The term “FIDES” is often incorrectly understood as ‘faith’; however, its interpretation in Roman culture diverges significantly from Christian connotations. For the Romans, FIDES represented a crucial aspect of an individual’s integrity within public affairs and social engagements, akin to the notion of ‘good faith’. This concept encapsulated reliability, implying a mutual trust essential for any relationship. The essence of FIDES was reciprocal, imposing equal privileges and responsibilities on both parties involved. Violating FIDES was historically met with grave legal and religious ramifications, marking it as one of the prominent virtues elevated to the status of divinity in Roman belief. The phrase “Punica fides” referred to the perceived treachery of Carthaginians, epitomizing the mistrust associated with their word, notably exemplified by infamous figures like Hannibal.
Relationships Governed by FIDES
The relationships that thrived on the principle of FIDES included various roles, reflecting a network of mutual commitments:
- AMICUS (friend) ↔ AMICUS (friend)
- PATER (father) ↔ FAMILIA (household)
- PATER (father) ↔ FILIUS (son)
- DOMINUS (master) ↔ SERVUS (slave)
- PATRONUS (patron) ↔ LIBERTUS (freedman)
- PATRONUS (patron) ↔ CLIENS (client)
- RESPUBLICA (the Roman State) ↔ SOCIUS (an ally of Rome)
VIRTUS
In Roman thought, VIRTUS does not share the same implications as the Christian ‘virtue’. Its foundational meaning links back to ‘acting like a man’ (vir), paralleling the Greek concept of andreia. The Romans primarily associated VIRTUS with showing bravery, especially within military contexts. Outstanding achievements (egregia facinora) were central to the notion of virtus, leading to GLORIA—a person’s reputation. This GLORIA rested on two elements: FAMA (public perception) and dignitas (social status). The pursuit of VIRTUS was heavily tied to ambitions of holding public office (honos), through which one could showcase masculinity and military accomplishments, enhancing reputation and securing support through votes.
Aristocrats were expected to uphold and expand their family’s dignitas through political and military success, fostering a culture of relentless military expansion within Roman society.
Categories of ‘VIRTUES’ of a Statesman
Influential thinkers including Thucydides, Plato, Cicero, and Augustus identified various qualities essential for statesmanship, such as:
- Knowing What is Appropriate
- Wisdom / Prudence / Fortitude / Virtus
- Ability to Convince / Andreia / Bravery / Clementia
- Incorruptibility / Justice / Justitia
- Patriotism / Piety / Self-restraint
- Benignitas / Pietas
- Fides
Understanding the depth of these Roman concepts provides unique insights into the character and expectations of a statesman during that era, spotlighting a complex interplay between personal ethics and public duty.
