Dignitas (Roman concept)
Dignitas () is a Latin word referring to a unique, intangible, and culturally subjective social concept in the ancient Roman mindset. The word does not have a direct translation in English. Some interpretations include "dignity", which is a "derivation" from "dignitas", and "prestige", "charisma" and "power from personal respect". "Dignitas" was the influence a male citizen acquired throughout his life, including personal reputation, moral standing, and ethical worth, along with the man's entitlement to respect and proper treatment owing to the reputation and standing of his family. The "Oxford Latin Dictionary" defines the expression as fitness, suitability , worthiness, visual impressiveness or distinction, dignity of style and gesture, rank, status, position, standing, esteem, importance, and honour. Origins. Authors who had used "dignitas" extensively in their writings and oratories include Cicero, Julius Caesar, Tacitus, and Livy. The most prolific user was Cicero, who initially related it to the established term "auctoritas" (authority). These two words were highly associated, with the latter defined as the expression of a man's "dignitas". Personal significance. The cultivation of "dignitas" in ancient Rome was extremely personal. Men of all classes, most particularly noblemen of consular families, were highly protective and zealous of this  asset. This is because every man who took on a higher political office during the Roman Republic considered "dignitas" as comprising much more than just his dignity. It referred to his "good name" (his past and present reputation, achievement, standing, and honour). Its importance within the hierarchical classes of Roman society meant many historical figures would kill, commit suicide (e.g., Mark Antony), or enter exile in order to preserve their "dignitas". Influence on conflict. The personal significance of one's "dignitas" had encouraged several conflicts in ancient Rome. Florus claimed that the stubbornness of Cato the Younger had driven Pompeius  Magnus to prepare defences in order to build up his "dignitas". Cicero wrote that Caesar valued his status so greatly that he did not want anyone to be his equal in "dignitas". Aulus Hirtius had written that Marcus Claudius Marcellus, who was one of the instigators of Caesar's recall from Gaul, had attempted to build all of his own reputation on his success on turning people's feelings against Caesar. Whether the exact term was used much during these times is unknown; however, the concept of "dignitas" was certainly influential and worth fighting for. Changing definition. Over the course  of ancient Roman history, "dignitas" had never taken on all of the aforementioned descriptions simultaneously. The term took on different meanings over time, adjusting for the gradually changing viewpoints of society, politicians, and the various authors. Years after Caesar's death, his heir Augustus rejected the contemporary meaning of "dignitas". Augustus found the related term "auctoritas" to be a suitable alternative. In 46 BC, Cicero cited the ambiguous nature of the concept of "dignitas". He wrote, "And so I have, if loyal feeling for the state and winning good men's approval of those loyal feelings is all that "dignitas  amounts to; but if in dignitas" you include the power of translating those loyal feelings into action or of defending them with complete freedom, then "ne vestigium quidem ullum est reliquum nobis dignitatis" [not even a trace is left to us of our dignity]." Combination of dignitas and otium. When paired with the term "otium", the word "dignitas" took on a different meaning. Cicero did not consider himself worthy of having "dignitas" alone because he felt that—by turning his back on the Roman public—he had neglected the duty of one whose life had normally exemplified the concept. He  then altered the definition to mean "[lifetime] impact", to better describe his unique status. By this time, Cicero's political life had ended, and he labelled his past political influence as his "dignitas", and his present standing as "otium".