ISSN 0320-961X (Print)
ISSN - (Online)


Рим и Римский мир

Sulla and Metella: Love and Politics

The marriage of Sulla and Caecilia Metella and his political background are analyzed in the article. Their marriage testified to the appearance of the new political faction (Sulla, Metellus Pius, Pompey Rufus), which replaced factio Metellana (it disappeared in the end of 90s BC). Evidently, Sulla wasn’t a Metellan protégé – more probably there was equitable partnership between him and Metelli whose influence weakened by the time.

The Shipwreck of Grand-Congloué, Sestii and the Lex Claudia

Lex Claudia 218 BC is often seen as proof of active development of sea trade in Rome, the production of wine and ceramics at the end of the III BC. Another proof are archaeological finds of Grand-Congloué, where was discovered a Roman trading ship with a cargo of amphorae of the type Dressel I. These amphorae were found the abbreviation SES and SEST, which were identified as nomen senatorial family Sestii mentioned by Cicero as shipowners.

To the Question of the Source of Sacrificial Dishes List (Arnobius VII.24)

In the article is considered the question of possible sources of information of the Christian author Arnobius concerning the sacrificial dishes which in considerable volume are contained in his composition "Adversus nationes". Comparison of Arnobius materials with parallel fragments from other antique authors brings to a conclusion about the mediated loan of information through Varro's composition "Antiquitates rerum divinarum", not remained and very important for the Roman paganism.

Rome and the Vassal Kings: About some Aspects of Interrelationship

This article is devoted to the complicated relations between Rome and its client kingdoms from the II cent. BC up to the beginning of the II cent. AD. The author considers that the client kingdoms were not buffer states from the current viewpoint. In Strabo’s and other ancient authors’ consideration those kingdoms were the organic parts of the Roman Empire. Mutual relations between Rome and the client kings were created on the basis of traditional relationship of patronatus and clientela.

Formation of a Roman Public Opinion by Octavian (from Ilyrian Campaign to Actium)

The article discusses the means and methods that Octavian used to form the public opinion of the Romans in the period 34–32 BC. The author notes their diversity and intensive use in political propaganda, but their effectiveness should not be exaggerated. Only patriotic slogans made Octavian the true leader of the Roman Republic. Octavian`s political talent was that he managed to capture and use Romans moods in his interests.

On the Use of Foreign Historical Examples (exempla) in Cicero`s Judicial and Political Speeches

The historical examples (exempla) are used very widely in quite different genres of Roman literature, including speeches. The focus of research is usually on Roman examples, whereas external historical examples are not yet sufficiently have found it examined. The aim of this essay is to deal with the cases of the use of so-called "external" historical examples in the judicial and political speeches of Cicero and to determine their functions.

M. Licinius Crassus’ Parthian War: Campaign 53 BC

The article discusses a number of issues related to the Parthian campaign of M. Licinius Crassus. An attempt was made to show that Crassus, on the whole, was quite competent in directing the actions of his army, and he did not immediately lose his leadership. His main mistake was common to the Romans, who underestimated the capabilities of horse archers. It was the brilliantly realized combined use of horse archers and heavy cavalry that ensured the Parthians victory at Carrah. However, the significance of this victory should not be overestimated.

Catiline in the "Aeneid"

The paper examines the portrayal of Catiline in the Aeneid. For Virgil, Catiline is obviously a villain and a symbol of civil strife. This attitude however doesn't extend to other members of the gens Sergia since their legendary ancestor Sergestus in spite of his somewhat questionable behaviour during the funerary ship race, is still depicted as one of Aeneas' main and most loyal companions.

Sulla, a Republican Tyrant?

The article is devoted to some episodes of Sulla’s rule, namely the beginning of proscriptions, his triumph over Mithridates VI Eupator, alleged Sulla’s self-representation as second Romulus and the criticism of the dictator by Cicero in his speech for Roscius Amerinus. The author focuses on to the adoption of lex Cornelia de proscriptione by comitia without its approval by Senate.

Marcus Salvius Otho: the young years of the future Princeps

The article examines information from sources about the biography of M. Salvius Otho before he entered the struggle for power. His origin and family ties are traced, it is shown that his family, which was not distinguished by nobility, rose thanks to the patronage of Livia, Tiberius, and then Claudius. Otho himself, in his youth, was a participant in Nero’s entertainment, which later gave rise to stories about his dissolute behavior.

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