Dictator Interregni Caussa

Abstract

AbstractThe designation interregni caussa applied by the Capitoline Fasti to the second dictatorship of Q. Fabius Maximus Verrucosus in 217 bc in reality belongs to his (attested but undated) first dictatorship, and should be assigned to the consular year 223/2. The Consuls of that year, C. Flaminius and L. Furius Philus, having been found vitio creati (elected under flawed auspices) by the College of Augurs, were required by the Senate to abdicate, so as to allow a complete renewal of the auspices through the process of an interregnum. Flaminius refused to abdicate, issuing public statements accusing the Augurs of falsifying their findings to the benefit of his political enemies, and dismissing auspices as fraud and nonsense. The charge (also frequently levied by moderns) of using the auspices and augury as a means to sabotage Flaminius’ career runs counter to the evidence of the sources. Fabius’ appointment as Dictator was designed to force Flaminius to comply; Fabius resolved the situation in a face-saving manner for Flaminius by making him his Magister Equitum, which required his prior resignation as Consul. The subsequent interregnum caused a change in the beginning of the consular year from May 1 to March 15.