L’incendio del tabularium di Heraclea e la lex Plautia Papiria

Abstract

This study focuses on some events that took place in the polis of Heraclea during the Social War (90-88 BC). We will take a closer look at the story of Aulus Licinius Archia, a Greek poet and honorary citizen (ascriptus) of Heraclea. In particular, we will attempt to contextualise the fire that destroyed the archive of the city (tabularium) within the political and military framework of that period. This research will also provide the basis for further considerations regarding the chronology of the lex Iulia and the lex Plautia Papiria: two laws passed between 90 and 89 BC which granted Roman citizenship to communities and individuals across Italy.