The Partial Historians

Our jaunt through the history of ancient Rome continues apace! In this episode we cover c. 472-1 BCE. Dr Radness is reading Livy and Dr G is reading Dionysius of Halicarnassus and the comparisons of our sources is quite something! The main stars are the tribunes Volero and Laertorius.

Dr G gets excited about disease running rampant in Rome and connections with the Vestal Virgins, particularly Urbinia. The pestilence seems to be attacking pregnant women leading to widespread fear. This leads to a discussion of the vagaries of pontifical investigations into the Vestal college. But it is significant that Livy doesn’t mention it and the pestilence seems to be something of a narrative device for Dionysius…

Volero experiences a political rise in fortune becoming tribune of the plebs. And boy does he go for it! We delve into the differences between the comitia curiata and the comitia tributa because Volero starts to push for changes to the voting system for tribunes. This proposal garners quite a lot of tribunician support. But it will come as no surprise that this move doesn’t sit well with the patricians.

While the patricians stall proceedings, Volero is chosen tribune for a second time. The upshot of this is that the tribunes need to push for changes to the voting system under the highly traditional patrician Appius Claudius. Fortunately, perhaps for the plebeians, Titus Quinctius, is more amenable to their plight.

Dr Radness gets political as Gaius Laetorius takes a highly critical stance against Appius Claudius in Livy’s account. Unfortunately he also seems to trail off while in the middle of his invective! With threats of violence and death on the table, the scene is set for some great clashes. Appius criticises the plebeians. Laertorius hits back with some great counter-points. It isn’t long before the situation descends into public violence.

Learn all about how this plays out here: Volero and Laetorius

https://partialhistorians.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Episode-86-Volero-and-Laetorius.mp3

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When we left you at the end of the last episode, there was some major events afoot. There’s nothing like a murder in the city. This is especially the case when the person turning up dead is a Roman magistrate! In this episode we consider what happens to Gnaeus Genucius and Volero Publius.

Gnaeus Genucius, tribune of the plebs for the year c. 473 BCE, is in a stoush with the consuls Lucius Aemilius Mamercus and Vopiscus Julius. But the problems don’t stop there. The tensions carry over from the previous year. Genucius levels charges against the consuls of c. 474 BCE: Lucius Furius Medullinus Fusus and Aulus Manlius Vulso. He argues that they should be charged because they did not carry out the measures agreed to in c. 486 BCE.

But after bringing the consuls to trial … Genucius TURNS UP DEAD!

To unravel this mystery we’ll consider:

• the role of the tribune of the plebs;
• the sacrosanctitas of this magistracy;
• what our disparate sources (clues!) have to say about the patricians’ role in this sordid affair;
• and some of the key consequences of this significant political moment.

A violent response to the patricians overreach after the death of Genucius is perhaps unsurprising, but it does come from an interesting quarter. We follow the rise to prominence of the centurion Volero Publius (aka Volero Publilius). Things start innocently enough. He turns up to enlist for the military campaigns. But things go awry when he discovers that he’s been listed as a common soldier.

This is not the story about why Volero appears to have been demoted between one campaigning season and another. Rather, it is the story of how his response reveals the knife’s edge of tension between the ruling elite and the general citizen body.

The unfolding tension on the streets of Rome provides pivotal space for considering a number of issues:

• the background of the lictors;
• the consequences when Roman citizens reject the legitimacy of the violence meted out to Volero on the orders of the consuls;
• the dangers of street politics for the consuls.

Here it all here:

Episode 85 – Murder and Volero!

“A lictor is sent to arrest Publilius Volero, from: The Comic History of Rome by Gilbert Abbott à Beckett. Bradbury, Evans & Co, London, c. 1850.” – Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

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The early Republic of Rome is full of strife and tension. As we inch deeper into the history, there are neighbourly struggles and internal political discord on the rise.

Rome is still mourning the loss of the Fabian gens. The Fabians were almost completely destroyed by the forces of Veii and her northern allies, the Tyrrhenians (think, Etruscans!). Just as Rome was devastated by the loss of the Fabians, the Sabines have take solace in Roman defeat. Rome now faces war on ‘two fronts’…

The consuls for this year are Publius Valerius Publicola, son of Publius Valerius Publicola (cos, suff. 509, cos. 508, 507, and 504) and Gaius Nautius Rutilus.

The Sabines are given short shrift in both our major narrative sources for different reasons which means there’s lots to discuss. Important details include: military strategy, camp organisation, and the narrative purpose of these kinds of stories.

Our sources take in details relating not only to the Sabines, but also the forces of Veii (their camps are very close!). Some particular highlights include:

• the possible redemption of Spurius Servilius Structus Ahala (cos. c. 476 BCE), now legate under Valerius;
• the triumph awarded to Valerius as a result of this campaign;
• and Nautius’ campaign with the Roman allies, the Latins and the Hernucians to help attack the Volscians and Aequians.

In the background of all this military activity is the continuing grain crisis…

A new year means new consuls: Lucius Furius Medullinus Fusus and Aulus (Gnaeus/Gaius?) Manlius Vulso (also the namesake of this episode) are the consuls of c. 474 BCE.

Manlius is sent out against Veii because the northern campaign really isn’t over. But it doesn’t take long for the situation to turn in Rome’s favour. Hints of what’s to come:

• a truce;
• an ovation;
• and a return to domestic politics!

We turn our attention to the Gnaeus Genucius, tribune of the plebs, whose exploits cover both the years of c. 474/3 BCE depending on our source material.

We’ve never ripped through years this quickly, which must be a sign of some kind! The consuls for c. 473 BCE are Lucius Aemlius Mamercus (cos. III) and Vopiscus Julius Iullus (though there are name discrepancies to consider here as well!).

Genucius makes some very political moves regarding the agrarian reform that has been playing out in the background since c. 486 BCE! But how do Genucius’ moves go down? Listen in to find out:

Episode 84 – The Romans are Manly Men

Wenceslas Hollar, Unknown date (author lived 1607-1677), Roman soldiers – Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library,
Wenceslas Hollar Digital Collection. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

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After the tragic demise of the Fabii gens, what happens next? The rivalry between Rome and her northern neighbour Veii continues! ‘If Only I Had Some Grain’ captures the spirit of this episode.

We cover the years c. 476 BCE and part of c. 475 BCE. Is this a sign that our narrative is quickening up? Quite possibly!

In this episode we face two strands of narrative:

• The developing grain crisis in Rome
• The military consequences of the forces of Veii (aka the Tyrrhenians) on the Janiculum

c. 476 BCE:

• Servius Servilius Structus Ahala (also known as Spurius or Servius Servilius)
• Aulus Verginius Tricostus Rutilus.

c. 475 BCE:

• Publius Valerius Publicola
• Gaius Nautius Rutilus

Dr Radness delves into the details from Livy. The people of Veii have been holding the Janiculum, which overlooks Rome from across the Tiber. Meanwhile the Romans hatch a plan to lure them away from their defensive stronghold. There is a devious ploy involving cows. And Servilius faces an attack…

Dr G follows Dionysius’ account. He begins with the grain and the forces of Veii falling back north to their own City. Together we consider some questionable military tactics and the potential troubles with moving troops at night.

As the situation with Veii settles down, the Roman gaze turns inward to contemplate recent disasters. But the accelerating grain crisis cannot be ignored. While Livy’s narrative picked up on this developing issue in c. 477 BCE, now our sources converge on the issue.

According to Dionysius, the patrician approach to solving this problem is twofold. First: purchase grain from neighbouring areas. Second: distribute the grain at reasonable prices to the citizens in the City. Livy gets more specific by noting that Rome buys grain from Campania.

We discuss the viability of this narrative given that it sounds suspiciously like a much later Roman policy…

As soon as military threats are off the table, Rome quickly turns back to domestic issues. This means that public land (ager publicus) is back on the agenda! As soon as you can say Quintus Considius and Titus Genucius we’re deep among some tribunes of the plebs. And boy are they fighting for the rights of the common folk.

The tribunes blame Titus Menenius Lanatus (consul of c. 477 BCE) for the destruction of the Fabii and the loss of the fortress at Cremara. The way this situation plays out is particularly intriguing!

As the year ticks over into c. 475 BCE, the new tribunes Lucius Caedicius and Titus Statius pick up the fight. They bring Servilius to trial on the charge of gross military negligence. It turns out that pursuing the enemy up a hill can have more than just military consequences!

Find out all the details by listening in here:

Episode 83 – If Only I Had Some Grain

An ancient Roman aqueduct in a grain field near Rome, Italy. Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Francesco Z

Looking to follow along with the source material for this episode? Check out:

• Livy Ab Urba Condita Libri 2.51-2 (Books from the Foundation of the City)
• Dionysius of Halicarnassus Roman Antiquities 9.25-33

We also make liberal reliance on Broughton:

• Broughton, T. R. S. with Patterson, M. 1951. The Magistrates of the Roman Republic: Volume I 509 B.C. – 100 B.C. (The American Philological Association)

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We return to the history of Rome from the founding of the City and that can only mean one thing – the Fabian family are back front and centre. And, yes, that episode title is a bit of a spoiler! We’re talking about the Fabian demise.

We step back into the narrative with a little bit of orientation. Who does Rome really know about in the region and just how much have they learnt about the people to the north? Veii seems to have been a revelation for Rome. It turns out Veii have the support of peoples further north (watch out, these are our Etruscans!).

We launch into the year c. 477 BCE with the consuls Gaius Horatius Pulvillus and Titus Menenius Lanatus. Getting back into the groove, Dr R and G compare the narratives of Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus.

The truce between Rome and Veii established at the end of c. 478 BCE starts to crumble just at the same time as the Volscii to the south east begin to stir. It isn’t long before Rome realises they need to fight a war on two fronts. This means two things:

• discussions over public land get pushed off the table;
• the scene is set for the Fabian tragedy to come.

The Fabians are stationed at the fortress at Cremera, just outside the territory of Veii. They are waiting for support from Rome while they hold the defences. We won’t spoil all the details in this write up, but let’s say things don’t go well.

There are a variety of issues flagged in our sources. Dionysius offers an account that factors in divine displeasure, only to dismiss the intensity of this reading as mostly implausible. Dr R explores the possibilities for narrative embellishment from the early Roman historiographer Quintus Fabius Pictor (f. 200 BCE). The dominant narrative that comes through to us positions the Tyrrhenians (the peoples of Veii and further north) as cleverly luring the Fabian forces out from the fortress. The Romans become trapped in unfavourable locations that allow for long-range attacks.

We dive into the battles that dominate this year, the strategies deployed by the different forces, and the ultimate consequences for the consuls. We talk lots of military strategy and a good deal about religion!

You can find this episode on the platform that best suits you! We’re on iTunes, Google Play Music , and Stitcher. If you love our work, we’d love you help spread the word by leaving a review on whichever platform you listen to us through 🙂

Here for your listening pleasure: 

Episode 82 – Fabian Demise

The Chimera of Arezzo, c. 400 BCE. Found in Arezzo, an ancient Etruscan and Roman city in Tuscany.
This piece is now held at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Florence.
Image credit to Carole Raddato / WIkimedia Commons

Additional sound credit offered to SoundBible and PsychoBird for our screaming eagle in this episode.

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Would any Ancient Roman podcast hosted by two women be complete without a very special episode on one of the most famous women in the City’s history, Livia Drusilla? Obviously not and here we are 🙂

We’re taking a detour from our usual primary source focus to start with the depiction of Livia in the seminal I, Claudius BBC series (1976). As we get further into the topic we move backwards through the material. Finally we’ll hit at the ancient sources.

Doctors R and G jump in with the depiction of Livia by Siân Phillips. Her performance really sets the tone for budding historians growing up in the later twentieth century (Who us? *Never*). But the script for I, Claudius didn’t come from nowhere. This sends us on the trail of Robert Graves’ novels I, Claudius (1934) and Claudius the God (1935). Where did Graves get the inspiration for these novels? We’ve got your back.

The connection to Claudius is apparent in the title of the series and this colours the representation of Livia. Find out about the challenges Claudius faced with his family and how this sets the tone the for the ‘evil woman’ trope.

Well, it really depends on the source you read. Dr R notes the problematic account of Dio Cassius, where Livia does not fare so well. Dr G takes a turn through Tacitus’ Annals (and, yes, Dr R is right about Agrippa!). While Livia is up for criticism, she also seems to garner some back-handed praise from Tacitus …

We dig into the prosopography of Livia, her family connections and her important first marriage in which she bears her two children. Livia’s liaison with Octavian begins controversially at a dinner party when Livia is six months pregnant with her second child. Suetonius (hilariously) claims to have access to some of the personal correspondence between Mark Antony and Octavian from this period. Antony lambastes Octavian for his moral scruples in this moment. But what can we learn about Livia amidst this kind of source material that tend towards political invective?

We peer between the pieces of evidence to see what else can emerge. The longevity of the marriage between Octavian (aka Augustus) and Livia speaks to the connection they shared. Livia’s public role in Augustus’ moral reform program and her legacy speaks to her significant position and her influence, which while not measured in magistracies leaves its mark in the developing principate.

Ultimately we’re left with a complex woman living in the public gaze in complex times. The enduring Livia continues to fascinate us even today.

Find out all the details here: 

Episode 81 – Livia Drusilla

Empress Livia Drusilla, AD 14-19, from Paestum, National Archaeological Museum of Spain, Madrid. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and Carole Raddato

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Rome and Veii are central to the politics and military activity of c. 478 BCE.

Rome and the Fabians have developed a whole new military tactic by building a fortress near Veii. This is momentous! It allows Rome to station soldiers outside the City in preparation for battle. This force though is made up largely of Fabians and their supporters which will have implications.

Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus continue to offer competing narratives for this very early period. Both are quite concerned with what is happening in the north including both the immediate threat, the people of Veii and their even further northern allies, the Tyrrhenians. The Romans now realise there are more hostile people behind Veii than previously suspected.

The traditional levy of troops continues this year but without the usual report of Plebeian discontent. Lucius Aemilius Mamercus (cos II) takes his troops north to join the Fabians while his co-consul Gaius Servilius Structus Ahala heads south to deal with the Volscii. An additional army is sent out against the Aequians in the north east led by one Servius Furius. The extent of the armies raised and the fact they they are sent out in all directions suggests that Rome sees itself as at the centre of threat in the region.

The major conflict (no surprise here!) is between Rome and Veii. For some reason Veii has set up a camp for their troops outside their city, which Aemilius attacks continuously…

When Rome finally breaks through to take the camp they are in for some surprises!

The Romans’ challenges in this year are bound up in the divisions of the forces. The Fabians in their Cremera fortress are acting as a single gens force largely beyond senatorial control.

The Roman forces sent north in support are led by Mamercus who previously held the consulship with Caeso Fabius in 484 BCE, so there is a block of pro-Fabian forces near Veii.

This feeds into the complexities of the situation when Veii sues for peace. Without telling you how it ends, let’s just say that things start to get weird when Aemilius makes a very favourable deal with Veii…

Hear all the details:

Episode 80 – The Year 478 BCE

Etruscan male torso from Veii, probably Hercules, c 550 BCE / Image courtesy of Rjdeadly / Wikimedia Commons

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The history of Rome from the founding of the City continues and, if the title is a hint, the fabulous Fabians are at the forefront of the narrative!

In the wake of the horrific Battle of Veii in 480 BCE we head into c. 479 BCE. While we follow Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus predominantly at this time, we also see a little of the Fasti Capitolini creep in.

After a little bit of faffing about the consuls Caeso Fabius (cos. III) and Titus Verginius Tricostus Rutilus emerge – were these two just as in favour with the plebeians and the patricians? Livy has some details to offer on this front!

We also see a disruption to the argarian situation led by Caeso Fabius – how will that turn out? Dr Radness has the answer.

Rome continues to conduct expansionist activity into the territory around the City. Fabius is sent out against the Aequians while Verginius heads towards the Veientes. The situation with Veii becomes increasing complicated as Rome learns more about Veii’s friends in the north.

As the drama unfolds, we take you through some curious moments where the troops are released from the standards, Veii and her allies move south as far as mount Janiculum(!), and the Romans begin to develop a new policy to deal with the increasing challenges with Veii.

It’s at the point that this episode gains its name as the power of the Fabian family is confirmed when the Fabii raise their own forces to serve as a border garrison. This is an innovation in Rome’s way of thinking about the edges of their territory. Hear all the details here!

Episode 79: Fabian Domination

Errata: in our excitement we talked about Titus Siccius as though he were the ‘hot centurian’. This is definitely our mistake and we apologise. The ‘hot centurian’ Marcus Flavoleius has no part in the narrative of c. 479 BCE. Titus Siccius was a legate with imperium in the battle of Veii in 480 BCE cf. Dion. Hal. Rom. Ant. 9.12.5 and he continues to lead troops and saves Verginius from a spot of military bother.

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The politics starts with some agitation from Titus Pontificus (aka Tiberius Pontificius) the tribune of the plebs who seeks some movement on the stalled agrarian reform, but you may already be able to guess how that turns out! We delve into the perspective offered by the sources and discuss what that may mean in terms of the events narrated, but also how we go about reading and interpreting the sources.

Central to the year is Rome’s conflict with her neighbours and particularly Veii. Without giving too much of the detail away (since we wouldn’t want to ruin the episode for you!), it is fair to say that this battle is devastating for all concerned.

So let us take you on a journey through the signs from the gods read by the Roman augurs and the Tyrrhenian* augurs, the escalating to-and-fro between the forces of Rome and Veii, the moment plebeian farmer Marcus Flavoleius finds fame, and the point when the tide turns on the plan of legate Titus Siccius (aka Titus Sicinius).

It’s all here: glorious details of battle, politics on the edge of sword, and speeches with more rhetorical flourish than you can find in a seasoned orator!

The Battle Against Veii 480 BCE

Episode 78: The Battle of Veii 480 BCE

*’Tyrrhenian’ ~ this term pops up in Dionysius of Halicarnassus and tends to refers broadly to the people of Veii and to the north of Veii. These peoples are also known as the Etruscans.

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We dive back into the history of Rome from the founding of the city and end up right in the challenges of 481 BCE. This means that we’re in the hazy early period of the Republic where the conflict between the patricians and plebeians dominates the narratives offered by Livy and Dionysius of Halicarnassus.

How consulships are chosen seems to be getting a little more complicated. There are tussles over how elections should proceed. The use of the interrex to manage the electoral process comes into play suggesting the increasing political complexity in the system. Speaking about complexity, we discuss just how likely a struggle of the orders really is in this period of the republic by considering the names of consuls.

482 BCE marks the consulships of Quintus Fabius (cos II) and Gaius Julius Iulus, but, as the title of the episode gives away, the events of 481 BCE, and the consulships of Caeso Fabius (cos II) and Spurius Furius take centre stage.

As domestic politics becomes more strained, Rome continues to (wait for it) have trouble with her neighbours…

The tribune of the plebs Spurius Licinius draws attention to the failure of the movement on the agrarian policy to measure up the ager publicus (public land) and redistribute it to the citizens. The dramas of this continuing situation sets the scene for Rome’s problems with the people of Veii, the Aequians, the Tyrrhenians, and their own soldiers…

Episode 77: The Troubles of 481 BCE

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