[gothic-l] Gothic Rule and the Roman Senatorial Class

[faltin2001]

It is a popular belief, that in 476AD Roman power in Italy seized to
exist, being replaced by Odoacer's rule and later Ostrogothic rule.
Yet, there is strong evidence, that the Roman senatorial
elites/aristocracy reasserted its power once the last Western Emperor
was disposed off by Odoacer. Hence, the decline of central government
was likely accompanied by a resurgence in the power of local elites.

One indication of this increase in Roman senatorial power after 476AD
is the revival of ancient privileges like the highly profitable
minting of bronze coinage. From 477AD a new large bronze denomiation
was introduced, which for the frist time since Diocletianus, bore the
letters SC (Senatus Consulto) indicating that the coins were minted
on the authority of the Roman Senate. Also, the choice of titles and
formulas (IMP ZENO SEMPER AVG and IMP ZENO FELiCISSIMO SEN AVG)
display a deliberate excursion into archaism, alluding to the Roman
republic and early imperial period.

Under Ostrogothis rule the powers of the Roman senate, but also of
the key municipal elites were further extended in this respect. A
first, so called heavy-series consisted of Folles and Half-Folles
denominations. The design of the coins showed that the Roman senate
had extensive authority of the minting. The coins depict Romulus and
Remus with the wolf, the goddess of Victory and the inscription ROMA
INVICTA. The light series shows a fig-tree with two eagles (Ficus
Ruminalis) on the Half-Folles. This design was the symbol of the
Roman goddess Rumina, the patron of nursing mothers. The Folles shows
the Roman Eagle and the Roma bust borrowed from Republican denari.

Ostrogothic bronze coinage was issued under the authority of the
Roman senate and the municipalities of Ravenna and Pavia until the
reign of Theodahat. During that time, this privileged will likely
have generated massive profits for the Roman elites. It may thus have
helped to sweeten the subordination under a foreign ruler. The
priviledge was revoked (or became obsolete) under the rule of
Witigis, during the Gothic-East Roman war, which ended in the
submission of Witigis under the overlordship of the Emperor. However,
the inscription 'ROMA INVICTA' was continued under Witigis and only
abandoned under Baduela. The revocation of senatorial privileges like
the minting of bronze coinage may have contributed to the downfall of
Gothic rule, as it will have undermined Roman support for the Gothic
kings. The most interesting aspect of this, however, is that instead
of a replacement of Roman influence or rule after 476AD the
dislodging of the last West Roman emperor has likely caused a
strengthening of the Roman senatorial class which supported Gothic
rule at least until the reign of Amalaswintha/Athalaric. The measures
of the incompetent Theodahat have likely alienated many members of
the Roman senatorial class and eventually caused them to support
Iustinianus' re-conquest of Italy and thus contributed to the demise
of Gothic rule.

Any views?

cheers,
Dirk



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