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:
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:
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. Vitellius Triarius announced an introductory Latin workshop for school teachers on Feb. 21st.
- L. Ulpius Atellus announced a Quinquatria celebration on the University of Western Florida campus, to be held Mar. 19th.
- The official Nova Roman Pinterest board and Twitter channel were added to the Media Services page.
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:
- Updated list of provinces
- FutureLearn free online courses
- Interactive map of the Roman empire
- Interactive map of Rome's provinces, territories, and historical sites
- M. Minucius Audens' personal sketches
- Combined Federal Campaign program
- Virtual tour of the Aura Passas (Arapacis)
- "De Natura Deorum" on Google Play
