Challenges to the Flavians Flashcards
Who were the Chatti?
A German tribe that had been a low-level nuisance to Roman control of the region.
What does Suetonius say about the campaign against the Chatti?
Suetonius, Domitian 6: describes the endeavour as “quite unjustified by military necessity”
What does Dio say about the campaign against the Chatti?
Dio, Roman History 67: claims Domitian returned “without even having set eyes on any warfare”
How significant did Domitian make the victory against the Chatti?
Domitian took the title “Germanicus” in AD 83 and commemorated his “capture” of Germany on the Sestertius of Domitian AD 85.
What does Tacitus say about the campaign against the Chatti?
Tacitus, Agricola 39.1.03: describes Domitian’s success as a “false triumph”
What was the Rebellion of Saturninus?
A rebellion led by the governor of Upper Germany, who declared himself Emperor in AD 89. The rebel German allies weren’t able to cross the Rhine due to a sudden thaw and the troops of Lower Germany removed the threat.
What does Dio and Plutarch say about the Rebellion of Saturninus?
The rebellion was of little actual threat.
What does Suetonius say about the Rebellion of Saturninus?
Suetonius, Domitian 6: The sudden thaw was “an amazing stroke of luck”
Who are the Dacians?
A tribe inhabiting a region that coincided with modern Romania. They fought a campaign against Rome between AD 85 and 89.
What does Dio say about Domitian’s impact in the Dacian campaign?
Domitian seemed to have played a little role in this campaign, with Dio ascribing this to him being “physically soft and at heart a coward”. (Roman History, 67)
How did the Dacian campaign end?
A peace treaty was eventually agreed between Rome and the Dacian nation, establishing the latter as a client kingdom.
What does Suetonius say about the Dacian campaign?
Suetonius, Domitian 6: There were a series of further indecisive engagements.
What was the outcome of the Dacian campaign?
Even though this was a shameful outcome for Rome (client kingdoms receive a stipend from Rome), Domitian awarded himself a double triumph for this and the Chatti.
Who was Agricola?
A Roman general who served in Britain both as a military tribune and legionary legate. He was appointed governor of the province in AD 78 and served until AD 84 - 6 years was unprecedented.
What does Dio say about Britain?
Dio, Roman History 66: “…war broke out once more in Britain”
What happened to Agricola?
Domitian recalled him AD 84 (Tacitus) almost immediately after the victory at Mons Graupius in fear that he was becoming too famous. He died in AD 93 in ambiguous circumstances.
What does Tacitus say about Agricola being recalled from Britain?
Tacitus, Histories 2.1: “Britain was left to fend for itself no sooner that its conquest had been completed”.
What reasons does Tacitus give as to why Domitian recalled Agricola?
- Domitian was jealous over Agricola’s military glory.
- To use his expertise to quench revolts in other provinces as “popular opinion demanded”.
What does Tacitus say about Agricola’s death?
Tacitus, Agricola 43: states rumours of poisoning.
What does Dio say about Agricola’s death?
Dio, Roman History 66: infers that he was murdered by Domitian. This isn’t mentioned by Tacitus.
Who were Paetus and Priscus?
Men who were “out of favour” with Domitian (Tacitus) and opposed tyranny in the Flavian senate. They were both killed and their works “savaged” (Tacitus)
What did Agricola leave in his will?
He left part of his estate to Domitian, motivated by fear of reprisal from Domitian rather than loyalty.
