
It's time to enter the powerhouse of the Roman Empire - it's time to go into the Emperor's palace and eavesdrop on his Council of Friends! The date is AD 84, and Domitian must make some important decisions about Agricola, the governor of Britain, and the on-going war in the British Isles. What will the Council advise?
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Domitian as a young man (in centre) welcoming his father, the Emperor Vespasian, back to Rome.
This sculpture, one of the so-called Cancellaria reliefs, is in the Vatican Museum, Rome.
As depicted on p.39 of CLC Unit 4.
Domitian
DOMITIAN
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Domitian's Palace
DOMITIAN'S PALACE
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The Consilium
Detail of the Ara Pacis, the famous sculptured altar celebrating Rome's peace and prosperity under Augustus, the first Roman emperor.
Here, with heads wreathed in laurel, signifying triumph, peace and religious ritual, we see Roman officials in ceremonial procession: lictors (holding fasces), priests (their heads covered) and other senators. Under the emperors, the importance and independence of the 600 Senators diminshed whilst the role of the consilium - a few, trusted advisors - increased and the rule of the emperor became more absolute.
Detail of the Ara Pacis, the famous sculptured altar celebrating Rome's peace and prosperity under Augustus, the first Roman emperor.
Here, with heads wreathed in laurel, signifying triumph, peace and religious ritual, we see Roman officials in ceremonial procession: lictors (holding fasces), priests (their heads covered) and other senators. Under the emperors, the importance and independence of the 600 Senators diminshed whilst the role of the consilium - a few, trusted advisors - increased and the rule of the emperor became more absolute.
The Ara Pacis (the "Altar of Peace") in Rome was dedicated by Emperor Augustus in 9 BC. It is largely intact and today stands a few hundred meters from its original location.
As depicted on p.31 of CLC Bk V.; note, however, that most of the heads on this section from the northern side were recarved or restored c.1788.
THE CONSILIUM
Marble relief from the Roman Forum showing Emperor Trajan, seated on the right, surrounded by his advisors. This large relief sculpture, the so-called Plutei, is thought to show the emperor cancelling debts.
Originally a balustrade, perhaps from the Rostrum, it is now displayed in the Senate House (Curia) in the Roman Forum, Rome.
As depicted on p.44. of CLC Bk V.
Marble relief from the Roman Forum showing Emperor Trajan, seated on the right, surrounded by his advisors. This large relief sculpture, the so-called Plutei, is thought to show the emperor cancelling debts.
Originally a balustrade, perhaps from the Rostrum, it is now displayed in the Senate House (Curia) in the Roman Forum, Rome.
As depicted on p.54. of CLC Unit 4.
A "Who's Who" of Domitian's Council (i.e. the 15 friends), and the other officers, generals and powerful men of Emperor's court.
Note: you may have to click "continue" to enter the webpage from the link.
An excellent article looking at Domitian's imperial court.
Satire 4 by the Roman poet Juvenal is a satirical description of a meeting of the Emperor's consilium - convened to discuss how to cook a strange fish! Here it is in Latin; unfortunately, no English translation yet exists on the Internet.
> Juvenal is one of the great authors of the Roman period, and the preceding link takes you to a biography and an analysis of the significance of his Satires.
Roman Politics
ROMAN POLITICS
A look at the Roman "Cursus Honorum", the course of honor, which was ladder of political advancement from quaestor to consul, which in the Republic conferred real power on the magistrates, but under the Empire was, in effect, symbolic.
Detailed Wikipedia page on this most important of Roman political institutions.
Check out the building that was the centre of Roman politics:
THE SENATE HOUSE in the ROMAN FORUM
Reconstruction drawing of this important magistates' chair.
Modern reconstruction.
Silver denarius coin showing Titus and a curule chair with wreath.
For local politics at Pompeii and associated election grafitti, see
POLITICS IN POMPEII
The Stage 37 Characters
THE STAGE 37 CHARACTERS
This man's character and reputation are revealed in one of Pliny's letters (4.22). Scroll down to the bottom of the page where "Letter 4.22 - to Sempronius Rufus" begins. He's also mentioned in Juvenal's Satire IV (see above).
This politician had a reputation for being witty; here's why. In this extract from Suetonius' The Twelve Caesars, start at Section 3, to read Crispus' famous remark about Domitian and flies.
An extract from Tacitus' Histories describes the character of Vibius Crispus. He's also mentioned in Juvenal's Satire IV (see above).
With a reputation as an informer, he survived Domitian's reign. Pliny gives a passing mention in "Letter 4.22 - to Sempronius Rufus". He's also mentioned in Juvenal's Satire IV (see above).
Agricola
AGRICOLA
Click for our separate weblink sections on both Agricola and the Battle of Mons Graupius...
but see also links below...
Tacitus' account of the Battle of Mons Graupius in Scotland in AD 84. Use the webpage's forward arrows to read further. Don't forget the other weblinks in Stage 26.
What should Domitian do? Use the webpage's forward arrows to read further.
Death by natural causes? Or poisoned?
Pliny the Younger
> PLINY THE YOUNGER: life & works
Click for our main section of info & links...
Roman coins show the walls of Nicaea, whose muddled finances Pliny was sent to sort out. Nicaea is now known as Iznik, located in north-west Turkey.
As depicted on p.46 of CLC Bk.V.
Here's an interesting, illustrated account of the city of Nicaea.
Roman coins show the walls of Nicaea, whose muddled finances Pliny was sent to sort out. Nicaea is now known as Iznik, located in north-west Turkey.
Here's an interesting, illustrated account of the city of Nicaea.
Brief description, photos and drawings of the temple where Pliny was Prefect of the State Treasury.
For more info on the Temple of Saturn, see THE ROMAN FORUM