Adoptive Succession in the Early Roman Empire

Cijiao Chen

《World Scientific Research Journal》 8卷7期 (2022/07) Pp. 339-344

https://doi.org/10.6911/WSRJ.202207_8(7).0047

摘要

The system of adopted son succession was a political system unique to the Roman Empire, a historical product of the Roman Empire in unique circumstances. It distinguished itself from traditional hereditary throne rule by adopting the criterion of selecting virtuous adopted sons as the next rulers. This selection criterion resulted in the creation of the world‐famous ＂Five Wise Emperors,＂ who ruled the Roman Empire at its peak during this period. During the ＂Five Wise Emperors＂ period, the Roman Empire solved the problem of power alternation in the empire and played a positive role in strengthening political rule, stabilizing power, and promoting economic development. The goal of this paper is to introduce the historical context, formation conditions, and factors influencing the success of adopted sons in the early Roman Empire, as well as to delve deeper into the Roman Empire's succession system.

關鍵字

Imperial succession ； Political system ； Selection of sages ； Adopted son succession

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