Debased Roman, yet Roman still Essay Example

barbarian.

However, it is arguable that the two were very similar in their utilization of Roman ideology, tradition, and administration to reinforce and solidify their rule. Prior to the idea of Romanitas in both kingdoms, it is crucial to emphasize that during the formation of these realms, the barbarians still acknowledged their origins and became rulers through inheritance. Both rulers emerged from a variety of competing leaders within their own populations. Theodoric established his dynasty on the foundation of the earlier Amal dynasty, uniting the Goths in the western Balkans along with their neighboring eastern factions.

In 485, Clovis was adopted into the Flavian house by Emperor Zeno and later invaded Italy on his behalf in 489. Around c. 493, he assassinated Odovacer and established himself as the king of Italy. Clovis ruled over a kingdom near Tournai, expanding it to cover the territory from the Channel to the Pyrenees and the Rhone valley. Although he held the position of a leader among the Franks rather than a king, there is little resemblance to Roman conquests and events. However, both instances were influenced by classical Roman and Biblical models, as the new gens in Italy and Gaul had to both acknowledge their past and meet Roman expectations.

Indeed, Jordanes' abridgement of Cassiodorus aimed to align with Roman understanding in a similar way. Interestingly, both rulers are depicted as barbarians who embraced Roman culture. Theodoric, for instance, was held as a hostage in Constantinople between 461 and 471, during which time he managed to acquire the title of Master of the Soldiers not once, but twice. It is worth noting that he was not an uneducated barbarian; he received

an education that included an introduction to administrative practices. His knowledge spanned imperial courts and he possessed a Roman education, acknowledging the significance of political authority held by military commanders.

He could collaborate with the East by incorporating the Goths into Rome and fulfilling Roman expectations of continuity in leadership. Procopius states that he governed effectively, resembling an emperor, which was likely satisfactory. Similarly, Clovis must have received an education since he demonstrates familiarity with civil administrative procedures. Remigius of Reims' letters to Clovis are situated within a late Roman environment. Clovis assumed control over Belgica Secunda's administration, and Remigius informs him that, as a Christian, he must heed the guidance of bishops under his authority.

It is likely that Clovis maintained the late Roman civil administration and supported Roman bureaucracy. He employed Roman secretaries and chancellors, indicating his reliance on written communication in administration. The use of similar rhetoric and administrative terminology suggests that both leaders were educated in a Roman style. These facts indicate that they possessed administrative skills and were able to improve their governing. The prevailing ideology of the Romans was widely adopted in the barbaric West to legitimize and strengthen organizations.

According to Wolfram, the form of kingship changed to a new monarchical or vice-imperial form. Theodoric was viewed as a pre-existing ruler and his supporters took on significant roles in Italy. Although he couldn't be officially named a western emperor, he was able to fulfill most, though not all, of the responsibilities. He acted as an emperor and governed a Gothic military organization. Roman supporters who were prominent in society shifted their loyalty to Theodoric's new government, including finance minister Cassiodorus.

They recognized that Theodoric was sent by the Eastern Emperor.

At the birth of the new establishment, there was evident Romano-Germanic co-operation and mutual appreciation. This can be seen in the united sense of bereavement that both Goths and Romans felt upon Theodoric's death. Similar to Theoderic, Clovis assumed power in a well-established Gallo-Roman and Frankish environment. However, for Clovis, the concern was not so much about breaking free from the allure and control of the Roman state, but rather about resolving conflicts between competing candidates for vacant political authority in Gaul.

Both his aspirations and accomplishments were influenced by pre-existing Roman administrative and military systems, similar to Theodoric. It is crucial to understand why these kings embraced Roman principles at the start of their reigns, considering these similarities. The psychological conquest of the Western Roman Empire, which spanned 500 years, likely had a significant effect on them.

Moreover, the Romanisation of rule not only provided support and legitimisation to the barbaric kings, but it also served as an important factor. For instance, Theodoric, in Variae 1, tells Anastasius, "Our royalty is an imitation of yours, modelled on your good purpose, a copy of the only Empire; and in so far as we follow you do we excel all other nations." Evidently, Roman ideology was manipulated to benefit the barbaric kings. Theodoric seemingly made more effort to regain Anastasius' favor by stating in the same Variae that he received some of his Rome-ness through Divine assistance, just like Anastasius. This further strengthened his own functions. Thus, secular and imperial ideology in both kingdoms were reinforced through religion and prayers for kings and sacrality.

The Roman senate and people readily

accepted Theodoric's Goths, who were Arians. Theodoric sought to resolve disputes with the Catholic authorities and avoided confrontations. While he held strong Arian beliefs, it can be argued that Arianism held little significance. The Papacy utilized Theodoric as a mediator, and he convened synods for religious reforms and appointed bishops. Clovis, initially a pagan, is depicted undergoing a conversion in Gregory of Tours' Ten Books of History.

Despite being baptised in the Roman religion in the early sixth century, it is likely that he previously worshipped as an Arian, as it made more sense to rule his people in the Latin-Germanic style. It is evident that adopting Christianity was another way for the barbarians to maintain some level of Roman influence and support their kingship. In addition to promoting a stronger and longer-lasting Romanization of barbarian kingdoms, these rulers also took measures to preserve the Roman way of life in administration, laws, and social structure.

This was, at least in the fifth and sixth centuries, a clear continuation of the past. Roman restoration was intentionally embraced. Theodoric implemented a comprehensive restoration and construction initiative, including aqueducts, public baths, city walls, and especially palaces like those in Verona and Ravenna used for administrative purposes. Free corn was once again given to the poor of Rome (an archaic project), and popular circus games were held in the same way they had been centuries ago.

In 500, Theodoric visited Rome and celebrated with spectacular circus games. This event also included the last western Adventus, a grand ceremony dedicated to the arrival of an emperor in the City. Theodoric's use of Roman ceremonial and tradition aimed at uniting the Romans

and Goths in Italy, showing their mutual admiration for their ruler. The rule remained mostly unchanged, as Theodoric compromised with the Roman citizens of Italy. Similar to Clovis, Theodoric was granted a consulship in 484 and acquired Roman citizenship around the same time.

Theodoric the barbarian and Theodoric the Roman have always been two sides of the same person since birth. Clovis' conversion between 496 and 506 allowed for a merging of Franks and Gallo-Romans and a rejection of Goths and Burgundians. In 508, after defeating the Visigoths at Vouille, Clovis was granted an honorary consulship by Anastasius. He accepted it in a dramatic Roman-style ceremony, using tradition in the same way as Theodoric to elevate his status and reputation. The imperial attitude favored Franks in Gaul.

Clovis is often referred to as the Frankish Constantine because he was acknowledged as the real leader of a former Roman province. He established the kingdom of Francia within the Roman Empire and was praised for his contributions to the Catholic Church, particularly his support for the monastery of St. Martin of Tours. By reconstructing and participating in ceremonial activities, the preservation of Rome played a crucial role in unifying the barbaric kingdoms and honoring their history. Additionally, the Germanic kings attempted to maintain traditional governance, albeit on a smaller scale.

  Both in the Roman period and in the two mentioned occurrences, taxation was applied to agriculture. This involved Constantinople making annual payments to the Romanophile barbarian rulers as a means to maintain peace and order. The commitment to Roman customs had tangible as well as ideological benefits. Roman justice and law were generally respected and upheld. Theodoric,

in particular, demonstrated great care in maintaining justice, preserving laws, and defending the land against other barbarians with wisdom and strength. The coexistence of two races in Italy posed some complexities when it came to legal compilations, although this was not a significant issue.

Clovis, the Frankish ruler, likely started the Pactus Legis Salicae, which was the compilation of Salic Law. While Roman lawyers probably provided assistance, the Franks were already familiar with Roman rules and regulations. It is undeniable that there was some Roman influence in their legislation. Similar to Rome, the rulers were the ones who created and updated laws, with the help of mostly Roman legislators. The utilization of the Roman legal system would eventually lead to the enhancement of legal proceedings and the preservation of justice and order.

Finally, the preservation of the Roman socio-economic fabric in these kingdoms is also evidenced. There was a continuation of the Roman system of ownership, with elites, slaves, and freemen. The traditional social structure and respective ancestry, wealth, and legal status were upheld to pacify Roman elites and sustain social order. The elite group were independent yet cooperated with the king. This transfer of tradition led to the formation of an administration run by Romans. The municipal government of Rome was internalized, and the curia (local senates) prevailed.

It was likely a strategic decision to rely on Roman elites, which both Theodoric and Clovis understood the importance of. Theodoric allowed western senators to feel secure and connected to their valued past. Similarly, Clovis took after the Romans and employed Gallic equivalents who served the Ostrogothic king in Ravenna. These Gallo-Romans were provincial rather than metropolitan senators, but

they were still capable of producing written documents despite having less complex administration.

Even in the early sixth century, the Western barbarians had some approval from the Roman elites who came from provincial and senatorial families. Both Theodoric and Clovis understood the importance of maintaining positive relationships with these influential individuals and therefore did not reject their Roman heritage. Based on these examples, it is clear that the concept of being "Roman" was utilized as a strategy in establishing new kingdoms, as emphasized by Peter Heather. Without a doubt, Clovis' style of kingship, situated in distant Gaul and aligned with Catholicism, was the future and beyond the reach of Byzantium.

In the future, the Western Empire under Charlemagne was once an impressive entity. However, it was paradoxically divided into Goths and Romans within the Ostrogothic state. Despite these differences, there was a long-term break from Rome. The post-Roman world experienced dynamic changes, including the erosion of the tax system and the disbanding of professional armies. Nevertheless, in early Antiquity, the case was Translatio imperii, where Western barbarians like Theodoric and Clovis utilized Roman ideology and government to legitimize and strengthen their rule.