Symmachus was ultimately successful in building a friendship with not just Ausonius, but other powerful men at the court of Valentinian I. These connections evidently served as a measure of some protection for Symmachus, as his speeches, some of his personal letters, and an open letter to the young Augustus expressed his political views in regards to the relationship between the Roman senate and the imperial court; effectively expressing his intention to take on the role of mediator between the Roman senate and the imperial court. Symmachus had the courage to openly express his political views and assert his position not because he was assured of his own personal power and influence, but because he was assured that the power and position of his friends at Valentinian’s court could protect him if it became necessary. Friendships were extremely important in the power plays and dynamics of the late Roman imperial government. Without his connection to Praetextatus, Symmachus’s career may have continued to follow the ordinary projection it was on and he might not have had…show more content… Along with his accusations, Symmachus also makes an explicit demand that ships be sent out immediately to Rome, as opposed to his usual method of subtly influencing the emperor. These signs of tension in Symmachus’s correspondence reveals his growing frustration and anxiety over not only the situation, but with his position as urban prefect. Although the position allowed Symmachus a considerable measure of power, Symmachus also exposed himself to scrutiny by his colleagues and the potential of losing favor among the general population of Rome, even if a situation was beyond his
