OPTIMATES Meaning and
Definition
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Optimates is a term derived from Latin, meaning "best men" or "nobles." In ancient Roman politics, Optimates referred to a conservative political faction that emerged during the late Roman Republic. The Optimates, also known as "the aristocracy" or "the Senate elite," were a group composed of wealthy and influential patricians.
Characterized by their emphasis on traditional values, social stability, and protection of the senatorial class, the Optimates favored the supremacy of the Senate in political decision-making. They retained a conservative approach, defending the interests of the Roman nobility against the growing influence of the plebeians and popularist politicians.
The Optimates often formed alliances with the Senate and conducted their affairs through this governing body. They believed in upholding the traditional institutions of Rome and the power of the Senate to safeguard the Republic's interests. Although they represented the conservative faction, they did not necessarily oppose all reforms or social change but rather sought a balance between stability and progress.
Throughout Roman history, the Optimates clashed with their rivals, the Populares, who championed populist policies aimed at empowering the common people and diminishing the aristocracy's influence. The conflict between the Optimates and Populares played a significant role in the decline of the Roman Republic and the subsequent rise of the Roman Empire under the rule of the emperors.
In summary, the term "Optimates" refers to a conservative Roman political faction that defended the interests of the patrician class and sought to maintain the traditional power structures of Rome.
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The nobility of anc. Rome.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for OPTIMATES
- oprimates
- iptimates
- kptimates
- lptimates
- pptimates
- 0ptimates
- 9ptimates
- ootimates
- oltimates
- o-timates
- o0timates
- opfimates
- opgimates
- opyimates
- op6imates
- op5imates
- optumates
- optjmates
- optkmates
- optomates
Etymology of OPTIMATES
The word Optimates is derived from the Latin term optimates, which directly translates to the best or the aristocracy. This term was used in Ancient Rome to refer to the conservative political faction that represented the interests of the established elite and the wealthy patricians. The Optimate faction often opposed the popularist party known as the Populares.
Similar spelling word for OPTIMATES
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