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Document Details :

Title: Sulla and the Tarpeian Rock in 88 and 82 BC
Author(s): THEIN, Alexander
Journal: Ancient Society
Volume: 45    Date: 2015   
Pages: 171-186
DOI: 10.2143/AS.45.0.3110546

Abstract :
In 88, the slave who betrayed the tribune Sulpicius was manumitted in accordance with the Sullan hostis-declaration, but then he was hurled from the Tarpeian Rock to punish his treachery and deter potential servile unrest. In 82, Sulla precipitated a freedman suspected of harbouring one of the proscribed. This article argues that Sulla returned to the Tarpeian Rock, to execute an ex-slave for his loyalty, in order to persuade potential slave accomplices that they would not be subjected to arbitrary punishment if they killed or betrayed their proscribed masters for the promised rewards of money and manumission.

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