Didius Julianus: An American in 2nd Century Rome

As we find ourselves embroiled in yet another Presidential election year here in the United States I cannot help but wonder how anyone can be excited over the prospects presented to us. In one corner stands Willard Mitt Romney, 65, former Governor of my home state of Massachusetts, son of the late Governor of Michigan, George Romney (Hereditary succession anyone?) who was himself a candidate for President in 1968. Willard represents a body of blowhards known as the Republican party. In the other corner stands the reigning champion Barack Hussein Obama, 51, current President of the Corporatist States of America. Barack represents a body of blowhards known as the Democratic party. One of the biggest things that bothers me about American politics is the way candidates for political office submit their own names as candidates and demean themselves by begging for votes. Each candidate, especially on the national level endeavors to worm their way toward a middle ground, disregarding their own beliefs and core values (regardless of what they are) in order to gain the most votes possible. Not that it really matters since the election is rigged anyway. Both candidates serve the same Corporatist master. An outside candidate that attempts to run in one of the two corporatist parties is doomed to fail because he either cannot raise the funds, or lacks enough media coverage which the Corporatist state controls. Oh well, maybe I'm wrong. I am certainly no expert on these matters. Just a few observations on my part. This brings me to the subject of this post, Didius Julianus 20th Emperor of Rome, who, would have been a great fit in 21st century American politics.

                                               Didius Julianus (133-193)
    
     Marcus Didius Severus Julianus was born at Milan in the year 133 during the reign of Hadrian. He was of noble birth, and early on became a commander of the XXII Legion. He then served in various Governorships (Romney) before becoming one of Rome's Senators (Obama) In March, 193 Pertinax, Emperor of Rome was murdered by the praetorian guard after ruling for only 3 months. Didius Julianus, who was by this time 60 years old and one of Rome's senior Senators caught a gleam in his eye and decided to make a bid for power. However, a rival candidate Titus Sulpicianus had the same ambition. Both candidates had their supporters and bribed other factions for their support. It finally came down to the candidate that had more money, and Didius Julianus was elected Emperor of Rome. His power (if he ever had any) was short lived. Unknown to Didius Julianus, another rival candidate Septimius Severus had himself proclaimed Caesar at a town called Carnuntum in present day Austria. Severus had gained the support of 16 legions and marched toward Rome to face Julianus. When it became obvious that he would soon be crushed and most likely suffer the same fate as his predecessor he begged the Senate to appoint Severus as a co-emperor sort of in the same mold as Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius 30 years before. Severus, who had the upper hand merely laughed at his rival when he heard this. The Senate, now fearful of Severus' approach on Rome took matters in it's own hands and passed down a sentence of death on Didius Julianus. It is said that Julianus broke down and began sobbing as his executioner found him alone and deserted in his apartments. He begged for his life telling his executioner "what evil have I done?...Whom have I killed?" (Source: Chronicle of the Roman Emperors; Scarre)

     There is a striking similarity between the ambitious Didius Julianus and most current politicians. They both used or use money to gain what they want, and will do whatever it takes to retain power, even if that power is merely superficial. In  the case of Julianus, real power was in the hands of the praetorian guard and the military. While today in the case of Obama, and Romney (who  are slaves to their own sycophants) it is in the hand's of the Corporatists. It is mere vanity...a glossy show that we are witness to. If anything the deception is amusing entertainment sent our way by our true masters who we never see. So...who am I going to vote for in 2012...well you might have guessed it by now I'll cast my vote Didius Julianus!