thesis

M. Aemilius, le triumvir

Defense date:

Jan. 1, 1996

Edit

Institution:

Paris 4

Disciplines:

History

Authors:

Directors:

Abstract EN:

M. Aemilius Lepidus began his cursus around 66 as triumvir monetalis. In 49, as praetor, he secured the passage of the law to elect Caesar as dictator. He was his master of the horse in 46, 45 and 44. He was responsible for the direction of extensive building activity, with the erection of the saepta and the temple to felicitas. After Caesar’s murder, Lepidus consolidated the control of his two provinces, Spain and narbonese Gaul. It was Lepidus who brought together Antony and Octavian for the negotiations which led to the formation of the second triumvirate in November 43. In 36, Lepidus promised to provide assistance to Octavian against Sextus Pompey. After their victory, Octavian surrended Lepidus 'camp and forced the legions to defect. Lepidus submitted himself to his conqueror and was stripped of triumviral power and sent into exile in Italy. He remained pontifex maximus until his death in 12 b. C. He displayed considerable administrative ability both in the city of Rome and as a provincial governor in Spain, Gaul and Africa.

Abstract FR:

M. Aemilius Lepidus (- 89 av J. -C. - 12 av J. -C. ) fut un personnage incontournable de la vie politique de la république romaine finissante. Issu d'une des plus anciennes gentes de la république, les Aemilii, il commença un cursus classique avant de devenir le magister equitum de césar. A la mort du dictateur, il ne choisit pas le parti sénatorial dirige par Cicéron, mais forma avec Antoine et Octavien le second triumvirat. Apres la guerre menée contre Sextus Pompey en 36, il fut destitue de ses pouvoirs triumviraux par Octavien. Son rôle et son œuvre politiques ont été discrédités par Cicéron et par la propagande augustéenne. Pourtant, son action fut loin d'être négligeable. Il administra Rome et l’Italie entre 46 et 44 ainsi qu'en 42. Il fit construire les saepta, le temple de la felicitas et le temple d'Isis. Enfin, comme gouverneur de province, il poursuivit activement la romanisation des provinces occidentales d’Espagne, de Narbonnaise et d’Afrique.