What an extraordinary decision it would be to refuse a royal titling and a throne, something almost no one would think of doing, especially in ancient Rome when kingship and power were highly revered and sought-after positions.
There were several individuals in Ancient Rome who opted to forgo kingship for various reasons. Roman historian Livy reported that in 509 BCE, the Senate elected Lucius Junius Brutus as the first consul of Rome, shortly after the overthrown of the monarchy and the first establishment of the Roman Republic. It was thus Brutus’ mission to defend Roman liberties and the state against a variety of threats, including the possibility of a monarchy being restored. He and the Senate managed to achieve a good political balance, decentralizing power and instituting the office of consul, which tested two annually elected individuals who were given control over Rome, but not so much power that it could be given to a king.
Brutus was successful and he declined to accept a royal title himself. He vowed that he would rather die than to be a king and upon setting a bowl of molten gold, Brutus melted down his signet ring of kingship and declared, “Whosoever tastes this, will be a slave.” Brutus was assassinated in the attempts of a royal coup, however his bravery and adherence to his personal principles have been praised in the annals of Roman history.
In the time succeeding his death, another remarkable figure arose who refused to take the throne: Spurius Cassius. During the chaotic political atmosphere in 471 BCE, Spurius Cassius General and Tribune of Rome, was offered a kingship so that he could resolve the crisis. The Senate initially agreed but the Roman plebeians were wary – history had, after all, taught them of the risks of having a powerful king. Cassius proposed a moderate solution instead: having two tribunes and two aediles elected by the plebeians, with their power balance and finance their own army. In a bold move, Cassius even proposed that to illustrate his reform better, he should be declared as the first sacrifice of it. Having no kingship titles, despite being a great military leader and the power bestowed upon him, took a great sense of stoicism and sacrifice.
In the third century BCE, the Senate of Rome sought to restore the monarchy again. King Porsenna of Clusium offered marriage of his son, Arruns, to the sister of Publius Caelius Rufus. According to Savigny, Rufus refused the offer in favour of using his forces to defend Rome rather than acquire a throne. By this time, the austerity of a republic offered fewer temptations and successes to overtake than before, and the offer of kingship would have been a great but obviously risky honour.
Pontius Cominius Aelianus is another key figure in Roman history to reject the kingship. Atticus’s succession of the kingship was inquired but Navius Pollio, the augur, advised the Senate to seek advice from Aelianus on the matter. The well-known response to the inquiry was as follows: “If Atticus desires to become a king let him first become a good man.” This wisdom from Aelianus implied that attaining kingship, especially when it could result in dysfunction and chaos for the state, was not a prerequisite for becoming a good man. Essentially, Rome was no longer in need of a royal consort – a situation that many of their cities and states had found themselves in centuries earlier.
During a time in which civil wars, political atrocities, and corruption lurked in the shadows, those who have had the strength and courage to turn down a throne and help Rome grow as a society have truly demonstrated extraordinary acts of resistance. From the brave Lucius Junius Brutus and Spurius Cassius to King Porsenna and Pontius Cominius Aelianus, the countless individuals who have preserved a republic and remained independent of kingship have played a crucial role in Roman history.
The Revolutionary Lucius Junius Brutus
Lucius Junius Brutus answered the call of the Roman Senate and defended Roman liberties, becoming the first consul of Rome. He opted to forgo kingship and melted down his signet ring of kingship and made a dramatic declaration, which was heard and appreciated by many people. Brutus was assassinated in the attempts of a royal coup, as expected he didn’t go down with out a fight, his bravery to his principles even in death is still one of the most respected acts in modern day.
The Centre Of Roman Architecture Spurius Cassius
Spurius Cassius found himself presented an enticing offer of kingship which was greatly attractive to power hungry individuals. Rather than take up this offer, Spurius Cassius proposed a much more moderate solution which involved election of two tribunes by the plebeians and the ability to power balance between the two and fund an army. As a true Roman, Spurius Cassius declined any kingship despite his military background, showing his true commitment to the greater good of Rome.
The Turning Point of History King Porsenna Of Clusium
In the third century BCE the Senate attempted to restore monarchy again, leading to an offer of kingship bestowed upon King Porsenna of Clusium. His son was offered marriage to the sister of Publius Caelius Rufus. In a surprise move, which shocked the Senate, Publius Caelius Rufus refused the offer in favour of using his forces to defend his people rather than satisfy his ambitions further. This started a new trend of aversion to monarchism and appreciation of the republican system which was adopted in Rome.
The Sage Pontius Cominius Aelianus
Pontius Cominius Aelianus was a wise sage and advisor in Roman history, who refused to accept any kingship titles no matter how powerful or influential he may have been. His wisedom spoke for itself when he was asked for advice about the succession of the kingship, and replied with the famous words: “If Atticus desires to become a king let him first become a good man”.
The Importance of Discipline and Moderation
As demonstrated by the greatest leaders in Ancient Rome, disciplined and moderate behavior had a lasting impact on the development of Roman society. Wielding power as a tool was not the best approach, but using wisdom and patience to uphold the political standards of the republic was the optimal path that would lead to furthered success. This path of moderation and standing up for Roman rights instead of sacrificing morals and value to satisfy ambitions, ultimately give meaning to the country and mark their place in the golden era of history.
The Meaning of Great Power
Each individual who chose to refuse kingship and ruled for the greater good of Rome articulated the nature of great power. They chose to wield responsibility instead of wield entitlement, and sacrificed personal successes for the higher purpose of achieving success for the state. The leaders’ loyalty and moral principles demonstrate how showing strength and greatness does not need to rely on a kingship or title, but instead their values and empathy for the welfare of their society.
The Legacy Of Ancient Rome
The legacy of Ancient Rome and those men who refused to be kings live on and does not go unnoticed. There are many of lessons to be carried on in today’s world, that shows being just and possessing integrity can go a long way, even if it means going against the grain. It’s a reminder that leadership has to have vision, something which was important to Ancient Roman society then, and is relevant still today.
