The above words were uttered by Julius Caesar, dictator of Rome for just one year before being assassinated. His very name has become a synonym for “ruler” or “king.”
Rome had many levels and types of rulers, depending on location and purpose.
The duoviri, Latin for “two men” and known in English as the duumvirs were the highest joint magistrates of the cities and colonies of ancient Rome. In Sold into Freedom, Gallus is one of the two duoviri of Philippi.
The duoviri were referred to in inscriptions as having ‘judicial power,’ and their duties dealt with the administration of law and order. They collected taxes and oversaw building permits and contracts. They could judge civil cases involving such matters as property ownership and manumission, while in criminal cases they acted as investigating magistrates and pronounced sentence—from a fine to beating with rods to banishment. They could not oversee death penalty cases, however, which had to be referred to the regional governor.
The duoviri were elected and held office for one year at a time. Remember, however, that Roman “democracy” was not universal and very few individuals actually voted. Usually, at least half a city’s population were slaves; another quarter would be women and children who did not vote. Ancient Philippi is supposed to have had a population of 10-15,000, so only 2,500-4,000 of those would have a say in the government.
wax tablet and stylus by Peter van der Sluijs
The vote was conducted much like today’s elections. A name was engraved with a stylus on a wax tablet. The tablet was deposited in a box or basket, overseen by representatives from other districts, usually three.
The “ordo decurionum” in each city was similar to Rome’s Senate, elected for life, elected by themselves. The Ordo oversaw the budget, which was funded by the Ordo.
The requirements to become a member of the Ordo are unclear and probably varied from city to city and time to time, but there was usually a fee to enter into local government, which would become part of the government’s spending budget. There are also inscriptions mentioning some men entering into the Ordo “without expense.”
Usually, a man had to have held some other government positions in the city to be eligible for duovir. In Freedom, Gallus managed to skip this step using his influential contacts in Rome. Gallus causes a great deal of trouble for Paul and Silas as well as for Quintus and Tia. Some of this you can likely figure out from Acts 16. For the rest, you’ll have to read the book!
Comments 17
The mother of Moses was Jochebed.
Carole, the name of Moses mother was Jochebed. Thank you!
Author
Hi Kim! Thanks for entering!
This was a reply to your newsletter.
Your post was very interesting! I did have Latin in school, but the really fascinating details you never hear! 😉
Author
I would love to study Latin! Such a fascinating language!
Joseph’s mother’s name was Jochebed.
Sorry about spellcheck! Moses’ mother, not Joseph’s!
Author
Debbie – You’ve won! You’ll need to tell me which one you want, and I’ll need your email address to send you your book. You can PM me onFacebook or use the contact form on this site.
Congratulations!
Jochebed birthed Moses… Love your books
Author
Hi Ina! Thanks for playing!
Moses’ mother’s name was Jochabed. Thanks
Author
Melissa! Thanks for entering!
The mother of Moses was Jochebed
Moses mother was Jochebed
Author
HI Linda! Thanks for answering!
Moses birth mother was Jochebed.
Author
Hi Nancy! glad you joined us!