Think, Laugh, Cry #40

Rome once auctioned its throne to the highest bidder. The same power paradox still haunts institutions, corporations, and AI today…so who watches the watchmen now?

THINK

In the year 193 AD, the Roman Empire went up for auction.

The Praetorian Guard, Rome’s elite imperial bodyguard, had just murdered the Emperor Pertinax after only eighty-six days in power. Gathered behind the walls of their camp, they announced that the throne was available to the highest bidder. Two wealthy senators stepped forward. Didius Julianus won, outbidding his rival by promising each guard 25,000 sesterces. He ruled for sixty-six days before being executed in turn.