Stoic opposition from Nero to Domitian

Abstract

It has been argued that the so-called "Stoic opposition" to the Roman principate which characterized the period 54-96 A.D. was based on a doctrinal objection, derived from Stoic tenets, to the principle of hereditary succession to monarchy. Others have seen the opposition as the work of a group of Republicans who refused to recognize the legitimacy of any sole ruler."*" I reject both views. I suggest instead that the "opposition" of a small group of senatorial Stoics to the emperors of the mid- and late first century A.D. had its origin in traditional Roman and senatorial values, that the "opposition", such as it was, was exercised in a constitutional fashion and that its aims were vague and conservative. Show more