CLASS 20B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Praetor, Liberal Arts Education, Tyrant
Document Summary
One of the wealthiest private persons in the empire. This speech thanks current emperor trajan & alludes to tyrannical reign of the assassinated emperor domitian (ad 81-96) Shows what roman upper class expected of an emperor & what they admired. Also shows what they thought about past & contemporary senate. Emperor divinely chosen for his task jupiter chose the emperor at his altar. Emperor is a fellow-citizen, not a tyrant. Special virtue the emperor never forgets he is a man himself like everyone else while a ruler. Past rulers delighted over the servitude of their subjects rather than valued their liberty. Speaker doesn"t fear that his gratitude/lack of it will be judged by the emperor with arrogance. Gods themselves delight in the innocence & purity of their worshippers rather than in the elaborate preparation of the prayers they offer . Current emperor is serious but shows good humor. Emperor isn"t consumed by his riches/fortune, still walks around.
