The Challenge to the Auspices: Studies on Magisterial Power in the Middle Roman Republic

The Roman state required prior permission from Iuppiter Optimus Maximus (Optimus Maximus) for any public action, known as auspices, to be carried out. This practice was not always universal, and in the 3rd century BCE, there were attempts to avoid, ignore, or resist it. The Challenge to the Auspices examines the interaction of Roman magistrates with the practice of auspices, with a focus on attempts to avoid, ignore, or resist this requirement. It argues that these instances reflect a not insignificant minority view within the Roman ruling class regarding the efficacy of auspices and the necessity of observing them. By the second century, the practice had become universal, regardless of personal belief.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Roman state, represented by the populus Romanus, operated under a strict rule that required prior permission from Iuppiter Optimus Maximus for any public action, whether at home or on the battlefield. This permission was sought through a process known as auspices, which involved the magistrate responsible for the intended action, typically a Consul, Praetor, or Dictator. Auspices played a crucial role in the unwritten constitution of the Roman State, as they ensured that the actions of the state were guided by divine authority. However, it is important to note that the acceptance of this principle was not universal throughout the Roman Empire.

In the 3rd century BCE, there were instances where Roman magistrates challenged the requirement of auspices. The Challenge to the Auspices delves into the intricate interplay between Roman magistrates and the practice of auspices during the Middle Republic. It specifically focuses on attempts to evade, disregard, or resist this requirement. The work begins by examining the Roman concepts of imperium and auspices, particularly as they related to the realm of war. It also explores the constitutional position and powers of the Dictator and the Master-of-Horse (magister equitum) relative to the Consuls and lower magistrates.

The book presents six case studies in which Roman commanders questioned, violated, or openly rejected the need for auspices. These instances serve as a reflection of a minority view within the Roman ruling class regarding the efficacy of auspices and the necessity of observing them. The catastrophic outcomes in several of these events, particularly during the early years of the Second Punic War, made further resistance to the practice politically unsustainable. By the second century, the universal acceptance of auspices, regardless of personal belief, had become a reality.

The significance of the Challenge to the Auspices lies in its exploration of the complex relationship between Roman magistrates, religious practices, and political power. It sheds light on the dynamics of the Roman state and the challenges faced by its rulers in navigating the religious and constitutional complexities of their time. The book provides valuable insights into the historical context and the cultural significance of auspices in the Roman Empire.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192855527