Carsten Hjort Lange

Mock the Triumph: Cassius Dio, Triumph and Triumph-Like Celebrations

During the Republic the triumph was a medium for negotiating status and prestige within a highly competitive aristocratic society, whereas during the Principate it was a medium for negotiating status and prestige under a monarchy. This chapter argues that Cassius Dio approached triumphal matters in his historical narrative in a way very similar to the parallel evidence: he understood, at times disapprovingly, the inherent flexibility of the ius triumphandi; yet he also drew attention to divergences from customary procedure, particularly when symptomatic of political disorder in periods of staseis and dynasteiai. There were rules and regulations for granting triumphs, but at the same time there was flexibility, mainly in terms of political strength and precedent. Although Dio is at times mistaken, he understood the flexibility and development of the ritual, especially in terms of customary practices, both republican and imperial.