Il demos in Erodiano

Abstract

In Herodian’s historical view the demos appears to play an important political role in critical stages of the Roman empire. The political success of an emperor depends on the popular approval in Rome or in the provincial cities, besides the support of the soldiers. The analysis of the words demos and ochlos, used by Herodian with different values, reveals that the historian cannot be defined filo-popular, but shows throughout interest in the popular participation in civil struggles.