Regarding Coteries at the end of the Republic

[Arduumresgestasscriber]

"A more than equivocal

character, Publius Cethegus, formerly one of the most zealous

Marians, afterwards as a deserter received into favour by Sulla,(4)

acted a most influential part in the political doings

of this period--unrivalled as a cunning tale-bearer and mediator

between the sections of the senate, and as having a statesman's

acquaintance with the secrets of all cabals: at times the appointment

to the most important posts of command was decided by a word

from his mistress Praecia. Such a plight was only possible

where none of the men taking part in politics rose above mediocrity:

any man of more than ordinary talent would have swept away

this system of factions like cobwebs; but there was in reality

the saddest lack of men of political or military capacity."---History of Rome by Theodore Mommsen

 

So I'm curious. How would a strong leader have done in such turbulent times and were there any examples in Roman history of such strong leadership?

[M. Porcius Cato]

Typical Mommsen--what a drama queen. Yes, there were plenty of men in the republic who rose above the rank of mediocrity. They even managed to build a workable, democratic government that held sway over most of the Hellenistic Mediterranean.

[Arduumresgestasscriber]

Was this his way of dramatically paving way for his hero Caesar?

[M. Porcius Cato]

Was this his way of dramatically paving way for his hero Caesar?

 

Yes--and his true hero, Bismarck.