CAPAX IMPERII
CAPAX IMPERII

Summary/Abstract: It appears from this paper (also to be read in German in the collective volume edited to the memory of H. Petersmann, Heidelberg) that the often quoted Tacitean word-group does not mean as it is usually explained (not even Sir Ronald Syme undertook to give its exact, unmistakable translation) i.e. it does not mean “who is able (or suitable) for reigning”, but it denotes “who (in possession of his capacity or according to the intention of his political environment) would catch the power, who strives with whatever kind of means, with tooth and nail after the power”.

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