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AHR Julio Claudian Emperors and the Breakdown of the Late Republic > 1.5 Nero AD 54-68 > Flashcards

1.5 Nero AD 54-68 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the term used to describe the first five years of Nero’s reign?

A

quinquennium aureum

This term refers to the ‘golden years’ at the beginning of Nero’s reign where he seemed to fulfill expectations.

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2
Q

What consistent criticism is directed at Nero regarding his cultural preferences?

A

philhellenism

This term indicates his love of all things Greek, which was seen as a disregard for Roman values.

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3
Q

Which two activities are highlighted as defining characteristics of Nero’s reign?

A

music and theatre

His love for these activities infuriated traditionalists like Tacitus.

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4
Q

True or False: Tacitus viewed Nero’s interest in chariot-racing favorably.

A

False

Tacitus expressed snobbery towards activities he considered beneath the dignity of the Roman elite.

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5
Q

What does the Colossus of Nero symbolize?

A

self-indulgence and desire for immortality in the arts

The immense bronze statue represents Nero’s excesses and aspirations.

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6
Q

At what age did Nero ascend to the throne?

A

sixteen

He became emperor in 54 AD.

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7
Q

Who were the key figures that stage-managed Nero’s rise to power?

A

Agrippina, Burrus, and Seneca

These individuals played significant roles in securing Nero’s position as emperor.

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8
Q

What was Agrippina’s alleged influence over Nero during his early reign?

A

powerful influence

She was instrumental in his rise and remained a significant force in his decisions.

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9
Q

Fill in the blank: Agrippina allegedly used _______ as a means to control Nero.

A

sex

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10
Q

What happened to Britannicus, Claudius’ son, during Nero’s rise to power?

A

murdered at a banquet in 55

This act was part of Nero’s consolidation of power.

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11
Q

In what year was Agrippina removed from power?

A

59

Her removal marked a significant shift in Nero’s rule.

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12
Q

What significant relationship did Nero’s marriage to Octavia establish?

A

legitimacy

The marriage was primarily for political legitimacy rather than affection.

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13
Q

What was the fate of Octavia after her marriage to Nero?

A

exiled and murdered in 62

Nero accused her of sexual outrages before her execution.

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14
Q

Who was Nero’s second wife and what was her significance?

A

Poppaea Sabina

Her marriage followed the execution of Octavia and was influenced by political motives.

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15
Q

What was a notable act of Nero after the death of his wife Poppaea?

A

deified her and their daughter

This act was seen as a sign of genuine affection and possibly guilt.

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16
Q

Who was Nero’s third wife?

A

Statilia Messalina

Her marriage to Nero was likely motivated by a desire for a more respectable public image.

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17
Q

What was the relationship between Nero’s wives and the portrayal of his character?

A

They reflect the sources’ presentation of Nero

Each wife represents different facets of his character and reign.

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18
Q

What was the most significant opposition to Nero in 65?

A

The Pisonian Conspiracy

The figurehead of the conspiracy was Gaius Calpurnius Piso.

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19
Q

Who provided the fullest account of the Pisonian Conspiracy?

A

Tacitus (Annals, 15)

Tacitus describes the motivations and participants in detail.

20
Q

Which groups were involved in the Pisonian Conspiracy?

A

Senators, equestrians, soldiery, and even females

Tacitus notes the widespread nature of the conspiracy.

21
Q

What was a notable characteristic of Gaius Calpurnius Piso according to Tacitus?

A

Affable character rather than a political firebrand

Piso was seen as being exploited by his co-conspirators.

22
Q

Who was the primary assailant designated to stab Nero?

A

Flavius Scaevinus

He was to use a specially procured dagger.

23
Q

What was the outcome of the Pisonian Conspiracy?

A

Many conspirators were arrested and executed, including Seneca

Nero used the conspiracy as an excuse to purge dissent.

24
Q

What significant event occurred on 18-19 July 64 during Nero’s reign?

A

The Great Fire of Rome

It caused mass destruction, affecting many districts.

25
Q

What did Tacitus suggest about Nero’s involvement in the Great Fire?

A

He was at Antium when the fire broke out, returning only when Palatine Hill was threatened

Tacitus focuses on the panic and selfishness of the people.

26
Q

What project did Nero pursue following the Great Fire?

A

The construction of the Domus Aurea (‘Golden House’)

This was a sprawling series of connected structures.

27
Q

What was the general public reaction to Nero’s rebuilding efforts after the fire?

A

Welcomed for their practicality and order

New building regulations were seen as beneficial.

28
Q

What significant rebellion occurred in Britain during Nero’s reign?

A

The rebellion led by Boudicca in 61

Further uprisings occurred in late 68 and early 69.

29
Q

Who led a significant revolt in Gaul against Nero?

A

Gaius Julius Vindex

His actions ultimately contributed to Nero’s downfall.

30
Q

What was the Senate’s response to Nero during his reign?

A

Remarkably compliant, even after Agrippina’s death

They met him in ‘festive garb’.

31
Q

What was Thrasea Pactus known for during Nero’s reign?

A

Being a voice of opposition in the Senate

His actions marked the beginning of ‘Stoic’ opposition.

32
Q

Fill in the blank: Nero was known for providing a variety of _______ to win the affection of the plebs.

A

entertainments

He was particularly fond of chariot-racing.

33
Q

What did Nero do that was seen as a means to celebrate his generosity?

A

Practiced largesse and provided large-scale handouts

The sestertius of 64 depicted the corn dole.

34
Q

What was one of the criticisms of Nero regarding his governance?

A

He enacted administrative amendments but maintained a self-indulgent lifestyle

Most governance was handed over to subordinates.

35
Q

True or False: Nero actively promoted the imperial cult throughout his reign.

A

False

He was more focused on non-traditional religions and scapegoating Christians.

36
Q

What was the nature of Vindex’s rebellion according to Dio Cassius?

A

A desire for freedom from oppression

Vindex is portrayed as a heroic figurehead.

37
Q

What did Vindex’s coinage suggest about his revolt?

A

It was about the nature of governance rather than nationalism

His claims to have acted for the Senate and People of Rome.

38
Q

What practice did Nero employ to win the affection of the public?

A

Generosity through largesse

Largesse refers to the generous giving of gifts or money, a common practice among emperors to gain public favor.

39
Q

What type of entertainments did Nero provide?

A

An immense variety of entertainments

Suetonius records that Nero was known for his lavish entertainment offerings.

40
Q

What does the sestertius of 64 depict, and what was its significance?

A

The corn dole

The depiction suggests Nero wished to be remembered for his generosity through public handouts.

41
Q

What was Nero’s particular love in terms of entertainment?

A

Chariot-racing

Chariot racing was a popular form of entertainment in ancient Rome, and Nero’s passion for it was well-documented.

42
Q

At what point did the public begin to turn against Nero?

A

At the very end of his reign

Despite his earlier popularity, resentment grew due to his actions and policies.

43
Q

What popular resentment did Suetonius note about Nero?

A

Profiteering in grain

This refers to accusations that Nero exploited grain supplies for personal gain, leading to public discontent.

44
Q

What does the continued popularity of pretenders impersonating Nero indicate?

A

Nero was a populist emperor

This suggests that despite his flaws, Nero maintained a significant level of personal loyalty from the populace.

45
Q

Who continued to benefit from Nero’s rule despite his victimization of the upper classes?

A

Urban plebs and provincials

The majority of the lower classes enjoyed the benefits of Nero’s pleasure-driven policies.

AHR Julio Claudian Emperors and the Breakdown of the Late Republic (9 decks)

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