During ancient Rome, patricide (murder of one’s own father) was a crime with extreme consequences for everyone involved. In the most severe cases, it could result in the death penalty for the killer. Even though the Roman legal system heavily punished this crime, there were still periods of history during which patricides became quite frequent. What were the reasons for the emergence of such a dramatic phenomenon?
The Lex Cornelia de Sicariis et Veneficis, written by the Roman consul Julius Caesar in 81 BC, imposed significant penalties on those who committed parricide or other types of homicide. Many patricides, however, could be attributed to a rapidly rising problem dating back to the early days of the Republic: nepotism and inheritance practices. Back then, wealthy patricians were able to entrench their power by leaving all their property to just one of their heirs, resulting in bitter disputes among them. Additionally, children and adolescents, though legally of age, were indirectly deprived of their birthright.
Consequently, the resentment biult up within many families and often resulted in patricide, as the younger generations—yearning for independence, feeling deprived of their rights, and having no legal recourse—found in this act an outlet for their frustrations. Some arguments or heated exchanges between family members also played a part, as did depression and mental illness, which caused some children to rebel against their fathers and become violent. In other cases, patricides were committed by children who simply sought revenge against their parents following an unsuccessful dispute.
Overall, patricides in ancient Rome were both a social and a legal problem that had various causes, and the growing frequency of this crime put a strain on the Roman legal system. Children who committed patricide no longer feared the gods and, as the relationship between a father and son deteriorated, criminal activity could become more frequent. Nevertheless, patricide still carried grave consequences for the offender, as any murderer could expect to be punished regularly, regardless of their familial relationship.
Assasination of Nero Claudius Caesar
One of the most famous patricides of ancient Rome was the assassination of Nero Claudius Caesar, son of Germanicus and Agrippina, in June 68 AD. This event ended the Julio-Claudian dynasty and is considered a milestone episode in ancient Roman history. Nero was a widely unpopular leader, and public discontent with his reign was so great that his own mother plotted to have him killed. Nero was no victim of uncontrollable rage, but rather was assassinated by conspirators due to his many controversial political decisions.
Several theories have been put forward to try to clarify why his mother and a group of senators decided to take his life, some of which suggest he was killed in order to protect the Roman Republic against a tyrannical ruler. The ancient historian Tacitus mentions in his Annals that conspirators intended to put an end to Nero’s tyranny and restore the Republic. Moreover, the assassination of Nero sparked a sequence of events that paved the way for the ascendancy of Vespasian and ushered in the Flavian Dynasty.
Although Nero’s assassination affected the balance of power in Rome and had far-reaching repercussions for the city, it wasn’t seen as a patricide case. In fact, many historians agree that Agrippina had no intention of committing patricide, even though her actions ended her son’s life.
Ancient Mitigation Efforts
To mitigate the social issues associated with patricide and similar crimes, the ancient Roman legislators in the Republican period tried to de-criminalize certain patricide cases. For instance, under certain circumstances one could avoid his or her legal liability by claiming he or she had “justifiably” killed their father, which was supported by a provision mentioned in the Lex Cornelia de Sicariis et Veneficis.
In the Roman period, patricide was seen as an offense against the state and against the gods, and the perpetrators of such acts were still subject to legal sanctions, though the courts could also consider whether the accused had acted in self-defense. Even if found to be not guilty, the accused still faced social outcasting and possible exile.
Nevertheless, the Roman Republic was unable to adequately address the issues related to patricide. This is why Augustus introduced new methods to alleviate the problem, such as increased surveillance, harsher punishments for the offenders, and more power for fathers in the areas of guardianship and inheritance. In the end, patricide cases were still registered, but the overall number of these crimes did not rise significantly during Augustus’s reign.
Modern Dynamics
Today, patricide remains a serious social and criminal issue, and most nations have enacted laws to prevent this crime. In the United States, the federal court system has exclusive jurisdiction over major cases involving felonies, including patricides which, if found guilty of, can carry a sentence of up to life in prison or execution. Most countries, however, have abolished capital punishment for this crime.
In modern societies, patricide is often associated with mental illnesses, such as depression or psychosis, as well as substance abuse or domestic abuse. In some cases, it is motivated by revenge or misguided attempt to help a suffering parent. With the exception of cases of justifiable homicide, it is important to note that even in the most extreme cases, patricide is always a crime and should be treated accordingly, as it is an offense to the entire society.
Healthcare Treatment For Mental Illness
In order to prevent patricide cases, treatment of mental illnesses should be available to all. Mental health professionals and researchers recommend comprehensive treatments to address both the medical and psychological aspects of different mental disorders. Such treatments may include the use of psychotropic drugs, psychotherapy, and clinical social work. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary in order to properly control and stabilize the mental condition of the person in question.
However, it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to mental healthcare. Different mental illnesses require different approaches, and the best way forward depends on the individual situation and characteristics. Therefore, it is best to consult a mental health professional in order to provide an adequate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.
Mental Health Professional Education
In addition to increased access to mental healthcare, mental health professionals should also receive proper training and ongoing education in order to better identify and treat individuals suffering from mental illnesses. Most state and federal governments offer resources and incentives for mental health professionals to further their education and training, including seminars, conferences, and certificate programs. It is essential that mental health professionals stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field as well as best practices in order to provide high-quality treatment.
Educational institutions should also do their part by offering specialized curricula and courses in the mental health field. Universities should not solely focus on the traditional cognitive sciences, but also offer education programs that provide students with the necessary skills to confront and support people affected by mental illnesses. Therefore, the government and universities must work together to ensure that mental health professionals have the resources and training necessary to best serve individuals suffering from mental health problems.
Conclusion
Patricide cases in ancient Rome were a complex social and legal issue and still remain a problem in modern societies. Despite the presence of laws, patricide still occurs, often out of desperation and a feeling of being cornered. Therefore, it is essential to address this complex problem in a comprehensive manner, not only with increased surveillance and harsher sanctions, but also by providing accessible and adequate mental healthcare and professional mental health training.
