Il ruolo dei liberti nella politica di colonizzazione cesariana

Abstract

Starting from the study of epigraphical documents from Italy and provinces of the late Republican and early Imperial periods, the paper aims at defining the role of the freedmen both in colonies founded by Caesar in the provinces and in other provincial contexts. The analysis pinpoints how, in the age of Caesar, it was possible for freedmen to enter local political careers at a local level in provinces, mostly in Caesarian colonies, whereas a ban in this respect persisted in Italy. This specific aspect of Caesar’s policy can be explained within his general political strategy, for which freedmen’s support was particularly important.