3. Princeps iuuentutis: Concept, Realisation, Representation

Since the first principes iuuentutis, Gaius and Lucius Caesar, the potential emperors’ successors were often singled out by titles and duties. The princeps iuuentutis was used to designate the first of the Roman knights as his senior «partner», the emperor, who was supposed to be the first of the Roman senators, is called the princeps senatus. The greater part of contexts and concepts connected to the princeps iuuentutis are presented in the first part of the paper whereas, in the second part, the visual and verbal representation of the princeps iuuentutis is discussed. The princeps-title competes with other distinguishing honours for young male members of the imperial family and finally loses its attractiveness and distinctiveness.