Tag: libertas


  • Understanding Libertas in the Roman Political Landscape

    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…

  • The Complexities of Libertas and Res Publica in Roman Political Thought

    Tacitus, in the opening of the Annals, presents a succinct account of the republic’s evolution, particularly noting how Lucius Brutus “established freedom and the consulship.” This observation by Tacitus not only highlights the political structure of ancient Rome but also suggests a significant relationship between the concepts of liberty (libertas) and the republic. This connection…

  • Understanding Roman Political Vocabulary: The Connection Between Libertas and Res Publica

    At the onset of the Annals, Tacitus delivers a concise overview of the republic, highlighting the upheavals that eventually transitioned Rome into the rule of Augustus: “Libertatem et consulatum Lucius Brutus instituit” (Tacitus Annals 1.1). This mention transcends mere historical context, as Tacitus emphasizes the political structure epitomized by the consulship and the concept of…

  • Examining the Concept of Libertas in Late Roman Republican Discourse

    Arena’s engaging work seeks to explore the ideations surrounding the concept of libertas and how these ideas interlinked with political practices during the late Roman Republic. The author emphasizes Cicero’s oratory and other historical sources such as Sallust, Plutarch, and Dio, positing that a common understanding of liberty among political participants in this era corresponded…