22

Question 1

magno adsensu celebrata sententia

Answer 1

ellision of ‘est’ creates a parallel - two phrases where attribute is followed by noun

Question 2

abnuentibus consulibus ea de re relatum

Answer 2

the consuls resort to technicalities to block the motion, which had unanimous approval, merely to avoid displeasing the emperor, highlighting the absurdity of the imperial system, riddled with pointless bureaucracy

Question 3

mox auctore principe

Answer 3

Nero appropriates Tacitus’ idea for himself, thus seeking to steal praise from the Senate by the very means which the decree is intended to prevent

Question 4

ne quis… neu quis

Answer 4

anaphora

Question 5

pro praetoribus prove consulibus

Answer 5

refers to the governors of the emperor - he contorts their title to expose all official language for its emptiness and fantasy

Question 6

gymnasium ictu fulminis conflagravit

Answer 6

especially Greek institution - divine wrath against it and Nero’s statue as punishment for the abomination in the imperial court

ictu fluminis - hallmark of Jupiter, sign from the top

Question 7

effigies… ad informae aes liquefacta

Answer 7

destruction = divine anticipation of the destruction of his images that lay in store following his death

‘ad informae aes’ unnecessary but emphatic

Question 8

motu terrae… Pompei magna ex parte proruit

Answer 8

omen for the disastrous effect Nero’s reign will have on the trade and success of Rome