Moderatio and Clementia In Late Roman Republic And Early Principate

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the role played by clementia (mercy/ clemency) as a particular peacebuilding skill in Late Roman Republic and Early Principate. More specifically, my aim is to investigate some of the historical and philosophical conditions that determinate the change of moderatio or temperance into mercy. My claim is that mercy becomes a concept closely related to the new stage of autocratic political power derived from Civil Wars, and therefore essential not only to justify the authority of the princeps but also to establish the requirements of the Pax Romana. Concentrating primarily on Pseudo-Sallust, Cicero, August, Seneca and Tacitus writings, I wish to demonstrate that moderatio and clementia are interrelated virtues applied to different historical contexts.