2017-11-11 Sat

The notion of voting is always related to the modern thought process but history would convey a different tale. The most dominating power of the Italian peninsula, Roman Republic will give you examples of so many implementations in their governing process which we can relate to modernization. This Empire was governed by the council of People called ‘Senate’. The Senate consists of members from the influential and rich noble class.

The Roman administration contained two assemblies during the 2nd Century BCE. The two Assemblies were called Assembly of the Centuries and Assembly of the Tribes. The members consist of adult male Roman citizens; they voted for a candidate and for the proposed legislation.

The above-shown coin depicts the voting scene which was issued by moneyer P.Licinius Nerva in 113-112 BC. The reverse of this coin depicts the voting scene where an attendant is handing over a small wooden tablet covered with wax on which the voter inscribed his vote eg: V for Uti rogad: As you Propose (to support), A for Antiquo : I vote against ( to oppose) or a candidate’s name in an election. Later on, the voter drops the tablet into a tall ‘Cista’. This whole process was time-consuming, so voting was conducted in the large space of Campus Martius.

The concept of voting depicted on the coin explains the influence of this system on commoners at large. Women didn’t hold any kind of political influence over the Roman administration.

The entire concept of voting we follow today is influenced and practiced since the bygone era. It also clearly conveys that we should never forget our history because it always gives you new and innovative ideas to progress.

To know more about Roman coins click here