The grain laws of the Roman Republic do not attract as much attention as other controversial policies of the late Republic, and when they do, they are seen as part of a wider populist programme. However, most attested grain laws were passed not by popular politicians, but their ‘conservative’ opponents. My research seeks to show that while the grain distribution system began as a popular policy, the establishment quickly adopted it, as the stability it offered made the task of governance easier and less vulnerable to crisis. The organization of Rome's food supply rose above partisan politics, becoming a crucial problem to be managed by the government of the day, irrespective of political ideology.
My project in Rome was to examine the material evidence and archaeological sites related to the acquisition of grain for the city. This involved visits to villas surrounding Rome (in particular the Villa Volusii Saturnini), Rome's naval museums, and archaeological sites visible in Rome: the Testaccio and forum warehouses, the Porticus Minucia under the Crypta Balbi museum, and Ostia Antica.
One key aspect of the organization of Rome's grain supply was the store buildings that housed the food once it came into the city. Aside from the horrea Sempronia, which were built specifically to house grain for the public distributions, store buildings in Republican Rome were originally privately owned. Therefore, part of my research was focused on looking at the owners of these buildings. I sought to uncover who they were, why they might have chosen to build a large warehouse in Rome, and what interactions they had with those actually in charge of Rome's food supply.
An example of one of these owners is Marcus Seius, an aedile of 74, who is widely accepted as the possible founder of the horrea Seiana. Not much is known about him. As the only well-known Seius in Rome from the time, it is assumed that he owned the storehouse because it bears his name. He clearly had plenty of supplies — during his aedileship he handed out grain and olive oil incredibly cheaply, despite a severe shortage only a year previously. Seius, or his son, probably owned a productive villa at Ostia. He entered Roman politics as a relatively new citizen: epigraphic evidence suggests his family originated in Volsinii, which had recently been granted Roman citizenship, and he was elected despite a setback involving a disgraceful loss in the courts. Seius’ handouts of food made him so popular that he received a public funeral of sorts. When Seius appears in Cicero's letters it is as a friend of Varro and Atticus. Cicero introduces him to the governor of Asia on Atticus’ request and later mentions visiting him for dinner.
What might this collection of details reveal about Seius’ role in Rome's food supply? First, given the timing of his election and benefaction immediately after a severe shortage, it appears his granary gave him a political advantage going into an election. I am also investigating whether this could mean an ongoing relationship with the state. A law passed the year after his aedileship meant large amounts of grain would be imported into Rome from 73 onwards using state funds. It is entirely possible Seius would have benefited from contracts to store public grain in his warehouse as he was one of the few to possess the space. Finally, while little else is known of Seius’ political career, the Seian family immediately rose within the ranks of the principate — a later descendant of Seius was the famous Sejanus. Seius’ story shares common ground with the history of many of Rome's early granary owners, as private ownership of something critical to the state brought wealth and political opportunity.
I would like to convey my appreciation to the BSR for providing such a stimulating and welcoming environment. Additionally, I want to thank both Suzy Coleman and Jeffrey Hilton for their kindness in providing me with this fantastic opportunity.
