The Roman Republican Imperatorial Salutation

Abstract

The Roman Republican imperatorial salutation was an influential ritual during the late Republican period. This ritual has received little attention over the last 50 years since Robert Combès released his now seminal book on the title of imperator. In this thesis, I argue for why multiple of the topics covered in that book require a re-examination, in particular the arguments surrounding the possible first salutations. This encompasses a thorough examination of the potential salutation of Quinctius Poenus, Combès’ arguments concerning the salutation of Scipio Africanus, and my own theory as to who the recipient of this ritual acclamation was. This thesis covers the second century BCE and how the socio-economic, political, and military changes of that period were reflected in the growth and increasing popularity of the imperatorial salutation. Finally, it delves into the first century BCE and the effects that the major figures of that time had on the development of this ritual as it changed along with Rome’s transition from a Republican system to a principate.