Societas Via Romana - Discussion Archives

Salvete omnes,

I've been reading Keaveney's "Sulla: the last Republican" recently, and he said something quite interesting; he said that, in the war against Jugurtha, Gaius Marius was given full diplomatic powers by the Senate to make a peace treaty with Bocchus of Mauretania. I've not heard of another example of this happening during the Republic. In fact, generals usually got rapped on the knuckles by the Senate if they presumed to negotiate a treaty themselves. Were there any other times that the Senate gave such far-reaching diplomatic powers to generals? If so, was it common occurrence, or a rare exception?

Many thanks!

Bene valete,
Marcus Scribonius Curio Agelastus.

Didn't Caesar and Eutropius mention something about commanders and treaties? Taxes maybe? I can't remember off the top of my head...

Salvete,

The authorisation was granted after Marius became Consul. I realise that they had the power to negotiate small contracts and such, but long-standing diplomatic treaties? Surely that would be the work of a Senatorial commission?

Bene valete,
Marcus Scribonius Curio Agelastus.

Salvete!

Normally, a magistrate invested with the imperium had indeed the power to negociate a treaty, which was only valid after recognition by the senate or the senatorial commission (see the Flamininus affair). But one may never forget the flexibility of the Roman system in order to respond quickly.
By giving Marius the authority, he could quickly exploit the situation without having to wait for senatorial approval - and so denying hostile senators the right to reject it which in turn would have led to renewed hostility and a prolonged war. Bocchus was Iugurtha's only ally and by ending the war with him, it was only a matter of time before Iugurtha could be captured. So it could have been possible that Marius could act "for the benefit of the Republic as he saw fitting."

Valete,
Valeria Campagnana