Chatter: How the Norm Against Political Violence Eroded in the Roman Republic, with Catherine Steel
Nov 12, 2024
auto_awesome
Catherine Steel, Professor of Classics at the University of Glasgow, dives into the decline of norms against political violence during the Roman Republic. She discusses how events like the political chaos surrounding the Gracchi brothers shaped Rome’s future. The conversation touches on the roles of key figures like Cicero, the challenges of interpreting ancient sources, and the alarming parallels between Rome's descent into autocracy and today’s political landscape. Insightful reflections on democracy's vulnerabilities and the importance of civil discourse are also highlighted.
The normalization of political violence in the late Roman Republic was fueled by class struggles and elite power dynamics that eroded traditional norms.
Tribunicial sacrosanctity played a crucial role in protecting common citizens' rights, illustrating the fragility of political representation under elite pressures.
Sulla's dictatorship manipulated electoral systems and normalized violence, setting a precedent that contributed significantly to the Republican system's eventual collapse.
Deep dives
The Erosion of Political Norms in the Roman Republic
The podcast discusses how political violence gradually became normalized in the Roman Republic, particularly during the late Republic period. The conversations highlight that crucial challenges, such as inequality and elite power struggles, led to a breakdown of traditional political norms. One significant case mentioned is Tiberius Gracchus's attempt at land reform and how it resulted in his violent death, marking a pivotal moment in the erosion of political stability. This event showcases the precariousness of political structures when citizens' dissatisfaction merges with elite fears of losing power.
The Role of Tribunes and the Concept of Sacrosanctity
The podcast explores the role and significance of the tribunes of the plebs in the Roman political system, emphasizing their duty to protect the rights of the common populace against the patrician class. It also examines the concept of sacrosanctity that shields tribunes from physical harm, demonstrating how this protection was crucial for their role as representatives of the people's interests. When Tiberius attempted to depose a fellow tribune, it exemplified the tension and power struggles among political actors, illustrating the fragility of the institutions meant to safeguard popular representation. The sacrosanctity norm also raises questions about its implications for political violence and accountability during moments of crisis.
The Impact of Sulla's Dictatorship on Republican Politics
Sulla's dictatorship is framed as a critical turning point that sought to restore order but ultimately set the stage for further political instability in the Roman Republic. The podcast delves into how he manipulated the electoral and senatorial systems, reinforcing elite power while suppressing the populist voice. His prescription lists and the normalization of violence against political opponents reshaped the landscape, making it difficult for subsequent leaders to navigate the Republic without resorting to force. While he stepped down after consolidating power, the lasting changes he made contributed to the eventual collapse of the Republican system.
The Rise of Political Violence and Its Legacy
The discussion in the podcast highlights how political violence became increasingly commonplace during the conflicts following Sulla's rule, impacting future political actors like Marius and Gaius Gracchus. The patterns of violence illustrated a significant shift wherein political figures began using violence as a tool for power rather than strictly adhering to political norms. Events such as Gaius Gracchus's death by Senate-sanctioned violence exemplified a new acceptance of lethal force in political discourse. The implications of these actions lingered, as later leaders found themselves engaged in civil conflicts that challenged the very foundations of the Republic.
Historical Reflections on Power and Governance
Throughout the podcast, the host and guest reflect on the broader implications of Roman history for contemporary political systems, underscoring how lessons from the past can inform modern governance. The discussions prompt critical thinking about the fragility of democratic institutions, emphasizing the need for robust norms and accountability mechanisms. They suggest that understanding the nuanced interpretations of rules and power during the Roman Republic may provide insight into current political climates facing similar challenges. This historical lens encourages discussions about how political systems can adapt or fail under pressure, shaping the future of democratic practices.
As the U.S. tries to come to grips with a resurgence of political violence in recent years, it's instructive to look at how the norm against political violence eroded during the late Roman Republic and contributed to ultimately autocratic rule.
Catherine Steel, Professor of Classics at the University of Glasgow, specializes in the political history of the Roman Republic and its institutional structures and has written books and articles about the period. She joined David Priess to discuss her path from studying Cicero to researching and teaching the politics and history of ancient Rome, the core political features of the Republic, the concept of tribunal sacrosanctity, the challenges of dealing with primary sources on ancient Rome, how political violence flared in 133 BCE around Tiberius Gracchus, the political violence 12 years later around his brother Gaius Gracchus, the 20 years of off-and-on political violence around Marius and Sulla, the intent and effects of Sulla's constitution, the lead-up to Julius Caesar, Roman citizens' awareness of changes in the Republic, implications for today, and more.
Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.