THE ‘PRAETOR’ OF PROPERTIUS 1.8 AND 2.16 AND THE ORIGINS OF THE PROVINCE OF ILLYRICUM

The identity of the ‘Praetor’ from Propertius 1.8 and 2.16 has not been the subject of significant scholarly debate in the past, as Propertius did not reveal any details of significance about his rival for Cynthia’s affection, except for the most obvious facts: that the rival was rich, a member of the upper social echelons and the lover of Cynthia. The opinions of scholars on his identity are divided. Some in effect deny his existence, as some scholars repudiate the existence of Cynthia.1 Others have recognized him as Cynthia’s husband.2 The overwhelming majority of scholars see him as one of her lovers. His position, as a governor of Illyricum, and the relatively precise dating of Propertius’ Books 1 and 2, have not been used as evidence for an individual provincial command in Illyricum after the battle of Actium. This paper sets out to determine the significance of the evidence from Propertius, and whether the ‘Praetor’ can be recognized as Cn. Baebius Tamphilus Vála Numonianus, who has been dated to roughly the same period as one of the first pro-consuls of Illyricum after the inscription from Iader (Zadar, Croatia). The date when Illyricum was established as a separate province is unknown. According to the Lex Vatinia, Caesar received imperium for Illyricum in addition to Cisalpine Gaul in 59 B.C., and during the 40s B.C. different magistrates were entrusted with imperium for Illyricum as their provincia to fight in the Civil War.3 Some scholars argue that the province was not established in the 40s B.C. as an organized territory governed annually by a pro-magistrate.4 However, it should be noted that Roman SHORTER NOTES 699