At the inception of the Annals, Tacitus provides a concise summary of the Roman Republic before delving into the tumultuous events that paved the way for Augustus. He states, “Lucius Brutus established freedom and the consulship” (Tacitus Annals 1.1), highlighting not just a historical figure but emphasizing political structures such as the consulship alongside the concept of “freedom” as experienced by Roman citizens. This connection suggests a close relationship between libertas (freedom) and the Republic, implying that the nature of the state was intertwined with the liberties of its people.
This idea serves as the conceptual foundation for the collected volume emerging from a conference held at the Pontificia Universidad Católica in Santiago, Chile, in August 2018. The work is organized into four thematic segments. The initial section, “Ideas of Libertas,” examines the evolving definitions and interpretations of libertas throughout the Republic’s history. The second section, “Libertas and Republican Empire,” discusses how libertas delineated the freedoms available to Roman citizens and their magistrates, particularly in contrast to those of non-citizens. The third part, “Res Publica: Continuity and Change,” addresses the fluid meanings of these concepts over time, particularly during the significant political transitions from Republic to Empire. Finally, the fourth section, “Oratory, Libertas, and Res Publica,” focuses on the application of these terms in public discourse and how varying definitions served specific political objectives. Throughout the volume, while both terms receive attention, individual chapters may lean towards one more than the other, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their definitions and interactions.
The inquiry into how Romans understood freedom within their political landscape is crucial, as Tacitus’ succinct statements highlight the term’s complexity. This enduring exploration has intrigued scholars for centuries, fostering comparisons between ancient and modern notions of liberty, as well as the Republic and Empire. Such considerations reveal the diverse meanings under the umbrella of Roman political lexicon, demonstrating that terms like libertas and res publica are not merely static legal vocabulary but are influenced by the political, military, and societal dynamics of their respective eras.
The relational aspect of libertas becomes evident early in the discourse. Balmaceda articulates that libertas must exist within the framework of the res publica; it acts as a fundamental condition for legitimate governance, ensuring non-domination within a legal context among the community, distinct from strict political systems.
The volume’s contributions encapsulate three key interventions. Firstly, the relationship between libertas and the political sphere is emphasized, revealing how liberty can be enriched or hindered through political engagement. Secondly, the authors expand upon the semantic scope of these concepts, exploring their intersections with other political terminologies. Lastly, they adopt a holistic viewpoint that incorporates libertas and res publica alongside other critical Roman political concepts, such as maiestas and auctoritas. While the full implications cannot be entirely unpacked here, the authors illustrate the adaptability of these terms, often used to support specific political agendas.
Early chapters focus on dissecting the meaning of libertas, stepping away from the simplistic notion of non-domination and delving into the nuances within different historical contexts. Amunátegui examines the concept’s evolution in the archaic era, where he navigates the spectrum from servitude to freedom as defined by citizenship. He highlights the complexity and competing interpretations surrounding libertas, particularly focusing on the citizen’s ability to live freely. Balmaceda examines early Latin literature, emphasizing the multivalent applications of libertas. This exploration includes its connections to virtues such as virtus and pietas, elevating libertas beyond mere dichotomies of freedom versus subjugation into a more intricate political identity.
Arena investigates the relationship between the deity Liber and the broader understanding of libertas, suggesting that certain divine qualities relate to the liberation necessary for human, animal, and plant fertility. His exploration of Liber’s etymology, rituals, and festivals posits that to be liberated encompasses more than just political rights; it extends to achieving one’s essence within societal and political realms through active participation.
Flower contributes an analysis of Cato the Elder’s rhetoric surrounding the Rhodians’ freedom, revealing inherent tensions between imperium (command) and libertas as understood by both Cato and the independent state of Rhodes. Ando furthers this discourse, referencing Scipio Aemilianus’ aphorism regarding libertas’ connection to imperium, highlighting the privileged freedom held by those wielding power within the Roman magistracy—a duality that complicates perceptions of liberty within an imperial context.
Subsequent chapters deepen the examination of the political community, with Moatti discussing the res publica’s challenges in conveying its meaning. She characterizes it as a living entity composed of citizens engaged in debate and conflict—an ideal backdrop for understanding the transformations that occurred during the late Republic, especially regarding conflicts concerning legitimacy among state institutions and citizens.
Pina Polo’s analysis of the consulship under the second triumvirate spotlights Lucius Antonius’ contestation of triumviral authority, showing how the dynamics of power redefined libertas within institutional confines. Rosillo-López addresses how arbitration emerged as a method for resolving internal conflicts during this period, revealing yet another interpretation of libertas as soldiers advocate for their voices amid negotiations.
Hurlet’s discussion traverses the concepts of auctoritas and libertas through the Augustan principate, illustrating how the latter became an adaptable framework to assess authority. The interplay of traditional republican ideals with imperial governance reveals the inherent contradictions within both the imperial regime and senatorial resistance utilizing similar language during crises.
The political landscape becomes particularly evident in Tatum’s analysis of Cicero’s rhetoric, revealing how shared terminologies, while defined differently, were leveraged to delegitimize opponents. Van der Blom scrutinizes libertas, res publica, and freedom of expression in Tacitus’ Dialogus, pointing to the divergent interpretations of these terms across time periods, ultimately questioning who holds the authority to define their significance.
This compilation successfully encourages further exploration into the political implications of these terms, urging consideration of the perspectives of Roman citizens across various statuses, including marginalized individuals like women, foreigners, and enslaved populations. Future scholarly efforts ought to investigate the nuances of unfreedom and the hierarchies that influenced perceptions of liberty.
In summary, the rich fabric of myths and narratives surrounding Roman libertas is worthy of deeper investigation, as exemplified in Cicero’s proclamation that “freedom is the sole preserve of the Roman people” (Phil. 6.19). This sentiment illustrates how the concept of libertas served as a political tool, reinforcing Rome’s superiority over other nations while simultaneously shaping internal power dynamics. Ultimately, the exploration of libertas enriches our understanding of identity and the ambiguities within the political lexicon of ancient Rome.
