POMPEY’S POLITICS AND THE PRESENTATION OF HIS THEATRE-TEMPLE COMPLEX, 61–52 BCE
Mark A. Temelini
Studia Humaniora Tartuensia, vol. 7 (2006)
Abstract
After celebrating his third triumph Pompey the Great decided to build a splendid theatre-temple complex during the political and social anxieties of the 50s BCE. This monument was an architectural undertaking hitherto never attempted at Rome. The building was designed with Rome’s first permanent stone theatre, a temple of Venus Victrix and a quadriporticus. He also added a senate building in an attempt to soften senatorial antagonism. The importance of religion in the political life of Pompey demonstrates how the structure was a victory monument honouring his military achievements and represented his desire for popularity and everlasting fame. The purpose of this study is to examine the political and religious circumstances and considerations influencing Pompey’s decision to present this structure to the Roman people.
In 61 BCE Pompey celebrated one of the most extravagant triumphs Rome had ever witnessed. This third triumph mainly honoured his victorious achievements in Asia Minor, but also reminded the Roman spectators of his previous military campaigns in North Africa, Spain, and against the pirates in the Mediterranean Sea. On the social level the triumph and the games associated with it comprised a public event which catered to the people’s desire for entertainment. Politically, the lavish spectacle increased Pompey’s popularity by symbolizing the power and wealth which he had gained for himself and Rome. This supreme greatness and dignity was displayed in an impressive exhibition of propaganda.
Mark A. Temelini
Studia Humaniora Tartuensia, vol. 7 (2006)
Abstract
After celebrating his third triumph Pompey the Great decided to build a splendid theatre-temple complex during the political and social anxieties of the 50s BCE. This monument was an architectural undertaking hitherto never attempted at Rome. The building was designed with Rome’s first permanent stone theatre, a temple of Venus Victrix and a quadriporticus. He also added a senate building in an attempt to soften senatorial antagonism. The importance of religion in the political life of Pompey demonstrates how the structure was a victory monument honouring his military achievements and represented his desire for popularity and everlasting fame. The purpose of this study is to examine the political and religious circumstances and considerations influencing Pompey’s decision to present this structure to the Roman people.
In 61 BCE Pompey celebrated one of the most extravagant triumphs Rome had ever witnessed. This third triumph mainly honoured his victorious achievements in Asia Minor, but also reminded the Roman spectators of his previous military campaigns in North Africa, Spain, and against the pirates in the Mediterranean Sea. On the social level the triumph and the games associated with it comprised a public event which catered to the people’s desire for entertainment. Politically, the lavish spectacle increased Pompey’s popularity by symbolizing the power and wealth which he had gained for himself and Rome. This supreme greatness and dignity was displayed in an impressive exhibition of propaganda.
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