45.32
The
congress of the Macedonians which had been interrupted by these
proceedings was again convened. First of all the status of Macedonia was
defined. Senators, who were known as "synedri," were to be elected to form
a council for the administration of government. Then a list was read out of
the names of those Macedonian leaders who it was decided were to go in
advance to Italy with all their children over fifteen years of age. At first
glance this seemed a cruel measure, but it soon became apparent to the
Macedonians that it was done to protect their liberties. The names on the list
were those of the friends and court nobles of the king, the generals of his
armies, the commanders of his ships and garrisons accustomed to servile
submission towards him and dictatorial insolence towards others. Some were
exceedingly wealthy others whose fortunes did not equal theirs lived quite as
extravagantly; their table and dress were on a regal scale they had no idea of
citizenship, and were incapable of submission to law or to a liberty equal for
all. Every one, therefore, who had been employed in the king's service, even
those who had been sent as envoys, were ordered to leave Macedonia and
proceed to Italy, and whoever refused obedience was threatened with death.
The laws which Aemilius gave to the Macedonians had been so carefully and
considerately drawn up that he might be thought to be giving them not to
vanquished enemies but to allies who had rendered good service, and not
even after a long practical experience -the only safe guide in legislative
reform -have they been found to need amendment. After attending to these
more serious matters he celebrated the Games, for which preparations had
been going on for a long time, with great splendour. Notice of them had
been sent to the cities of Asia and to the kings, and during his tour in Greece
Aemilius had informed the leading men about them. There was a gathering of
artistes proficient in every kind of scenic display, a vast assemblage of
athletes from all parts of the world, and horses that had won many races.
There were also civic deputations with their animals for sacrifice; everything,
in fact, which usually formed a part of these exhibitions in honour both of
gods and men. The performances were so good that not only the
magnificence of the spectacle but the skill shown in its display were
universally admired; the Romans were not in those days adepts at these
exhibitions. The same care was taken over the rich banquets which were
prepared for the civic deputations. A remark of the consul's was often
quoted, that, the man who knew how to win a war had also to furnish
entertainment and prepare Games for the conquered.