Tuesday, February 11, 2014

January Monthly Report


POLITICS

The beginning of this year was rather unorthodox: Our newly elected magistrates were unable to take office, having been left waiting for the Comitia Curiata to be convened by Pontifex Maximus C. Petronius Dexter. This was a highly unexpected wrench in the works, and within a week the political machine had ground to a halt.

Let's review the results of last year's elections. The elected curule magistrates were:
  • St. Cornelia V. I. Aeternia - Consul Maior
  • C. Aemilius Crassus - Consul Minor
  • P. Annaeus C. Placidus - Praetor Maior
  • M. Pompeius Caninus - Praetor Minor
  • L. Vitellius Triarius - Aedilis Curulis

Dexter had tacitly abstained from duty since the end of the elections in December, causing concern among the magistracy. Subsequently, an emergency session of the senate was called by Princeps Senatus L. Cornelius Sulla Felix to resolve the matter, and Senatus Consulta Ultima (plural) were issued, effecting the removal of Dexter from pontifical office, and the instatement of Pontifex T. Iulius Sabinus in his place.

Another Senatus Consultus Ultimum was also enacted in the same session, intended to revitalize the Collegium Pontificum by appointing 5 new pontifices. This SCU was met with a pronouncement of intercessio by Tribunis Plebis C. Claudius Quadratus, which was promptly dismissed on grounds of improper execution. The Comitia Curiata was convened immediately thereafter, and the new magistrates were vested with their legal imperium just before the turn of the month.

Prior to the emergency session of the senate, another session had been held in which voting took place on regulations for citizens under 18, and the constitutional amendment related to elections, which had been previously ratified by the Comitia Centuriata.

In the midst of all this, Nova Roma also saw the successful conclusion of the IRS audit that began over a year ago; a happy event, especially for the magistracy. But at the end of it all, our Res Publica has gained a renovated magistracy, and stands poised for rapid growth.



SOCIAL

The social life of the republic has been strong, with activity on the Main List at its highest in 6 months, and participation on the Forum Hospitum at its highest in over 2 years.

Significant events:
  • Carmentalia was celebrated on the 15th, and Compitalia, with the Ludi Compitalicii, was celebrated on the 18th.
  • Augur Quadratus announced that his office in Montreal is now open to be used for Nova Roman activities and events, and has already scheduled a presentation on Roman numismatics to be held there on Feb. 21st. 
  • C. Maria Caeca has expanded the Nova Roma Bookclub to include an email group.


Announcements:
  • L. Ulpius Atellus announced a Quinquatria celebration on the University of Western Florida campus, to be held Mar. 19th.

RELIGIOUS

The new year was brought in well by Pontifex Lentulus, who not only offered a sacrifice for Nova Roma, but also furnished a new-year ritual for other cives to perform at home.

Later on in the month, a session of the Collegium Pontificum was held for discussion and voting on pontifical elections, and the celebration of Concordialia.



HOT FIVE
The Top 5 Most Discussed Topics of the Month

1. The propriety of revamping the Collegium Pontificum
2. Email issues
3. The importance of civilized conduct in debates
4. Issuing new Nova Roman coinage
5. The pronouncement of intercessio against the CP-related SCU


Citizen-Recommended Links:
 

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Introduction to the Chronicle

Salvete, omnes!

Welcome to the new Nova Roma Chronicle, a blog dedicated to recording the happenings of the consular year within the Res Publica, month by month.

I, Ti. Cassius Atellus, was recently made the chronicler of Nova Roma by consular request, and I have gladly accepted the responsibility of keeping an official record of the events of this year. So, for the purpose of giving my fellow quirites a greater and clearer view of the state of the republic, and for posterity's sake, I offer as a public service this monthly report.

Please submit your email address via the widget at the top-right to receive the monthly report as a newsletter, and also share this blog with friends and other Nova Romans.

Enjoy!