06-04-2010, 08:47 AM
Vaguely, I would say that the Roman civilisation had a history of a "federal" (for lack of a better term) society. The Secession of the Plebs has been termed the creation of a state-within-a-state. Various allies were part of the res publica but had their own government. Even under Trajan, Pliny was told to follow local laws. The early Church seemed to be similar - there was a social movement for an internal structure, with their governing Elders or Bishops, their own rules and so on. This could cause problems at times, like with riots by trade guilds and circus factions or Christians refusing to sacrifice.
I guess an "Imperial" superstructure allowed semi-self-governing societies to develop. In time, some of these new organisations assumed regular "constitutional" powers. The tribunes were accepted as regular magistrates, and later the bishops became very powerful locally in all elements of society.
I guess an "Imperial" superstructure allowed semi-self-governing societies to develop. In time, some of these new organisations assumed regular "constitutional" powers. The tribunes were accepted as regular magistrates, and later the bishops became very powerful locally in all elements of society.
David J. Cord
www.davidcord.com
www.davidcord.com
