A Day in the Life of a Roman Emperor - The Ultimate Reality Show
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Date: 2023-08-10
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Comments and reviews: 20
CarrowMind
This is obviously incredibly easy to say in hindsight thanks to the historical accounts, but if I were emperor, thhis is what I'd do:
1. Abolish the Praetorian Guard. instead replace them with elite soldiers who had distinquished themselves in combat. This serves as a method of promoting bravery and skill, as well as establishing loyalty as even the most common of soldiers from the humblest of backgrounds has a shot of becoming the personal guards of the Emperor, thus elevating them to a position of presitge and honour that would cement their dedication to protecting my life, and actually having the skill to do so!
2. Keep the senate happy. Giving them positions as governor and a command of legions when needed would ensure that the aristocrats and wealthiest citizens know that I support them and recognise their special status (deserved or not. Keep them satisfied with governorships of important provinces of the empire and her legions. However, I would also demand a level of responsible behavior from them, to keep the rich snobs in line, by maintaining that blatant corruption and lax governorship would be seen as foolish and lazy in the eyes of the people and the senate due to such lazy governorship being seen as diminishing the glory of Rome and their own families. Let presitge and personal honour be their own judge. If they embrass Rome, they embarass themselves and their families thus lowering their status in the senate. If they get caught. I would be realisting enough to expect some degree of doccuption, just as long as it doesn't jeapordise the stability of the Empire.
3. I would establish a secret police made up entirely of ex-slaves who were granted freedom by me personally. Slaves who distinguish themselves in personal responsibility, intelligence and cunning would be handpicked to be purchased from their former masters and personally freed in secret to serve as my eyes and ears throughout the Empire. They would have the power to command a century from any legion if needed, arrest citizens (ANY citizen, even senators) and have the authority to subvert governmental procedure such as tax collection as needed to oversee their duties. They would operarate under a legal grey area and the exact number and identities of the secret police would be known only by me and my chosen heir, to be revealed at a private reading of my will after my death.
4. I would frequrntly host games and events to please the masses, ensure relgious festivals went down without any issues, upkeep temples and maintain a cult of personality as the man responsible for making sure things run smoothley. Religion is extremely important to both the poor and soldiers so I would make sure to keep them satisfied and seem me as an Emperor who cares about it. Depending when I am elected Emperor that would either mean Roman Paganism or Christianity, either way, it is important that they see me as someone who cares about what the divine thinks of me, and subsequently all of Rome. This also includes upkeep of infrastructure such as sewers and aqueducts. I would ensure that such things are always up-to-date and never mismanaged by incompetants.
5. I would keep my private life as free from scandal as possible. This is obviously easier said than done, eventually, and no matter what I do to avoid it, something will happen to cause the people to dislike me, that is acceptable, as long as it is kept to a (visible) limit. I would marry a dull and unambitious woman from a dull and unambitous patrician family, and her job would be to just give me heirs and not embrass me publically. That's it. To avoid spoiled and entiled brats inheriting the Empire I would send them to be fostered by loyal Equestrian families who have provenn their loyalty to me. They would be raised harshly but fairly, tought the basics of statecraft as well as humble soldiery until the age of 16 when they would be sent back to Rome and meet me, their true father. Yes, this might be cruel and alienating, but better that than have the likes of Commodus and Caligula rule the Empire!
6. Finally, I would save the empires treasury by not spending exsessive wealthy on coins and statues, instead comissioning a single portrait for all coins during my reign, as well as a single statue to be displayed in Rome. Let my deeds be remembered, not my image. If my performance as Emperor was exemplorary, then the people can decide to bestoy further honors upon me with more statues and the like.
And that's pretty much it, hopefully it would be enough to ensure me a long and healthy lifestyle!
reply
This is obviously incredibly easy to say in hindsight thanks to the historical accounts, but if I were emperor, thhis is what I'd do:
1. Abolish the Praetorian Guard. instead replace them with elite soldiers who had distinquished themselves in combat. This serves as a method of promoting bravery and skill, as well as establishing loyalty as even the most common of soldiers from the humblest of backgrounds has a shot of becoming the personal guards of the Emperor, thus elevating them to a position of presitge and honour that would cement their dedication to protecting my life, and actually having the skill to do so!
2. Keep the senate happy. Giving them positions as governor and a command of legions when needed would ensure that the aristocrats and wealthiest citizens know that I support them and recognise their special status (deserved or not. Keep them satisfied with governorships of important provinces of the empire and her legions. However, I would also demand a level of responsible behavior from them, to keep the rich snobs in line, by maintaining that blatant corruption and lax governorship would be seen as foolish and lazy in the eyes of the people and the senate due to such lazy governorship being seen as diminishing the glory of Rome and their own families. Let presitge and personal honour be their own judge. If they embrass Rome, they embarass themselves and their families thus lowering their status in the senate. If they get caught. I would be realisting enough to expect some degree of doccuption, just as long as it doesn't jeapordise the stability of the Empire.
3. I would establish a secret police made up entirely of ex-slaves who were granted freedom by me personally. Slaves who distinguish themselves in personal responsibility, intelligence and cunning would be handpicked to be purchased from their former masters and personally freed in secret to serve as my eyes and ears throughout the Empire. They would have the power to command a century from any legion if needed, arrest citizens (ANY citizen, even senators) and have the authority to subvert governmental procedure such as tax collection as needed to oversee their duties. They would operarate under a legal grey area and the exact number and identities of the secret police would be known only by me and my chosen heir, to be revealed at a private reading of my will after my death.
4. I would frequrntly host games and events to please the masses, ensure relgious festivals went down without any issues, upkeep temples and maintain a cult of personality as the man responsible for making sure things run smoothley. Religion is extremely important to both the poor and soldiers so I would make sure to keep them satisfied and seem me as an Emperor who cares about it. Depending when I am elected Emperor that would either mean Roman Paganism or Christianity, either way, it is important that they see me as someone who cares about what the divine thinks of me, and subsequently all of Rome. This also includes upkeep of infrastructure such as sewers and aqueducts. I would ensure that such things are always up-to-date and never mismanaged by incompetants.
5. I would keep my private life as free from scandal as possible. This is obviously easier said than done, eventually, and no matter what I do to avoid it, something will happen to cause the people to dislike me, that is acceptable, as long as it is kept to a (visible) limit. I would marry a dull and unambitious woman from a dull and unambitous patrician family, and her job would be to just give me heirs and not embrass me publically. That's it. To avoid spoiled and entiled brats inheriting the Empire I would send them to be fostered by loyal Equestrian families who have provenn their loyalty to me. They would be raised harshly but fairly, tought the basics of statecraft as well as humble soldiery until the age of 16 when they would be sent back to Rome and meet me, their true father. Yes, this might be cruel and alienating, but better that than have the likes of Commodus and Caligula rule the Empire!
6. Finally, I would save the empires treasury by not spending exsessive wealthy on coins and statues, instead comissioning a single portrait for all coins during my reign, as well as a single statue to be displayed in Rome. Let my deeds be remembered, not my image. If my performance as Emperor was exemplorary, then the people can decide to bestoy further honors upon me with more statues and the like.
And that's pretty much it, hopefully it would be enough to ensure me a long and healthy lifestyle!
reply
Corporatizm
The info is crystal clear as always, but maybe that's a bit too much side-text on the screen now. I'm not the fastest brain in the bunch and I clearly can't read stuff continuously while discovering so many new information at the same time! Also, I'm not a native english speaker, which should be part of your audience I guess? Just my 2 cents, but I really think the sweet spot for your own good is a bit less text on the screen when it's overlapping with your voice talking about other stuff. Things like sounds, though, are usually welcome (I smirked at the raging sound when the tyrant emperor is said to have been slain for his deeds, that was a perfect timing: .
Also the sound quality is slightly lower than some older videos, I think. I just watched the one on personal economy (with 3 characters) just before and it sounded better. Not trying to nitpick or be a pain in the ass, I just think that excellent content should have excellent presentation so that more people can be reached!
All that being said, you're doing an awesome job! Cheers.
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The info is crystal clear as always, but maybe that's a bit too much side-text on the screen now. I'm not the fastest brain in the bunch and I clearly can't read stuff continuously while discovering so many new information at the same time! Also, I'm not a native english speaker, which should be part of your audience I guess? Just my 2 cents, but I really think the sweet spot for your own good is a bit less text on the screen when it's overlapping with your voice talking about other stuff. Things like sounds, though, are usually welcome (I smirked at the raging sound when the tyrant emperor is said to have been slain for his deeds, that was a perfect timing: .
Also the sound quality is slightly lower than some older videos, I think. I just watched the one on personal economy (with 3 characters) just before and it sounded better. Not trying to nitpick or be a pain in the ass, I just think that excellent content should have excellent presentation so that more people can be reached!
All that being said, you're doing an awesome job! Cheers.
reply
David
Absolute power corrupts absolutely
That is a proper statement that has been historically proven accurate.
---
Rulers of an Empire:
must balance duty with pleasure
Duty - is obedience to the position you have. It means that Rome needs a leader (who will lead Rome. This leader must take care of Affairs of State. Affairs of State must be done before pleasure. One must set aside pleasure (to perform the Affairs of State.
---
The flip side of this is pleasure is required to balance Duty.
The two are the equal sides of the same coin. Pleasure balances duty. Too much duty produces a very diligent ruler (but a very tense one.
Too much pleasure produces a ruler that values the fun side of ruling.
---
Some Imperators did balance the two.
Some went too far on the duty side.
Some went too far on the pleasure side.
---
Either excessive side produces a mentally unbalanced person (and Roman Imperators) [From Julias Caesar] began a spiral to either side. Few Imperators balanced the two.
reply
Absolute power corrupts absolutely
That is a proper statement that has been historically proven accurate.
---
Rulers of an Empire:
must balance duty with pleasure
Duty - is obedience to the position you have. It means that Rome needs a leader (who will lead Rome. This leader must take care of Affairs of State. Affairs of State must be done before pleasure. One must set aside pleasure (to perform the Affairs of State.
---
The flip side of this is pleasure is required to balance Duty.
The two are the equal sides of the same coin. Pleasure balances duty. Too much duty produces a very diligent ruler (but a very tense one.
Too much pleasure produces a ruler that values the fun side of ruling.
---
Some Imperators did balance the two.
Some went too far on the duty side.
Some went too far on the pleasure side.
---
Either excessive side produces a mentally unbalanced person (and Roman Imperators) [From Julias Caesar] began a spiral to either side. Few Imperators balanced the two.
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Rhys
The foremost role for the emperor is to serve his people as best he can, power should be viewed as a responsibility not a privilege. An emperor should work to always ensure the best life for his subjects and seek to improve every aspect of his empire. However if an emperor is doing a good job, having some grand luxuries like a new palace, or material wealth isnt a problem in my mind as he needs such luxuries to relax as his position is highly stressful. As long as he does his job well and there is plenty spare resources to indulge in some luxuries then its not a problem, but if the emperors primary concern is self gain then they should not waste time building thing for their own luxury.
Personally I would allow the public access to my palace gardens and facilities on certain days, I would also train physically to stay healthy and strong and always try to learn to expand my wisdom to better serve my people. A nice swim in my private lake would relax me enough after a days work. A balance
reply
The foremost role for the emperor is to serve his people as best he can, power should be viewed as a responsibility not a privilege. An emperor should work to always ensure the best life for his subjects and seek to improve every aspect of his empire. However if an emperor is doing a good job, having some grand luxuries like a new palace, or material wealth isnt a problem in my mind as he needs such luxuries to relax as his position is highly stressful. As long as he does his job well and there is plenty spare resources to indulge in some luxuries then its not a problem, but if the emperors primary concern is self gain then they should not waste time building thing for their own luxury.
Personally I would allow the public access to my palace gardens and facilities on certain days, I would also train physically to stay healthy and strong and always try to learn to expand my wisdom to better serve my people. A nice swim in my private lake would relax me enough after a days work. A balance
reply
2A42
If I became Emperor I'd use that chance to try and re-establish democracy, by turning Rome into a constitutional monarchy. See how long a democratic empire can last in the Ancient world.
- Re-democratise the Senate by bringing back popular elections. Elected senators will serve 10-year terms. Those appointed pre-reform can stay for life, so they don't get any stabby ideas.
- Restore the Plebeian Council. Slowly increase their power relative to the Senate. Do this slowly, as the Old Guard senators leave office, again to avoid stabby-stabby.
- Reduce the Emperor's power to just head of the Executive. Legislation will be passed by the Senate and Plebeian Council.
- Legally codify Imperial succession as being Emperor's eldest child first (ie. absolute primogeniture. This reduces succession ambiguity, and enhances legitimacy, so less civil wars.
- Increase regional autonomy. Provinces can elect their own governors and have their own plebeian/patrician councils.
reply
If I became Emperor I'd use that chance to try and re-establish democracy, by turning Rome into a constitutional monarchy. See how long a democratic empire can last in the Ancient world.
- Re-democratise the Senate by bringing back popular elections. Elected senators will serve 10-year terms. Those appointed pre-reform can stay for life, so they don't get any stabby ideas.
- Restore the Plebeian Council. Slowly increase their power relative to the Senate. Do this slowly, as the Old Guard senators leave office, again to avoid stabby-stabby.
- Reduce the Emperor's power to just head of the Executive. Legislation will be passed by the Senate and Plebeian Council.
- Legally codify Imperial succession as being Emperor's eldest child first (ie. absolute primogeniture. This reduces succession ambiguity, and enhances legitimacy, so less civil wars.
- Increase regional autonomy. Provinces can elect their own governors and have their own plebeian/patrician councils.
reply
The
Augustus before dying: I am not afraid of death, as my great Empire will live forever thanks to my worthy sucessors.
Later
Caligula: Spends the entire Treasure in games and rgies
Nero: Burns Rome only to gain artistic inspiration
Commodus: Only participates in gladiatorial games, risking his life like a mron
Caracalla: Kills his brother and lives as a regular soldier instead of taking care of the Empire
Elagabalus: Like Caligula, but this time the only thing he does is trying to find a medic that could turn his pnis into a vgina
Honorius: Only lives for his birds and doesn't give a sht when Rome is sacked
Augustus' spirit: Swings depressed rethinking his life decisions
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Augustus before dying: I am not afraid of death, as my great Empire will live forever thanks to my worthy sucessors.
Later
Caligula: Spends the entire Treasure in games and rgies
Nero: Burns Rome only to gain artistic inspiration
Commodus: Only participates in gladiatorial games, risking his life like a mron
Caracalla: Kills his brother and lives as a regular soldier instead of taking care of the Empire
Elagabalus: Like Caligula, but this time the only thing he does is trying to find a medic that could turn his pnis into a vgina
Honorius: Only lives for his birds and doesn't give a sht when Rome is sacked
Augustus' spirit: Swings depressed rethinking his life decisions
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SkylineFTW97
As is often said, absolute power usually corrupts absolutely. Although I'd say it reveals more than corrupts. If you had a very diligent emperor like Augustus, Claudius, Domitian, or the Antonines, then the administration and it's policies would usually be sensible and rational. If not, then the same will usually be true of policy. And as is said, bad people underneath you can taint your reign as well. The best example there is Tiberius and Sejanus. By all accounts, Tiberius was a better and more diligent emperor than he's given credit for, but his prefect abused his position and ran a reign of terror behind the naturally reclusive Tiberius' back.
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As is often said, absolute power usually corrupts absolutely. Although I'd say it reveals more than corrupts. If you had a very diligent emperor like Augustus, Claudius, Domitian, or the Antonines, then the administration and it's policies would usually be sensible and rational. If not, then the same will usually be true of policy. And as is said, bad people underneath you can taint your reign as well. The best example there is Tiberius and Sejanus. By all accounts, Tiberius was a better and more diligent emperor than he's given credit for, but his prefect abused his position and ran a reign of terror behind the naturally reclusive Tiberius' back.
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The
11: 31 It is quite impressive that the once numerous Julio-Claudian dynasty nearly died out because its members spent decades ruthlessly slaughtering each other. For those of you who don't know, when Nero was deposed, the Senate appointed Galba, not because they wanted a change of dynasty, but because there were no longer members of the Family fit for the throne.
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11: 31 It is quite impressive that the once numerous Julio-Claudian dynasty nearly died out because its members spent decades ruthlessly slaughtering each other. For those of you who don't know, when Nero was deposed, the Senate appointed Galba, not because they wanted a change of dynasty, but because there were no longer members of the Family fit for the throne.
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Jeremie
I probably would still do it if given the chance. I think the 24 hour stress would be hard to deal with but also feel personally my life was made to deal with 24 hour stress. So. at least I would control the known world, which might make things slightly bearable. Lol. Hopefully I could be one of the good one. Lol
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I probably would still do it if given the chance. I think the 24 hour stress would be hard to deal with but also feel personally my life was made to deal with 24 hour stress. So. at least I would control the known world, which might make things slightly bearable. Lol. Hopefully I could be one of the good one. Lol
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KatonRyu
I'd never want to be emperor. I don't want any managerial tasks in my life NOW, other than managing strictly my own affairs, let alone having to rule an empire. There would just be too many people to appease and debate with. I'll stick to playing games where I can pretend to be an emperor instead.
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I'd never want to be emperor. I don't want any managerial tasks in my life NOW, other than managing strictly my own affairs, let alone having to rule an empire. There would just be too many people to appease and debate with. I'll stick to playing games where I can pretend to be an emperor instead.
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The
It is pretty ironic that the Senate would gladly accept having an Emperor but never Kings, considering that, during the electoral Roman Monarchy, the King was chosen by the Senators, while the Emperor was always appointed by his predecessor. It seems that deep down they like to lose rights
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It is pretty ironic that the Senate would gladly accept having an Emperor but never Kings, considering that, during the electoral Roman Monarchy, the King was chosen by the Senators, while the Emperor was always appointed by his predecessor. It seems that deep down they like to lose rights
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mj
So emperor was a slave to rules and obligation. It is a matter od preference to be perceived to have power and be slave to all obligations or to be slave without any power, but with litte bit of wealth. Fortunately those days are over, at least we believe they are gone.
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So emperor was a slave to rules and obligation. It is a matter od preference to be perceived to have power and be slave to all obligations or to be slave without any power, but with litte bit of wealth. Fortunately those days are over, at least we believe they are gone.
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Aldrin
Its always wise to let people agree to your plan (or better yet let them think they first come up with it) even though you have the power to just not consult them at all as to when shit is going down, it is not only you will be hit by the brunt of the blame.
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Its always wise to let people agree to your plan (or better yet let them think they first come up with it) even though you have the power to just not consult them at all as to when shit is going down, it is not only you will be hit by the brunt of the blame.
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Jesse
I do not trust people who want to be an Emperor or anything like that. It isnt good enough that they are content to control their own lives and their own world. now they feel the need to control everyone else as well.
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I do not trust people who want to be an Emperor or anything like that. It isnt good enough that they are content to control their own lives and their own world. now they feel the need to control everyone else as well.
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Nick
YAY NEW VIDEO!
that was a very enlightening video.
No I'd rather be a Legionnaire, Ruling and politicking is much to dangerous for the likes of me.
this was a fantastic video thank you for your hard work: )
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YAY NEW VIDEO!
that was a very enlightening video.
No I'd rather be a Legionnaire, Ruling and politicking is much to dangerous for the likes of me.
this was a fantastic video thank you for your hard work: )
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Knockout
Thank you so much for such an informative video! Its always this very stuff about how people used to actually live their everyday lives that really shape my view on the times of past and so of the present.
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Thank you so much for such an informative video! Its always this very stuff about how people used to actually live their everyday lives that really shape my view on the times of past and so of the present.
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Ex-Navy
Hmmm. if I were Emperor, I would annex the lands to the North and South; sorry, Canada and Mexico, but what OTHER places could a Roman-style emperor go to gain other lands if you live in the United States?
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Hmmm. if I were Emperor, I would annex the lands to the North and South; sorry, Canada and Mexico, but what OTHER places could a Roman-style emperor go to gain other lands if you live in the United States?
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The
Octavian while being proclaimed Emperor: I will restore to Rome the ancient moral virtues that once made it great.
Some years later
Octavian: IS THERE ANYONE IN ROME WHO HAS NOT SLEPT WITH MY DAUGHTER!
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Octavian while being proclaimed Emperor: I will restore to Rome the ancient moral virtues that once made it great.
Some years later
Octavian: IS THERE ANYONE IN ROME WHO HAS NOT SLEPT WITH MY DAUGHTER!
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Jason
I dont think Id want to be an emperor but maybe the more mathematical types of jobs mainly to do with the treasury, taxes and trade though it would be best on a provincial budget rather than a state one
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I dont think Id want to be an emperor but maybe the more mathematical types of jobs mainly to do with the treasury, taxes and trade though it would be best on a provincial budget rather than a state one
reply
The
Seneca after Nero's cruel reign: Don't blame me. I did what I could
Me: We know, Seneca. We know. That pretentious artist of yours preferred vulgar pyrotechnics to the refined art of Stoicism.
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Seneca after Nero's cruel reign: Don't blame me. I did what I could
Me: We know, Seneca. We know. That pretentious artist of yours preferred vulgar pyrotechnics to the refined art of Stoicism.
reply
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