Pompey, Cato, and the governance of the Roman empire
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USyd Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Doctor of PhilosophyAuthor/s
Morrell, KitAbstract
This study explores attempts to improve provincial governance in the late Republic, with a particular focus on the contributions of Pompey and the younger Cato. I argue that Romans were more aware of the problems of their empire than is generally recognised and were taking steps ...
See moreThis study explores attempts to improve provincial governance in the late Republic, with a particular focus on the contributions of Pompey and the younger Cato. I argue that Romans were more aware of the problems of their empire than is generally recognised and were taking steps to address them. Chapter One examines the programme Pompey implemented as consul in 70 to combat the related problems of exploitation in the provinces and corruption in the courts. In Chapter 2 I turn to Pompey’s eastern campaigns and his attempt to realise an ideal of ethical imperialism. Chapter Three argues for a direct connection between Cato’s Stoic philosophy and his approach to empire, but one that was compatible with constructive action. Chapter Four reviews the context and content of Caesar’s extortion law of 59. I argue that both Pompey and (indirectly) Cato helped to shape the content of the law. The lex Julia was flawed, however, in that it applied only to senators and not to equestrian members of a governor’s staff. Chapter Five explores Pompey’s attempt in 55 to rectify that deficiency (with the support, I argue, of Cato and friends) and Cato’s attempt the following year to achieve something similar through the courts. Chapter Six examines Roman efforts to secure the loyalty of the eastern provinces in the aftermath of Carrhae. The Parthian threat was real, as was the defence response, but there was no notion of ‘avenging Crassus’ in this period. Rather, the disaster was the catalyst for a concerted programme of provincial reform. The final two chapters explore that programme in detail. The lex Pompeia de provinciis of 52—the product of collaboration between Pompey and Cato—provided the legislative framework by transforming the nature of provincial appointments. Cato also gave his name to the policy pursued by those appointed under the law. It promoted not only ethical government but deeper ethical change. This project might have produced lasting reform but for the onset of civil war.
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See moreThis study explores attempts to improve provincial governance in the late Republic, with a particular focus on the contributions of Pompey and the younger Cato. I argue that Romans were more aware of the problems of their empire than is generally recognised and were taking steps to address them. Chapter One examines the programme Pompey implemented as consul in 70 to combat the related problems of exploitation in the provinces and corruption in the courts. In Chapter 2 I turn to Pompey’s eastern campaigns and his attempt to realise an ideal of ethical imperialism. Chapter Three argues for a direct connection between Cato’s Stoic philosophy and his approach to empire, but one that was compatible with constructive action. Chapter Four reviews the context and content of Caesar’s extortion law of 59. I argue that both Pompey and (indirectly) Cato helped to shape the content of the law. The lex Julia was flawed, however, in that it applied only to senators and not to equestrian members of a governor’s staff. Chapter Five explores Pompey’s attempt in 55 to rectify that deficiency (with the support, I argue, of Cato and friends) and Cato’s attempt the following year to achieve something similar through the courts. Chapter Six examines Roman efforts to secure the loyalty of the eastern provinces in the aftermath of Carrhae. The Parthian threat was real, as was the defence response, but there was no notion of ‘avenging Crassus’ in this period. Rather, the disaster was the catalyst for a concerted programme of provincial reform. The final two chapters explore that programme in detail. The lex Pompeia de provinciis of 52—the product of collaboration between Pompey and Cato—provided the legislative framework by transforming the nature of provincial appointments. Cato also gave his name to the policy pursued by those appointed under the law. It promoted not only ethical government but deeper ethical change. This project might have produced lasting reform but for the onset of civil war.
See less
Date
2014-01-01Licence
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, School of Philosophical and Historical InquiryDepartment, Discipline or Centre
Department of Classics and Ancient HistoryAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare