07-21-2008, 07:08 PM
Caesar was an interesting case: Speaking and acting as a populare, while at the same time aggressively consolidating dictatorial powers within his grip. Yes, he never became imperator like Octavian, but he made it possible for Octavian to do so.
And if he had not been assassinated, would he have relinquished powers again, like Sulla did? After being voted dictator for life, he was really imperator in all but title anyway -- but Sulla could have held it, too, and he chose to retire. (I'm not saying Sulla was a great guy, but that was a move I'd never have expected, and it suggests he really thought he was restoring the Republic.)
Caesar, incidentally, is quoted as commenting on this: "Sulla did not know his political ABCs." That certainly does not suggest plans of retirement.
And if he had not been assassinated, would he have relinquished powers again, like Sulla did? After being voted dictator for life, he was really imperator in all but title anyway -- but Sulla could have held it, too, and he chose to retire. (I'm not saying Sulla was a great guy, but that was a move I'd never have expected, and it suggests he really thought he was restoring the Republic.)
Caesar, incidentally, is quoted as commenting on this: "Sulla did not know his political ABCs." That certainly does not suggest plans of retirement.
Wayne Anderson/ Wander
