Wybrane zagadnienia z polityki dynastycznej w Cesarstwie Rzymskim w latach 244-253

Abstract

The article concerns the problem of the functioning in the Roman Empire in the years 244-253 of one of the basic forms of the dynastic policy, consisting in conferring the titles of Caesars and Augustus on the emperors’ sons. The analysis of the source materials leads to the conclusion that in the period from 244 to 253 we have to do with repeated attempts on the part of Philip, the Arabian, Trajan Decius, and Trebonianus Gallus to found their own dynasties by appointing a Caesar, as the heir to the throne, and nominating him later as an Augustus, i.e. a co-regent of the Empire. The tenacity with which this policy was pursued, in spite of its being unsuccessful, suggests that for the rulers of those times to designate the heir to the throne seemed the simplest means to prevent the further weakening of the position of the princeps, and the ongoing destabilisation of the state. The practice of appointing the heir to the emperor’s authority and endowing him with the dignity of an August led to there being two, or even three rulers in the Roman Empire. The extent of literary sources does not allow us to reconstruct a clear image of the participation of the persons elevated to the rank of a Caesar, or an Augustus, in the political events of the years 244-253. However, the rich numismatic sources of those times make it possible to conclude that at least Herennius Etruscus (a Caesar and Augustus at Trajan Decius’s side), and Volusian (the successor of Trebonianus Gallus and his co-regent) actively participated in the frequent military campaigns of the time.