Van Republiek tot keiserryk : die vir bonus volgens Tacitus

[摘要] The term vir bonus as a comprehensive concept is nowhere precisely defined, yet theRomans clearly understood its meaning. To give substance to it, the role that the goodRoman or vir bonus was expected to play in the Roman Republic, was examined. Byhis extensive descriptions of the evils of the Empire, Tacitus confirms this concept byemphasizing the absence of these exemplary qualities.The development of Rome from city state to Monarchy to Republic is steeped inlegend. The foundation of the Roman constitution was believed to have been laidduring that period, and adjusted to prevent the recurrence of a monarchy. This systemof government was closely structured and demanded a high moral standard from itsparticipants.While Roman territory was limited, this constitution functioned well. However, whenafter the Punic Wars Rome became master of almost the whole area surrounding theMediterranean Sea, it was impracticable. A long and often bloody strife followedbetween the advocates of change and those who would not accept it. Augustus wonout and established an Empire, calling it by the euphemistic term of Principate. Hissuccessors automatically acceded to their powers as emperor. During the Empire thepolitical structures of the Republic were disempowered and the moral fibre of theruling classes perverted.It is this process that Tacitus examines critically. He does so by describing howdifferent people reacted under different circumstances. Some behaviour he roundlycondemns, but often he makes us realise that the participants did not have muchleeway, and that this consequently affected their behaviour .

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University