Crisis Management during the Roman Republic
The Role of Political Institutions in Emergencies

This book provides a detailed examination of internal and external crises in the Roman Republic, illuminating the inner workings of the Republic.

Gregory K. Golden (Author)

9781107032859, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 22 April 2013

264 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.56 kg

'An excellent work for those interested in the Roman Republic or governmental responses to crises.' A. A. Nofi, The NYMAS Review

'Crisis' is the defining word for our times and it likewise played a key role in defining the scope of government during the Roman Republic. This book is a comprehensive analysis of key incidents in the history of the Republic that can be characterized as crises, and the institutional response mechanisms that were employed by the governing apparatus to resolve them. Concentrating on military and other violent threats to the stability of the governing system, this book highlights both the strengths and weaknesses of the institutional framework that the Romans created. Looking at key historical moments, Gregory K. Golden considers how the Romans defined a crisis and what measures were taken to combat them, including declaring a state of emergency, suspending all non-war-related business, and instituting an emergency military draft, as well as resorting to rule by dictator in the early Republic.

1. Crisis and the sources for crisis and governmental responses
2. The Roman dictator
3. States of emergency: the tumultus declaration
4. States of emergency: the iustitium edict
5. The senatus consultum ultimum
6. Crises resolved by other means
7. The winter of discontent and the summer which led to a fall
8. The evolution of crisis response during the Roman Republic.

Subject Areas: Political leaders & leadership [JPHL], Politics & government [JP], Military history [HBW], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]