Vir Romanus – probus, honestus, benevolus? Postulowane cechy Rzymianina a wizerunki władców dynastii julijsko-klaudyjskiej w wybranych passusach dzieł antycznych

Abstract

The aim of the article is an attempt to present a dichotomic image of the Roman ruler. It is concentrated on traditional features, understood as postulated in relation to person in power, such as justice, honesty, modesty and self-control. All of them belong to the canon of virtutes Romanae, and obedience toward them was characteristic of Roman society until the fall of Carthage. Along with its fall, the disappearance of true morality can be observed. The important turning point there is the reign of Augustus who, by undertaking the revival of old values, introduces a new order to the state. The article describes the rulers of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and the emphasis is placed on a dualistic image of their behaviour (positive versus negative) presented in ancient texts by Tacitus, Suetonius, Velleius Paterculus and Florus.