The concilia fulfilled two major functions. Augustus believed that the Empire should be efficient, yet allow a
certain amount of native self-expression in a given region, coupled with participation in the grand imperial
framework of events and policies. The concilia in each territory provided both the voice of the province and the
means by which the IMPERIAL CULT could be fostered.
The concilia (or koina in the East) were not wholly new. They had existed in some form in various kingdoms of
Asia Minor, and even Julius Caesar had summoned notable tribal chiefs to participate in a conference in Gaul. In the
West, however, the form of councils was less known and hence more malleable to Roman influence.
One of the first concilia in the West originated in 12 B.C. in Gallia Comata. By the time Vespasian ruled the
Roman world (69-79 A.D.), all of the various parts of the Empire had councils. Exceptions to this were Egypt and
those groups of provinces (such as in Gaul) where one congress represented a broad stretch of interests and
concerns along racial or cultural lines, rather than political ones.
Delegates from each city traveled to a major center and elected its concilium and an officer to serve as president.
The council head administered secular affairs and directed the annual grand festival, with games, in honor of
Rome and the emperor. Regular business would also be conducted and dispatches to Rome drafted. Such
dispatches proved invaluable in the 1st century A.D. in providing an accurate assessment of the provinces. Also,
governors found themselves suddenly answerable to the Senate and the emperor for administering affairs
incorrectly or harshly. In 23 A.D., for example, Lucilius Capito, procurator of Asia, was accused and tried for
overstepping his authority. The concilia lacked basic powers, however. The members could not enact legislation and
relied upon imperial goodwill in all matters. When the emperor became isolated or absent, as in years of
crisis, the role of the concilia declined.
¤ CONDIANUS, SEXTUS QUINTILIUS See the QUINTILII BROTHERS.
¤ CONDRUSI
Germanic people residing in Gallia Belgica. They were clients of the TREVIRI. ¤
CONDUCTORES See FARMING.
¤ CONGIARIUM
Name originally given to the gifts of oil, wine or other goods distributed to the general
populace by public officials. During the Empire it became the custom for rulers to make most gifts in money
upon the occasion of a great victory, an imperial birthday or some other public celebration.
