Crime in Ancient Rome

[Conan]

Hi guys,

 

Saw this topic on another forum and was interested if anyone here could shine light on if there was any organized criminal gangs in Rome? Be it republic or imperial times.

 

Thanks

[Gaius Paulinus Maximus]

One of the most notable and well documented existence of gangs in ancient Rome was during the rivalry between Publius Clodius Pulcher and Titus Annius Milo. In 53BC Milo was a candidate for the consulship and Clodius for the Praetorship, they both surround themselves with a small armed band of thugs and rampaged the streets of Rome, terrorizing the citizens and showing no regard for the city and it's laws. This all came to a head later that year when the two rival gangs accidently bumped into each other on the Appian Way, a fight ensued resulting in the death of Clodius. Some historians go as far as to say that it wasn't infact an accident but an organized assasination attempt. After Clodius' death riots raged through Rome and the Senate house was was burned to the ground with the body of Clodius inside.

[Legio X]

Paulinus is right, something he didn't mention was that Pompei was declared dictator to stop the crime. A dictator is immune to law. Pompeii was one of few to be dictator, next after Sulla.

[Ingsoc]

Paulinus is right, something he didn't mention was that Pompei was declared dictator to stop the crime. A dictator is immune to law. Pompeii was one of few to be dictator, next after Sulla.

 

Pompeius never held the dictatorship, he appointed sole consul in 52 BC.