local political life: decuriones, magistrates, comitium

Question 1

Local political - part of empire

Answer 1

Pompeii & herculaneum part of the Roman Empire
Like all provincial towns, Pompeii and herculaneum were self-governing in local matters, but subject to imperial decrees (an official order) from Rome:
They were provincial towns w/ their own local gov incharge of their administration
The emperor rarely interfere (only where the empires security & local order was threatened)

Question 2

city council

Answer 2

The city council was responsible for the running of Local government - there are gaps in our knowledge & understanding of everyday details regarding political life (eg how and where the government business was conducted or where elections were held) - Perhaps more informal than larger cities

Question 3

Graffiti???

Answer 3

From Graffiti we know that individuals participated actively in politics, in particular, during election times

Question 4

WHO WAS CONSIDERED UNWORTHY?

Answer 4

Only male citizens could vote, however, some males were thought of as not worthy of the right to vote (eg actors, innkeepers)

Question 5

EPIGRAPHIC SOURCES REVEAL THAT /…

Answer 5

From epigraphic sources, for example electoral notices and graffiti, it reveals that most people, including women, were politically active and away and enthusiastic when it came to elections

Question 6

POLITICAL ACTIVITY WAS (INTENSE)

Answer 6

Political activity in Pompeii was intense, especially in the lead up to the March elections every year. Herculaneum was probably less intense
The evidence from the excavations and a single mention by Cicero point to a vigorous local political life at Pompeii
For example - the local baker Paquius Proculus could become aedile, while the wealthy Holconius family had many inscriptions, statues, & monuments giving evidence of the families continuous influence in local politics over generations.

Question 7

COMITIUM

Answer 7

• the people’s assemnly
• included all adilt male citizens inlcuding frredmen
• elected magistrates & voted honours

Question 8

MAGISTRACY

Answer 8

• duumviri (2) - senior magistrates for 1 year

* Aediles (2) - junior magistrates for 1 year

Question 9

Aediles responsible for

Answer 9

• judicial system
  -Public work
  Administration
  Municipal cults
  Games & public entertainment
  The markets

Question 10

Quinquennial duumvir

Answer 10

responsible for revising the ordo decurionum every 5 years

Question 11

Necessary qualifications for Magistracy

Answer 11

Necessary qualifications: male, freeborn, over 25 years of age, required wealth & unblemished character