Domestic Politics 662-679
Part 2: 667-679, Rise of the Mercantalist Faction
Cinna's consulship was the start of the Religious faction's loss of influence. Operating on the basis of a constantly shifting set of alliances, he sought to weaken them and by early 668 felt confident enough to openly promote his own Civic grouping.
His reliance on secret meetings and subtle shifts of policy became legendary in the Senate. He had perhaps few friends and more admirers but even his most hardened opponent had to smile when he was able to proclaim the Gods were on his side.
By the summer of 668 he had decided that the only means to permanently weaken the Religious faction was to promote the power of the larger Mercantalist grouping. As they were to find, Cinna's support came with a high price.
However, not all the plots in this period were of his making. The Religious faction was in confusion as it lost power, but was still able to manipulate events to suit its own interests.
Of course there were those who saw, even in this, Cinna's hand. How better to pretend not to manipulate all events when he had firm evidence that outcomes contrary to his own interests could occur?
As Cinna's consulship neared its end, he made plans for the future. In the first case he was prepared to hand the consulship to Metellus but he also created a long term alliance with one of the groupings within the Mercantalist party. In turn this was to create a long term power base for him within the Senate.
By late 668 the consulship passed, as it should have in 666 to Lucius Metellus. Metellus' lack of subtlety was an advantage at least for Cinna, as his wisdom and guidance was sought after, giving him a voice even after his consulship was over.
It was not just in the realm of politics that Rome steadily changed. From the east came various Greek ideas, even if they were quickly incorporated into Roman life, it was a novelty that a Republic built by farmers and soldiers felt the need for men who spoke in riddles and thought in the abstract. Once glory was based on a well run farm or a life of selfless service, now the powerful found as much glory in sponsoring a philosophical evening as in the affairs of state.
With wealth, and with a growing focus on display not form, the architecture of the new Rome became increasingly ornate.
Not all the new art made the impression desired by its new owner.
By this time Metellus was the laughing stock of Rome. Yes he was an able soldier but completely ill at ease with the social mores of the new aristocracy. It was easy for Cinna to ensure that his friend, Lucius Caesar, became consul in 670 as the Religious Faction became more and more marginalised.
Many, even his critics, accepted that Cinna brought stability. With the political process firmly in his hands the raw politics, violence and drama passed away. For some this was a loss, to many it was welcome. Rome's borders may have been in turmoil, but the central provinces of Italy lay at peace..
Quintus Caepio followed Lucius in 672 and in turn was followed by Decimus Brutus in 674.
To broaden the appeal of the faction, for the first time a Senatorial grouping actively sought the approval of the poor. The growing threat of revolt by the fast growing population of Rome was reduced by the introduction of the corn dole.
With the exile of Sertorius in early 676, a subtle shift of policy occured. Or, more correctly, the Mercantile faction decided to be consistent in the sharing of power. Lucius Merula may have been incompetent, but his accession to the Consulship in 676 was an important signal of this shift.
With the Religious Faction marginalised, the Mercantalists could afford to relax their grip on power.
To many outside, the Republic seemed a strong unified state. Its fame and appeal steadily spread as did its borders.
Merula might have been incompetent, but he managed to secure the passage of the Lex Civitas Deses. This saw a substantial increase in the discipline and power of the legions. A reform that proved its worth during the Third Numidian War.
Gnaeus Dolobella followed in 678. The return of the consulship to the Mercantalists being overlooked in the relief that the state was again in the hands of such a competent leader.
Unfortunately, given what was to come, Rome was in need of more than mere competence.[1]
[1] this completes the political/domestic side of chapter two. Time now for some wars. Then Chapter three with its return to Civil War, dealing with the evil Gallic threat and a few small wars in the East. As a gameplay note, what I am doing is playing the chapter beyond the one I am writing up. So I have some idea of the immediate consequences beyond the narrative but not how this is going to end. This also helps when I am making sense of my screenshots as it reduces the feeling of bemusement as to why I took that particular image or how to sort out the material.
