Did professional assassins really operate in the crowded streets of ancient Rome?
In short: This video explores the reality of state-sanctioned and specialized killers in the Roman Empire. It highlights how the emperor's secret police and professional poisoners operated to eliminate political enemies, providing a glimpse into the darker side of Roman power.
The Roman state utilized various methods for targeted elimination. The frumentarii, originally the emperor's secret police, were known to moonlight as assassins. Meanwhile, specialized figures like Locusta, an arch-poisoner serving Nero, maintained a dedicated workshop with apprentices to develop lethal substances for removing the emperor's rivals.
Historical accounts suggest that mysterious groups armed with poisoned needles carried out attacks in public spaces on at least two occasions. These instances reflect a broader, often hidden, culture of state-sponsored violence that existed beneath the surface of Roman society.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Professional Assassins in Ancient Rome
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