Donativum

Under the Roman Empire , a donativum is an exceptional reward granted to a body of troops, usually equivalent to several years' pay. The Praetorian Guard (the emperor's personal guard) are frequently donativum: At the advent of a new emperor, at a birth or marriage into the imperial family.

Other military units ( legions , auxiliaries) receive less often, if ever.

Some examples of donativa reported by Roman historians:

• At 41, Claude , fearing for his life after the assassination of Caligula , offers 15,000 sesterces per head to the Praetorians who had taken him to their camp. It was the first emperor thus ensuring the fidelity of his guards.
• In 68, Galba refused to give a gratuity Praetorians larger than usual, answering "he used to enlist soldiers, not buy them." The Praetorians corrupted by Otho the murder shortly after .
• In 69, Vespasian put a halt to the escalation, more efficiently, "about the troops who took part in his victory, far from giving them any special favor, he made them wait even longer rewards their legitimate '
• In 193, the Senator Pertinax , also fearing for his life, promises 3000 drachmas to the Praetorians who surrounded him, and then proclaim that the emperor. He pays half, but was assassinated shortly thereafter by the Praetorians.
• His successor, Didius Julianus purchased his proclamation against a fabulous promise of 6250 drachmas per head. He died before they have paid.

Complete list

See also

• Congiaire (congiarium)
• Aerarium
• Fiscus
• Rationalis
• Rationibus
• Imperial largesse

Sources

Notes

Bibliography

• Lives of the Twelve Caesars , Suetonius
• General History of the Roman Empire, Paul Little, Editions du Seuil, 1974

• Ancient Rome portal

Leave a Reply