In Pompeii there were other titles aside from the three main annual magistrates (aediles, duoviri and duoviri quinquennales) who had their own roles in the scheme of city life.
Patroni Coloniae-
The Patroni Coloniae were not actual decurions (but more honorary members) who were nominated by the decurions (this was probably secured by approval of the electorate). [1] The position was often filled by members of the Imperial family, patrons or prominent citizens in Pompeii. [2]
Ornamenta Decurionalia-
The Ornamenta Decurionalia could be bestowed upon a citizen in Pompeii who would otherwise be a suitable candidate for Pompeian office if it wasn’t for a reason such as lowly birth. [3] These were magisterial privileges such as the bisellium (which allowed people of un-magisterial rank to have an honorary seating allocation).[4] This was often granted to prominent Augustales.
Augures-
There were only 2 known Augures in Pompeii and they were religious officials whom interpreted the wills of the Gods. Their names were M. Tullius and M. Stlaborius Veius Fronto.[5] M. Tullis was most prominent in Pompeian politics, holding the position of duovir multiple times, duovir quinquennalis and tribunus militum a populo. [6]
In Pompeii there are no important priests or religious figures who were not also important magistrates. However, one should not assume that this was the norm as very few inscriptions regarding priests have survived. [7]
Tribuni Militum a Populo-
This position was a military tribunate given to those that the Emperor deemed to be the most prominent citizens of Italian municipal colonies.[8] Some scholars believe that this means the person would have to have served in the Roman army, however there is no evidence to suggest this in Pompeii.[9] Therefore, I think J. F. Gilliam’s opinion is correct; that the position was an honorary title which promoted the candidate to equestrian rank. [10]
Minsistri Vici and Pagi-
The territory of Pompeii was divided into vici and pagi, the administrators of these districts were originally magistri in the republic but later called ministri vici and ministri pagi.[11] The magistri oversaw the lares compitales and therefore the position was thought to be mainly religious.[12] Inscriptions list the names of some of the ministri, for examples see CIL X 924, and they are all thought to have been slaves or freedmen.[13]We can see that they obviously funding and the ability to commission (with the Ordo’s approval) from inscriptions mentioning Pagi Augusti Felicis Suburbani.
CIL X 814
(Portrait) of Gaius Norbanus Sorex, (actor) of second (parts). The Presidents of the Favoured Augustan Suburban Country District (erected this). The place having been given by decree of the town councillors.
SEATS IN THE AMPHITHEATRE – CIL X 853
The Presidents of the Fortunae Augustan Suburban Country District (built this) instead of games, by the decree of the town councillors.
The second inscription mentioned seems to suggest that the magistri pagi and vici, like the duoviri and aediles, were required to put on games (hence instead of games).
Augustales-
The Augustales came between the Ordo and plebs, they corresponded to the equestrian rank in Rome and were usually the most distinguished freedmen. [14] It is thought that the Emperor himself probably nominated them and their responsibilities involved raising money for the imperial cult. [15] Through inscriptions we can see that they paid for public buildings and games which shows they were also involved in benefaction, similar to magistrates. They were also most likely expected to spend their own money on a summa honoraria upon receiving the title.[16]
CIL IV 9962
… Pairs of gladiators of Lucius Valerius Primus, Augustalis, will fight at Pompeii on the … February: there will be a hunt in the morning…
The wax tablets of Caecilius Juncudus list witnesses; some are freedmen, listed above other freedmen (who may have been Augustales) and some even before freeborn who are most likely Augustales. Two of these names, C. Calventius Quietus and C. Munatius Faustus were more important as they were the only two known Pompeian Augustales to receive the honorary bisellium. [17] One of the men had two tombs paid for him, at the Porta di Ercolano and Nocera.[18] Other Augustales were also buried with public funding, or with expenses decreed by Augustales. [19]
[1]Castren,1975: 61
[2]Castren,1975: 61
[3]Castren,1975: 62
[4]Catren,1975: 62
[5]Castren,1975:70
[6]Castren,1975: 70
[7]Castren,1975: 70
[8]Castren,1975: 98
[9]Castren,1975: 98
[10]Castren,1975: 99
[11]Castren,1975: 72
[12]Laurence,2010: 42
[13]Peachin,2011: 25
[14]Castren,1975: 73
[15]Castren,1975: 73
[16]Castren,1975: 74
[17]Castren,1975: 74
[18] Castren,1975: 74
[19] Castren,1975: 74
POMPEIAN POLITICS 