Roman Consuls Seized Power Through Intimidation, Bribery And Show Business

Ellen Lloyd – AncientPages.com – During the days of the Roman Republic two consuls were elected. They served one year before they were replaced. If a consul died during his term (not uncommon when consuls were in the forefront of battle) or was removed from office, another would be elected.

Because a consul’s imperium extended over Rome, Italy, and the provinces, becoming a Roman consul was a matter of prestige and power.

So, what qualifying criteria were future consuls expected to have in order to seize power? There is a saying that cheating is often an efficient method to get what you want and in the case of Roman consuls, this was certainly true. Intimidation, bribery and show business were all part of a normal agenda to a Roman who wanted to become a consul and part of the Roman government.

Of course, much more was required to gain the position of a consul. He was expected to have outstanding confidence and solid education necessary to be a great speaker.  He must master the art of rhetoric. In other words, his speaking or writing must be persuasive. ‘

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