institution
rex et amicus populi Romani
king and friend
also: amicus populi Romani
“King and friend of the Roman people”: an honorific status conferred by the Senate on a foreign ruler recognized as an ally; Ariovistus received it in 59 BC, in Caesar's consulship.
Reading notes
- The Gallic War §1.35.2 king and friend
“King and friend of the Roman people”: a senatorial honorific recognizing a foreign ruler as an ally; conferred on Ariovistus in 59 BC, in Caesar's own consulship—which sharpens the reproach here.