Rugged Indoorsman

Hi all, Apologies for what is possibly another inane question on my part. I've been pondering lately some of the details and intricacies of what may have been involved in an election to the various magistracies. Hopefully someone can help out, as you've never failed me in the past... 1) How was an 'election campaign' conducted? How would those looking to be appointed into a position appeal to their voters? When would their campaign begin; ie, as soon as the current year's magistrates are put in place, would people begin politicking for the next year, or were there certain traditional times when such things were done? When were votes conducted vs. when did the person come into office? 2) How large were the fields? For example, in a given year, what would you estimate as to a number of those running for the various magistracies? (Consul, Praetor, Aedile, Quaestor, Tribune of the Plebs, etc...) 3) Was there a minimum, maximum, general or traditional age for a Tribune of the Plebs? Most of the other offices seem to have a fairly rigid structure (prior to Sulla at least.), but I can't seem to find details on ages for this one. 4) Religious offices. Who votes for/selects these folks? Likewise for the vestals? How many augurs were there? What were the requirements for eligibility? 5) Military legates (Such as Marius with Q. Caecilius Metellus in Numidia). How were they selected and what authority did they have? Is this the same thing as a military tribune? Note, I'm primarily thinking of the Late Republic here, pre-Sulla's dictatorship; but sources from other eras would be welcome too. Thanks for the help, -RI

Hi all, I'm currently looking for details of who was holding the various offices from the years 110-108BCE, or at least who probably was. I've seen numerous lists of the consuls by year for every year of the republic; which is a great asset. However, what of the lesser offices? Do such lists exist at all, anywhere? If not, does anyone know? Particularly, looking for Praetors, Quaestors, Aediles and Tribunes of the Plebs. I do have M. Aemilius Scaurus and M. Livius Drusus as censors as of 109 until 108 when the latter died. Also (and this is probably really stretching my chances here), if information is available on who ran for those positions but failed; that would be useful too... Thanks for the help. RI.

Thanks Primus Pilus & Nephele for the links; they're not directly useful for this current research I'm doing, but look very promising and useful for others. With regards to M. Junius Silanus again, I'm thinking that (at least for my purposes) he'll be allied with M. Aurelius Scaurus and Q. Caecilius Metellus (as well as their families.) He served as consul along with the latter and for the former, both were prosecuted by Gn. Domitus Ahenobarbus in 104BCE. Since I also seem to recall that Scaurus and some of the Metellii were also alligned, it made sense to me. Plus, there is a lot more information available on those two figures than Silanus So, as for others, beyond those two: I imagine that he'll be strongly opposed to the Marian faction once it starts to gain steam. Are there any other prominent factions from that period that would make for good friends and enemies? Finally, how much is the disasterous loss against the Cimbri likely to have stained his family name and career from that point on? I had some questions on elections for senatorial offices, and particularly the election 'campaigns', but I may start another topic for that once I compose my thoughts on it some more. Thanks! -RI.

The above information was exactly the sort of thing that I was looking for. Detailed references would be great, if it isn't too much trouble, although it may be a few weeks before I can get my hands on the resources. Also, M. Porcius Cato; that link was excellent. No maps (with working links at least) on ten years either side of the date I'm looking at, but territorial gains seem to have been relatively minor in this stage, with Africa seeming to be about the extent. I should be able to put something together from a blank map and judicious use of Photoshop. Thank you! -RI.

Hello all, As I've mentioned in another thread I started, my wife and I are writing a story set in Rome, starting 110BC and continuing from there for (an as yet) an indeterminate amount of years. Our plans for the main character is that she will be the daughter of M. Junius Silanus who will soon become Consul in 109 along with Q. Caecilius Metellus Numidicus. However, I'm currently having trouble finding out very much information on him; other than the fact that he becomes consul in 109 and was soundly beaten by the Cimbri in Transalpine Gaul. Later, in 104 he was charged by tribune Cn. Domitus Ahenobarbus of having fought without the commission of the people and largely being to blame for the troubles as a result of the war. He was acquitted almost unanimously. Also, Cicero is known to have praised his oratorical abilities. He was also the likely father of D. Junius Silanus, future step-father of the (in)famous M. Brutus; but that is too far in the future to come into any plans for our immediate concerns. Beyond this, I can't find much else at all about him. I was hoping that those more knowledgable than I can suggest either sources with more detail; or perhaps some thoughts on other details of his character and who his likely friends and rivals may have been, as well as his possible stance on various things. Also, on a related note, are there any maps of the Republic & it's provinces from this time period? Thanks, RI.

Hi all, I just wanted to add my thanks for all of the assistance and suggestions so far as well. Also, I think ParaVox3 may have meant 110BC, rather than AD. Thanks! -RI.

I'm game to try this, and am male. My first and last name scrambled: jeanuenbirnrtm My full name scrambled: nnjrrhejanouibnmet Could we also include one for my wife? First/Last: noflizhteeibagelh Full: inzthlaigeeoebfhleneer Thanks, -RI.

Hello all, I'm very much new here- this is my first post in fact. I thought I'd start with a question that my wife and I were trying to find solid information on, but simply couldn't. We're currently planning to write a book wherein the answer will determine how things flow. The question is, basically: if a Roman man and woman were to conceive a child, but were not married, what would be the status of that child, under a few different circumstances: 1) If they were both married to others, and both of the patrician class. 2) If they were both married to others, and the man was a higher class. 3) If they were both married to others, and the woman was a higher class. 4) If the man was married, but the woman wasn't. 5) If the woman was married, but the man wasn't. 6) If neither were married. Also, would the gender of the resulting child make any sort of difference? Another related question is, what were the cultural standards, if any, of adopting girls? Thanks for reading, -RI