
D. Q. Publilius Philo, a plebeian dictator in 339 forced half the offices to go pleb.
E. Lex Ougulnia opened the priesthoods to plebeians, 300.
F. Lex Hortensia gave plebeian plebiscita force of law.
Rome compared to …
Athens, Thebes – democratic, accidental rise, due to a spectacular citizen
Crete – a crummy, petty society w/ a few good laws
Sparta – more excellent mixed constitution than others, officially limited biarchy,
Plato’s ideal state – imaginary, bans arts
Carthage – kings + senate, overly democratic later, dependent upon mercs.
Rome dedicated to producing good citizens –
Award the brve, punish the cowards severely
R funerals
Bribery a very severe crime
Religion – superstition – binds society

Roman Expansion across Italy.
A. Gradual expansion up Italy at Etruscans’ expense
B. War with Veii 406-396, finally captured by M. Furius Camillus. Juno carted to Rome. Camillus exiled over distribution of spoils.
C. Conflict with Gauls came up unexpectedly. The Fabii.
D. Allia River 18 July 390 or 387, a dies ater.
E. Brennus sacks Rome. The elderly sacrificed.
F. Acts of heroism by the young, esp. M. Manlius (Capitolinus)
G. Rome forced to capitulate at last (this is denied) after bread ruse.
H. Vae Victis
I. Camillus saves the day - did Camillus exist?

One generation to regain lost territory. Expansion south brought conflict with Samnites.
1 Samnite War 343-41
Latin War 340-38 P. Decius Mus – devotio at Vesontio in 340
2 Samnite War 327-04, Caudine Forks 321
3 Samnite War 299-93, – P. Decius Mus – devotio at Sentinum 297
Tarrantine War 280-75