It has been argued that the so-called "Stoic
opposition" to the Roman principate which characterized
the period 54-96 A.D. was based on a doctrinal
objection, derived from Stoic tenets, to the principle
of hereditary succession to monarchy. Others have
seen the opposition as the work of a group of Republicans
who refused to recognize the legitimacy of any sole
ruler."*" I reject both views. I suggest instead that
the "opposition" of a small group of senatorial Stoics
to the emperors of the mid- and late first century A.D.
had its origin in traditional Roman and senatorial
values, that the "opposition", such as it was, was
exercised in a constitutional fashion and that its
aims were vague and conservative
