Caesar, Julius; Rome -- History -- Republic, 265-30 B.C.
Having thus proved that, so far as he was concerned, he nourished no
resentment against the persons of the optimates, or against their
principles, so far as they were consistent with the future welfare of
the Roman State, Caesar set himself again to the reorganization of the
administration. Unfortunately, each step that he took was a fresh crime
in the eyes of men whose pleasant monopoly of power he had overthrown.
But this was a necessity of the revolution. They had fought for their
supremacy, and had lost the day.
He increased the number of the Senate to nine hundred, filling its
ranks from eminent provincials; introducing even barbarian Gauls, and,
still worse, libertini, the sons of liberated slaves, who had risen to
distinction by their own merit. The new members came in slowly, and it
is needless to say were unwillingly received; a private handbill was
sent round, recommending the coldest of greetings to them.[3]
The inferior magistrates were now responsible to himself as Dictator.
He added to their numbers also, and to check the mischiefs of the
annual elections, he ordered that they should be chosen for three
years. He cut short the corn grants, which nursed the city mob in
idleness; and from among the impoverished citizens he furnished out
masses of colonists to repair the decay of ancient cities. Corinth rose
from its ashes under Caesar's care. Eighty thousand Italians were
settled down on the site of Carthage. As inspector of morals, Caesar
inherited in an invigorated form the power of the censors. Senators and
officials who had discredited themselves by dishonesty were ruthlessly
degraded. His own private habits and the habits of his household were
models of frugality. He made an effort, in which Augustus afterward
imitated him, to check the luxury which was eating into the Roman
character. He forbade the idle young patricians to be carried about by
slaves in litters. The markets of the world had been ransacked to
provide dainties for these gentlemen. He appointed inspectors to survey
the dealers' stalls, and occasionally prohibited dishes were carried
off from the dinner table under the eyes of the disappointed guests,[4]
Enemies enough Caesar made by these measures; but it could not be said
of him that he allowed indulgences to himself which he interdicted to
others. His domestic economy was strict and simple, the accounts being
kept to a sesterce. His frugality was hospitable. He had two tables
always, one for his civilian friends, another for his officers, who
dined in uniform. The food was plain, but the best of its kind; and he
was not to be played with in such matters. An unlucky baker who
supplied his guests with bread of worse quality than he furnished for
himself was put in chains. Against moral offences he was still more
severe. He, the supposed example of licentiousness with women, executed
his favorite freedman for adultery with a Roman lady. A senator had
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account