Outside Rome

Emperors were patrons of foreign kings. They provided legitimacy for their positions as rulers, military support, and education for their sons at Rome. Foreign kings were also granted exemption from taxes.

Although it has been common in the past to refer to foreign king such as Herod Agrippa and his son Herod Agrippa II as ‘client kings’, this is a modern term that does not describe this type of patronage relationship accurately. In fact, it would have brought dishonour to a foreign king. The reciprocal relationship is, however, reflected in the phrase socius et amicus populi Romani (ally and friend of the Roman people). 

Foreign kings expressed their loyalty to Rome and the Emperor through written and oral proclamations, the building of monuments, and by providing support during periods of military unrest. These acts were intentionally designed to support the Emperor outside Rome. For example, Herod Agrippa II supported Rome in Judaea; this coin was probably minted to pay Agrippa II’s troops fighting with the Romans during the First Jewish Revolt.

Emperors also acted as patrons to foreign communities. Roman armies helped to build roads, public amenities and defence posts, as represented by this roof tile from Roman Britain. Emperors might also show special favour to certain communities through specific building programs or grants of citizenship. Provincial communities often responded through support of the Imperial cult, or by setting up honorific statues and inscriptions to members of the Imperial family.