Republicanism during the Early Roman Empire

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Exploring the political ideology of Republicanism under the Roman emperors of the first century AD, Sam Wilkinson puts forward the hypothesis that there was indeed opposition to the political structure and ideology of the rulers on the grounds of Republicanism. While some Romans wanted a return to the Republic, others wanted the emperor to ensure his reign was as close to Republican moral and political ideology as possible. Analysing the discourse of the period, the book charts how the view of law, morality and behaviour changed under the various Imperial regimes of the first century AD. Uniquely, this book explores how emperors could choose to set their regime in a more Republican or more Imperial manner, thus demonstrating it was possible for both the opposition and an emperor to be Republican. The book concludes by providing evidence of Republicanism in the first century AD which not only created opposition to the emperors, but also became part of the political debate in this period.

Reviews

In this impressive and provocative book Sam Wilkinson makes the argument that Republican ideas and ideals persisted in Rome on a large scale well beyond the establishment of the empire. This is a complex topic, one that Wilkinson tackles with admirable clarity, combined with sound judgement and an impressive knowledge of the period. Professional scholars will find it challenging and stimulating, students and serious amateurs will find it immensely readable and informative. -- Anthony A. Barrett, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

Author Bio

Sam Wilkinson currently teaches History at Foley's School in Cyprus, and is the author of Caligula (Routledge, 2005)