Decline of Senatorial Power Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the state of the Senate at the start of the period?
Strong
Sulpicius had to use violence to achieve his goals, indicating the Senate’s initial power. “Sulpicius attacked them with a mob” [Plut]
What did Pompey threaten in 75 BC?
“threatened to come back with his army to Italy if his request was not granted”
Suggesting the Senate was already weak at the start of the period.
What does Plutarch state about the Senate’s autonomy?
“The Senate was not its own master”
This reflects the lack of control the Senate had over its affairs.
What indicates the Senate’s weakness at the end of the period? [Suet]
“He [Octavian] seized the consulship at 19, marching on Rome as if the city were his enemy”
What was the Senate’s condition according to Appian in 43?
“Inordinately terrified since they had no military force at their disposal”
This emphasizes the Senate’s vulnerability during this period.
What happened to the legions when Octavian approached the city in 43 BC? [Appian]
They immediately defected
This shows the lack of loyalty to the Senate and reflects its weakened state.
How did dictatorships and triumvirates affect the Senate’s power?
Weakened their power
The rise of powerful leaders diminished the Senate’s authority.
What actions did Caesar take regarding the Senate? [Suet]
Increased the number of senators, patricians, aediles, quaestors, and praetors
This allowed him to appoint half the magistrates apart from consuls.
What was the purpose of Vatinius in 59 BC? [Plut]
To ratify Pompey’s Eastern settlements, give Caesar Gaul, and get Crassus the tax rebate
This demonstrates the political maneuvering that undermined the Senate’s power.
What did the Lex Titia establish?
The 2nd triumvirate and made their actions legal
This law further entrenched the power of the triumvirates at the expense of the Senate.
