Senatvi avctoritatem pristinam reddidisti : the Roman senatorial aristocracy under Constantine and Constantius II
Under the Constantinian dynasty, the Roman senatorial aristocracy was subject to two major social and political transformations. Firstly, emperors gradually modified the rules for senatorial office-holding, moving away from a hereditary model towards a more flexible system in which rank could be gained through merit (service to the emperor). The number of senatorial posts in the administration was increased, which resulted in the expansion of the senatorial order from outside the hereditary aristocracy. Secondly, Constantine founded Constantinople, where a second senate emerged, prompting the formation of a new eastern senatorial order. Roman senatorial nobles were among the most powerful individuals of the empire. The expansion of their order, the transformation of senatorial office-holding and the foundation of Constantinople did not lead to the reduction of their influence in government. Constantine actively encouraged the involvement of Roman grandees in government as a means of supporting imperial rule, especially in the East. Constantine's son, Constantius II, emperor of the East, continued these policies until 350, when the military and dynastic context forcefully disrupted his relationship with the
Moser, Muriel
Rome--Politics and government--284-476 ; Nobility--Rome
Senatvi avctoritatem pristinam reddidisti : the Roman senatorial aristocracy under Constantine and Constantius II. Under the Constantinian dynasty, the Roman senatorial aristocracy was subject to two major social and political transformations. Firstly, emperors gradually modified the rules for senatorial office-holding, moving away from a hereditary model towards a more flexible system in which rank could be gained through merit (service to the emperor). The number of senatorial posts in the administration was increased, which resulted in the expansion of the senatorial order from outside the hereditary aristocracy. Secondly, Constantine founded Constantinople, where a second senate emerged, prompting the formation of a new eastern senatorial order. Roman senatorial nobles were among the most powerful individuals of the empire. The expansion of their order, the transformation of senatorial office-holding and the foundation of Constantinople did not lead to the reduction of their influence in government. Constantine actively encouraged the involvement of Roman grandees in government as a means of supporting imperial rule, especially in the East. Constantine's son, Constantius II, emperor of the East, continued these policies until 350, when the military and dynastic context forcefully disrupted his relationship with the
roman senatorial aristocracy constantine dynasty roman senatorial aristocracy subject two_major social_political transformation firstly emperor gradually modify rule senatorial office_holding move_away hereditary model towards flexible system rank could gain merit service emperor number senatorial post administration increase result expansion senatorial order outside hereditary aristocracy secondly constantine found constantinople second senate emerge prompt formation new eastern senatorial order roman senatorial noble among powerful individual empire expansion order transformation senatorial office_holding foundation constantinople lead reduction influence government constantine actively encourage involvement roman government mean support imperial rule especially east constantine son emperor east continue policy military dynastic context disrupt relationship