551. Roman Public Life. A.H.J. Greenidge- Summary

551.  Roman Public Life. A.H.J. Greenidge. This book gives powerful reason’s for Roman success and the inherent difficulties in ruling an Empire.  Much of it rests on the Roman concept of the head of the household- the paterfamilias.  Romans had a deep sense of moral and religious responsibility for the weak and sternness toward anyone who threatened the rights of family. The quality of leadership was maintained at a high level because Romans did not have right of primogeniture.  The politically fittest son succeeded father in politics.  Romans also held fast to the concept that no pater should make any major decision without consulting members of the family or friends who were competent to give advice on question at hand. 

Romans had good sense where the role of religion touched public life.  Gods did not give instruction but advice.  As the Roman constitution developed Romans came to deal with potential social and political upheaval.  They adapted to the situation.  For example when the plebs demanded protection, the Roman state created the Tribunes.  These presided over an assembly independent of other assemblies and run by the Tribunes. To give these guys the necessary power to protect the plebs they were granted great power.  By the time the Republican constitution was mature there were twenty officers in the state capable of summoning the Senate and running a meeting.  In ways these twenty had almost equal powers to prevent the other officials from functioning.  Sounds crazy and it was.  But there was  a need for some way to bring about stability.  This was achieved via the Senate which had strict rules of behavior yet allowed great leeway in what was said in Senate meetings.  In fact the Senate completed many tasks in a short time.  In fact the continued increase of offices in the Republic was one of the main reasons the Senate became so powerful. 

Greenidge’s comments about the Twelve Table, the first Roman law code are full of insight.  Perfect logical adjustments are absent.  It has good sense, respect for the past and a judicious contempt for symmetry.  Romans did not believe in the finality of law.  Greenidge means that they had the good sense to know that even the Twelve Tables could be repealed if necessary. Romans tended to abstract legal issues.  Office holders were not seen as magistrates but as the magistracy itself.  This kept the dignity of the office in high regard even if a numskull held the office.  Reading this one gets a sense of the complexity and sophistication of Roman public life.