The evergetism as a mecanism of power legitimacy in the Antonine Dinasty

Abstract

Every government requires not only legality to preside, but also legitimacy; that is why all authority plays with a complex mechanism of responsible strategies to keep ahead of the regime. So it was that Rome developed a complex political-governmental and religious system, which combined through public works, ceremonies and festivities the enabling environment for the support of the inhabitants of the Empire. Rome defined a special way of legitimiation of her governments in an exalted festive atmosphere, through appointment of officials, holding the victories of his generals, imperial funerals and notables, and the evergetism focused on civic and charitable works.
Thus, entertain and please the rabble without giving participation in political decisions it was a constant concern of the emperors and the aristocracy that surrounded them. The rulers often used free food distribution, to avoid the effects of man on the society and its possible consequences. But there was also a breakthrough on urban infrastructure that made this policy in order to maintain a stable organization where the emperor appeared as a benefactor of the people.