PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE BOLD/UNDERLINED TERMS! Stage 11 Cultura Pages 22-24 in packets Pages 194-198 in book PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE BOLD/UNDERLINED TERMS!

Local Government and Elections Local elections were held at the end of March each year. The “fautores” were groups of supporters who would contribute in many ways to their chosen candidate They would hold processions in the streets They would “talk up” the candidates to others They would paint election notices on walls around town.

There were several different offices a person could run for: The “duoviri” were the senior officials in charge of hearing evidence and handing out verdicts in court The “aediles” were two men in charge of making sure public services were run efficiently and local taxes were spent wisely. They were in charge of supervising following areas: Public markets Police force Baths Places of public entertainment Water supply and sewers

In addition to these, there was also a town council that people could run for. It consisted of 100 men (called “decuriones”) The members were chosen by the town council itself

How can you spot a candidate? Candidates would wear a “toga candida” It was a regular toga that had been whitened with chalk Comes from the word “candidus” meaning “dazzling (white)” Candidates would campaign by walking around and speaking with voters while their clients and fautores would praise them, make promises on their behalf, and offer bribes.

“Panem et Circenses” Bribery in the form of financial persuasion was definitely illegal in the election process…but that didn’t mean that it didn’t happen! Many candidates would have their supporters bribe voters to ensure a win. Candidates could legally bribe voters in a non-monetary way by promising to hold games or entertainment if they were elected.

Successful candidates were expected to pay for repairs of public buildings out of their own money. The Holconii family held many public offices, and their name is tied to the large theater in Pompeii The Flacci family also held many public offices, and contributed to many civic buildings. They were also known for putting on excellent entertainment.

Why is it important? Public service was important because otherwise towns would not be able to afford many of the benefits they received, such as theaters, public baths, etc. Local taxes were not enough to pay for such things. Although public officials did not receive a paycheck for their service, they did receive benefits such as: Good seats at the amphitheater/theater Names would be placed on buildings they contributed to Maybe even a statue!

Big Trouble Small towns normally ran their own affairs, however Rome or the Emperor might interfere if the local government was spinning out of control. This happened during the Nucerian Riot in 59 BC in Pompeii (Stage 8) An appointed official who ran the town (called a praefectus) ran Pompeii for 2 years until they had regained trust from Rome. They were still not allowed to have games for 10 years following this.

Other supporters “Vicini” were groups of neighbors that supported a specific candidate. Women were not permitted to vote in elections (Typical Romans!) however they did contribute to the election process by supporting local candidates. Roman women could be very influential to those who did have the opportunity to vote. The comitium was the permanent voting building in the forum.

Election Notices Many slogans would be painted on walls supporting various candidates. Some of them are below: Casellius for aedile! We want Titus Claudius Verus for duovir! Innkeepers, vote for Sallustius Capito! All the people who are fast asleep vote for Vatia!

What do you think? Why do you think election notices were painted on walls in the dead of night?