{"id":10301,"date":"2023-10-31T07:05:12","date_gmt":"2023-10-31T06:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=10301"},"modified":"2023-10-31T07:05:12","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T06:05:12","slug":"who-said-i-forbid-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/who-said-i-forbid-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Said I Forbid In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Ancient Rome<\/h2>\n

The Roman Empire is one of ancient history’s most renowned civilizations. Established as early as 753 BCE, the reign of Ancient Rome spanned almost a millennium, from the early days of its Republic to the peak of its Imperial control, to its eventual decline and dissolution in the 4th century CE. As such, it has left an indelible imprint on world history, spanning the development of law, the establishment of democracy, the rise of Christianity, and a myriad of architectural and engineering advances.
\nThis article will explore the popularize question “Who said I forbid in ancient Rome?”, providing an analysis of the major personalities, events and trends that lead to the formation and maintenance of Roman power. In doing so, it will explore the historical and modern context of this phrase.<\/p>\n

Historical Context<\/h2>\n

The Roman Republic, the forerunner of the Empire, was founded in 509 BCE, when the last Etruscan king was overthrown by the Roman Senate. The senate soon became the central governing body of the Republic and was composed of aristocratic landowners and senators from the most prominent families of Rome.
\nThe Roman Republic was at first a small city-state located in the center of the Italian peninsula. However, by the 2nd century BCE, it had risen to become the dominant power in the Mediterranean region and much of Europe, with Rome at its center.
\nAt the height of its power, the Roman Republic was ruled by the Roman Senate, who had the power to pass laws, levy taxes and control military decisions. One of the most famous instances of their power was the passage of the Lex Cornelia, or “Cornelian Law”, in 81 BCE. This law forbade Romans from participating in games of chance.
\nThe phrase “Qui dixit I forbid?” was first attributed to Julius Caesar in 50BCE, anglicizing the Latin phrase “Qui dixit I prohibeo?!” This phrase is usually interpreted as referring to the passing of the Cornelia Law, though its exact origin is still largely debated.<\/p>\n

Effects of the Law<\/h2>\n

The Lex Cornelia had a profound effect on Rome and the surrounding region. It criminalized gambling, an activity that was flourishing at the time, thus ensuring that government funds were allocated to other areas of public life like public works projects and military campaigns.
\nFurthermore, it limited the impact of the wealthy elite, as gambling was primarily a pastime of the upper class, and imposed a sense of moral responsibility upon Roman citizens by removing a temptation to ignore their duties.<\/p>\n

Societal Reactions<\/h2>\n

The Cornelia Law was not a universally popular decree, however. This can be seen in the fact that it was eventually overturned in 46 BCE, four years after Caesar’s death.
\nFurthermore, the public’s reaction to the law was generally negative. Gambling was an activity popular across all classes of Roman society and its prohibition was seen as an example of governmental overreaching.<\/p>\n

Julius Caesar’s Legacy<\/h2>\n