Suetonius’ Views on Political Power
In this history essay you will answer a question about the culture of Rome by assessing the primary source evidence: the biography of the Roman emperor VESPASIAN (r. 69-79 CE), written by the Roman historian G. Suetonius Tranquillus .
***ESSAY TOPIC:
What does Suetonius think is proper and just use of imperium (public power)? According to Suetonius, does Vespasian fulfill those criteria: is he a good ruler?
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Three to four pages (1000- 1100 words — no more!), double spaced, NO title page or bibliography page.
>> You MUST use Chicago Style format for footnotes – see syllabus and Style Guide for details. I cannot accept papers that do not follow these guidelines.
This is NOT a research paper – – do NOT go to outside sources. The textbook and class lectures give you useful background information, which will allow you to think about Roman political society and culture intelligently. But your focus should be on searching through our primary source (Suetonius) for your evidence. [unique_solution]
Follow the essay outline that accompanies this assignment. It will help you avoid some basic problems in organizing your essay. Don’t forget to show me your EVIDENCE. You are arguing a case based on the evidence you find in Suetonius, and you must indicate the location of all of that evidence – even if you are not quoting that evidence.
A little background about the author:
Suetonius was a Roman citizen born in Hippo Regius, Africa. He moved to the city of Rome to study around 85 CE when Vespasian’s son Domitian was emperor, and had a very successful career: besides being a historian, Suetonius held important positions in Rome. He was the head of the seven public libraries of Rome, he was in charge of the government archives, and he was the director of imperial correspondence. He had access to official and unofficial primary source documents as well as palace gossip! As secretary to the emperor of Hadrian (117-138 CE), he had to tread carefully if he was to write about Hadrian’s predecessors — especially if he wanted to criticize the form of government (the principate) of which Hadrian was the head (princeps), and the way public power was wielded by the rulers of Rome. His caution often prompts modern commentators to say that Suetonius writes “objectively” and does not give his own opinions, only the “facts”. However, like all writers, Suetonius has his views. It is up to us historians to read carefully, and tease out what he cannot or will not say openly.
To get your thinking started, and to prepare for class discussion, ask Suetonius the following questions:
Which actions of Vespasian does Suetonius approve (and why)?
Which actions does he disapprove (and why)?
Does Suetonius differentiate between personal morality and the ruler’s actions as ruler?
What, according to S., is the legitimate source of governmental power?
Can you offer an explanation of his approach to that issue?
For Suetonius, is imperium (the power to rule) purely a human construct? If not, how is supernatural or divine power involved?
What is S’s attitude towards authority (legitimate or not)?
Does he show bias towards certain social or economic classes?
Does S think the average (plebeian) Roman is smart enough to help run the government?
Is S more interested in the common good, or in prosperity and freedom for his own social class, or in the personality of the “great man”, or in the greatness of Rome (as an abstract idea)?
What is the purpose of ‘government’ (any government)? Why does it exist?
What is the role of “law”: is the ruler subject to law? Should he be? Why or why not?
What is the role in government of traditional Roman values?