The consulship was the highest office in the Roman Republic. At the end of their term ex-consuls automatically attained the status of consulares, remained members of the Senate for life, gained prestige and influence in Rome and were therefore expected to play a prominent role in Roman politics and society. Holding the consulship by no means marked the end of a consular's political activities. But what did ex-consuls do from the time they completed their consulship until their death? What was their political career? What was their political role in the Senate? What kinds of public tasks and duties did they perform for the res publica? What function did consulares play in Roman society, and how strong was their leadership capacity? This is the first book in any language on the political role of ex-consuls, who formed the top level of the aristocracy during the Roman Republic.

‘Pina Polo presents a stimulating study that impressively underscores the analytical potential of a focused examination of a limited group of people. [… since the study] raises numerous fundamental and further-reaching questions about the role of consulars, it is hoped that it will stimulate more in-depth research on this topic. The book therefore deserves a wide readership, and is recommended to all those interested in the political culture of the Roman Republic and its elite.’

Mathis Hartmann Source: H-Soz-Kult

‘The work certainly adds to a growing literature on Roman political offices and hierarchies amongst the Roman elite, to which Pina Polo has been an important contributor. Indeed, this is a culmination of many years of detailed work by Pina Polo on these themes. At the beginning of the work Pina Polo sets out questions which he hopes the monograph will answer, for example: ‘what was the political career of a consularis?’, ‘what was their political role in the Senate?’ or ‘was consular status a privileged source of economic benefits?’. Marked against these questions the book is a success and for those interested in the life of consulares it will surely be invaluable. Pina Polo’s monograph also opens an interesting range of new questions.’

Connor Beattie Source: Bryn Mawr Classical Review