Imperial Matchmaker: The Involvement of the Roman Emperor in the Arrangement of Marriages between Client Kings

Abstract

This thesis demonstrates that the emperor Augustus (27 BC to AD 14) did encourage and instigate marriage-alliances between the families of Roman client kings, as suggested by the sources. Analysis of the marriage-alliances formed before Augustus' reign reveals a number of characteristics that did not apply to many of the marriage-alliances formed during Augustus' reign and beyond. New or modified characteristics have assisted in the determination of which marriage-alliances were arranged by the emperor. Furthermore, this thesis also assesses the possible aims that compelled Augustus to arrange or encourage these marriages, how this policy complied with the emperor's other beliefs and policies regarding marriage in general, and whether his policy was continued by his successors. Finally the repercussions and problems that arose from binding the client kings together through intermarriage are examined and the policy assessed in terms of success or failure. The study of Augustus' policy of intermarriage between client kings also illuminates the nature and role of client kings within the framework of the principate and shed further light on their relationship with the emperor.