Attitude towards suicide in ancient rome?

Answer 1

Romans. Suicide was an acceptable, even honorable way to die. A Roman who failed in his duty might commit suicide to atone for the failure. Also, it was not uncommon for a disgraced political figure to kill himself before any official charges could be leveled against him. If he died at his own hands, his property would go to his heirs. If not, the government could confiscate all of his holdings. He'd still end up dead, but then his family would be paupers. Certain Emperors were notorius for trying to raise money for their treasury by arresting and convicting rich citizens. Also, by committing suicide one could avoid charges of cowardice, especially for military leaders who had been defeated.

Answer 2

People who faced execution sometimes preferred to commit suicide. This was for two reasons. One was that it was considered more honourable than being executed .The other was that the property of executed people was confiscated by the state. In case of suicide, the family of the man in question could keep his property.

Sometimes military commanders committed suicide when they lost a battle.

Answer 3

To the Romans suicide was an honorable means of death. If a person were convicted of a capital offense and he offed himself, then his property could not legally be confiscated by the State and his will was still valid.

Answer 4

I don't honestly know how the Romans felt about the various suicides in Julius Caesar, that took place at the end of the play, but I know that Romans felt suicide was a honorable way to die.

Answer 5

it is an honorable alternative to disgrace