Procuring an election: 'Ambitus' in the Roman Republic, 432-49 B.C.

Abstract

This dissertation examines the illegal electoral conduct known as ambitus, which was evident in numerous magisterial elections in the Roman Republic and particularly in the last decades. Topics include how the Romans themselves defined ambitus; in which elections ambitus was more commonly found; and the implications of ambitus for Roman society and politics. The related practice of coitio, the legal sharing of resources by candidates, is also discussed. The dissertation comprises an introductory section and four chapters. The Introduction defines ambitus as the Romans saw it, and provides some details concerning the practical connections between ambitus and the characteristics of elections in the comitia centuriata. Chapter 1 examines the legal evidence and issues and presents the leges de ambitu in chronological order. The definition of ambitus as evident in the laws is then considered. Chapter 2 presents a chronological list of men involved in ambitus and coitio. Information is given concerning the identity of the defendant and of counsel for the prosecution and defense, the source of the charges, and the outcome of the indictment or trial. Chapter 3 examines some of the patterns that are visible in indictments and trials for ambitus. Chapter 4 considers the position of ambitus within Roman society. It examines the connections to the novi homines, to the clientela system, and with debt and violence, as well as the inevitability of ambitus in the Roman electoral system, given the principles behind electoral competition.