A classical study in tragedy

The Norman Transcript

May 27, 2006 12:30 am

— For The Transcript

Nothing describes Rome and the Roman Empire more precisely than the word "awesome." Geographically,
the ancient Empire swept from Britain to the Euphrates River, from the Danube River to North Africa. In
time, its influence is measured from the 8th century before Christ to the present where Roman religious and
legal principles permeate world culture.
The path to national greatness is never straight nor smooth. The path is always jagged, stressful and not
infrequently violent. This is certainly the case with the rise of Rome. Wars to conquer the Italian peninsula
and beyond, conflicts among parties, coups and collusions were interspersed with the growth of Raman
eminence and the struggles among those ambitious for power. Kings, the assembly, the senate, consuls,
soldiers, the landed and wealthy and the Praetorian Guard -- the bodyguard of the Emperor -- were often in
fierce conflict. The murder of Julius Caesar is a well known illustration, but there were many others less
appreciated although equally destructive of ordered government and justice.
One of life's greatest puzzles is how honorable families can produce wretched off-spring, children who
become blackguards, villains. Rome's noblest Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, who set the highest standards for
leadership, was succeeded by his son Commodus. This young man was corrupt, a disaster in the extreme. He
was wasteful, self-indulgent and evil. He debased himself and his office by entering the gladiatorial combats
always assuring himself an advantage. And he disgraced Rome with a misguided treaty with the Germans.
Commodus began his reign seemingly as an honorable Emperor; he ended it shamefully and was strangled
while suffering from intoxication and poison.
The ensuing question was who shall rule Rome? The conspirators not only dispatched Commodus but they
also selected his successor. Their selection was an older man and distinguished Senator, Publius Pertinax, who
was also honored as prefect of the City of Rome. He had served as a consul -- generally an overseas
administrator, commander in the military and he enjoyed a reputation for honesty. This latter quality is
remarkable for the times had long been characterized by the buying and selling of public office. But the
firmness and trustworthiness of Pertinax marked him as one who had earlier been chosen as a worthy minister
of Marcus Aurelius.
Pertinax was awakened in the middle of the night to the news of his "election" to the Emperorship. His initial
reaction was fear; perhaps his informants had come to assassinate him. He tried to deflect their attention,
pointing out that other senators were both worthy and qualified. But the door of history was closed. Pertinax
reluctantly assumed the office, governing with thoughtfulness and prudence. With dignity and good judgment
he tried to rule with justice. Evidence of his good intentions was repeal of the arbitrary and unjust tax laws of
Commodus. But the predatory and ambitious were not satisfied.
The character and efforts of Pertinax to rule in an upright manner were not sufficient to contain the ambitions
of the Praetorian Guard. The Emperor wanted a disciplined guard; the guardsmen resisted. When a band from
the Praetorians advanced on Pertinax their purpose was clear. When the undaunted Emperor held his ground
showing neither fear nor seeking refuge, the guardsmen stopped, paralyzed by his dignity and courage. But
after some hesitation the guardsmen carried out their mission. They ended his rule after a mere three months.
With the murder of Commodus and Pertinax begins nearly a century of "Barrack Emperors" -- Emperors
selected by the army. The decaying foundations of the Roman Empire were evident centuries earlier, but this
absence of discipline, order and respect for law and tradition stands as one of the fundamental causes for the
decline and fall of Rome.
Not only Rome has perished, but all empires and civilizations perish. It is not a question of whether they shall
come to an end; the questions is when and what are the long-term and immediate, percipient causes. The
murder of Commodus, a scoundrel, and Pertinax, an honorable man, show us how irrational, brutal and
barbaric humans can be. This all but forgotten and fading episode in human history is an instructive vignette
depicting courage and cowardice, balance and uncontrolled ambition. We salute flags, sing anthems and recite
pledges of allegiance, but these alone will not save us from inattention to reality or the failure to cultivate
humane sensibilities. Mathew Arnold once pleaded "Let the long contention cease!" But salvation will come
and contention will cease when, in the magnitude of the universe, we acknowledge the inconsequential nature
of our little culture, when we see the absurdity of our materialistic ambitions, when we understand the need
for one another and when we go down the long path of lie with a spirit of mutual affection. The alternative is
endless repetition, with modem and enlarged variations, of the Roman vignette.
Lloyd Williams is a retired educator. His column runs every other Saturday in The Transcript

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