1.3 Gaius AD 37-41 Flashcards
Who is the author that provides a notable observation about Gaius?
Suetonius
Suetonius refers to Gaius as both an emperor and a monster, highlighting the duality of his reign.
What two parts does Suetonius divide Gaius’ reign into?
Good and bad parts
This division reflects the contrasting nature of Gaius’ rule before and after his illness.
What significant event is noted to have occurred in October/November 37 during Gaius’ reign?
An illness
This illness marks a turning point leading to Gaius’ subsequent tyranny.
What was Gaius’ initial approach to his reign following Tiberius?
Distance himself and his policies from Tiberius
Gaius aimed to gain favor with the Roman populace by rejecting Tiberius’ unpopular policies.
What actions did Gaius take to strengthen his popularity?
- Holding a series of games
- Recalling exiles
- Dismissing pending criminal charges
- Honoring his grandmother with the title of Augusta
These actions were designed to win public favor and support.
What title did Gaius bestow upon his grandmother?
Augusta
This title was part of Gaius’ strategy to unify the imperial household.
What significant act did Gaius perform regarding his family members?
Brought the remains of his mother and brother back to the Mausoleum of Augustus
This act was intended to resonate emotionally with the Roman people.
How did Gaius seek to secure the loyalty of the army?
By playing upon his descent from Germanicus
Gaius used his familial connections to enhance his military reputation.
What type of coin did Gaius design to enhance his image?
A coin linking Gaius and Germanicus
This coin was a strategic move to associate Gaius with the glory of Germanicus.
What does Dio’s account reveal about Gaius’ personality?
Divided nature
Dio highlights the contrast between Gaius’ initial promise and his later tyranny.
True or False: Gaius’ early reign was characterized by immediate tyranny.
False
Gaius initially enjoyed a promising start before descending into cruelty.
What is suggested about Gaius’ illness in relation to his reign?
It may have been a convenient explanation for his failure
The illness is questioned as a reason for his drastic change in behavior.
What significant financial action did Gaius take that led to severe taxation measures?
He squandered 575,000,000 denarii in under a year.
This action caused unrest among the plebs, leading to them storming the Circus Maximus.
Which aqueducts did Gaius begin work on that were later completed by Claudius?
Anio Novus.
Pliny the Elder noted Gaius’ involvement in practical building programs.
What actions did Gaius take regarding the censorship of Augustan orators and historians?
He lifted the censorship on various Augustan orators and historians.
This action indicates a more open approach to historical narratives during his reign.
What did Gaius do regarding the publication of imperial budgets?
He published imperial budgets.
This act reflects a level of transparency in governance.
What judicial reform did Gaius implement?
He created a fifth judicial division to spread the workload more evenly.
This reform aimed at improving judicial efficiency.
True or False: Gaius’ actions can be interpreted as those of a tyrant or madman.
False.
Many actions taken by Gaius suggest he was working for the good of the empire.
What was Gaius’ relationship with the Senate during his accession?
The Senate quickly and easily conferred all imperial titles and powers onto him.
This set a precedent for future emperors.
What did Tiberius advise Gaius in his speech in 39?
To ‘show neither affection nor mercy’ and ‘take thought only for [his] own pleasure and safety’.
This advice influenced Gaius’ later policies.
What was the Senate’s reaction to Gaius’ rule despite his atrocities?
They praised him as a sincere and pious ruler to ensure their own safety.
The Senate’s dependence on Gaius influenced their public praise.
