The history of the Roman Republic during the 70s BCE has generally been regarded by modern scholars as an obscure subject, a period difficult to analyze, mainly due to the fragmentary state of Sallust’s Histories, the absence of a...
moreThe history of the Roman Republic during the 70s BCE has generally been regarded by modern scholars as an obscure subject, a period difficult to analyze, mainly due to the fragmentary state of Sallust’s Histories, the absence of a comprehensive narrative of the decade in the ancient sources, the fact that only one speech of Cicero (in Verrem) has been preserved, and the challenges in discerning the political developments in the city of Rome during the period. However, the 70s BCE also witnessed the rise of leading politicians such as Lucullus, Crassus and Pompey, the struggle of the tribunes to regain their political powers, the partial dismantling of the Sullan model, and the issue of enfranchising the Italians who had been granted the Roman citizenship. The 70s BCE can also be considered a period of crisis during which the Roman Republic, as the ruler of an interconnected Mediterranean reality, had to contend with Lepidus’ coup, the Sertorian War, the third conflict against Mithridates VI, the Spartacus’ rebellion, and a severe economic and social crisis that affected the Roman Empire at all levels.
The aim of this conference is to bring together early career researchers and senior scholars who intend to present original interpretations of the 70s BCE and engage in a vibrant discussion. Our goal is to shed some light on this turbulent decade and demonstrate that it was not as “obscure” as it has been typically considered. The papers will last 20 to 25 minutes and be followed by a Q&A. The conference will take place in January 2025 at the Institute of Classical Studies, London.
