Bull on the Roman mosaic
Candidates for civil servants often organized spectacular shows prior to the elections in order to win the favor of the crowds. In the year 63 BCE the Senate issued an act, on the initiative of the consul Marcus Tullius Cicero – lex Tullia, in which he forbade standing for election to anyone who, during the preceding 2 years, would organize games. In addition, for such an act he was punished with 10 years of exile.
It was also forbidden to “rent” yourself “allies”. We do not know exactly who paid, whether it was a candidate or a potential ally who promised support for future bonuses. Today, we call it lobbying. Caesar, however, benefited from i.e. Gaius Scribonius Curio, who provided expensive plays for the money of Gallic conquests.
- J. Carcopino, Widowiska, p. 222
- Lex Tullia - different sources
