Challenges to the Flavians

Question 1

Who were the Chatti?

Answer 1

A German tribe that had been a low-level nuisance to Roman control of the region.

Question 2

What does Suetonius say about the campaign against the Chatti?

Answer 2

Suetonius, Domitian 6: describes the endeavour as “quite unjustified by military necessity”

Question 3

What does Dio say about the campaign against the Chatti?

Answer 3

Dio, Roman History 67: claims Domitian returned “without even having set eyes on any warfare”

Question 4

How significant did Domitian make the victory against the Chatti?

Answer 4

Domitian took the title “Germanicus” in AD 83 and commemorated his “capture” of Germany on the Sestertius of Domitian AD 85.

Question 5

What does Tacitus say about the campaign against the Chatti?

Answer 5

Tacitus, Agricola 39.1.03: describes Domitian’s success as a “false triumph”

Question 6

What was the Rebellion of Saturninus?

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

What does Dio and Plutarch say about the Rebellion of Saturninus?

Answer 7

The rebellion was of little actual threat.

Question 8

What does Suetonius say about the Rebellion of Saturninus?

Answer 8

Suetonius, Domitian 6: The sudden thaw was “an amazing stroke of luck”

Question 9

Who are the Dacians?

Answer 9

A tribe inhabiting a region that coincided with modern Romania. They fought a campaign against Rome between AD 85 and 89.

Question 10

What does Dio say about Domitian’s impact in the Dacian campaign?

Answer 10

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)

Question 11

How did the Dacian campaign end?

Answer 11

A peace treaty was eventually agreed between Rome and the Dacian nation, establishing the latter as a client kingdom.

Question 12

What does Suetonius say about the Dacian campaign?

Answer 12

Suetonius, Domitian 6: There were a series of further indecisive engagements.

Question 13

What was the outcome of the Dacian campaign?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Who was Agricola?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

What does Dio say about Britain?

Answer 15

Dio, Roman History 66: “…war broke out once more in Britain”

Question 16

What happened to Agricola?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What does Tacitus say about Agricola being recalled from Britain?

Answer 17

Tacitus, Histories 2.1: “Britain was left to fend for itself no sooner that its conquest had been completed”.

Question 18

What reasons does Tacitus give as to why Domitian recalled Agricola?

Answer 18

1. Domitian was jealous over Agricola’s military glory.
2. To use his expertise to quench revolts in other provinces as “popular opinion demanded”.

Question 19

What does Tacitus say about Agricola’s death?

Answer 19

Tacitus, Agricola 43: states rumours of poisoning.

Question 20

What does Dio say about Agricola’s death?

Answer 20

Dio, Roman History 66: infers that he was murdered by Domitian. This isn’t mentioned by Tacitus.

Question 21

Who were Paetus and Priscus?

Answer 21

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)

Question 22

What did Agricola leave in his will?

Answer 22

He left part of his estate to Domitian, motivated by fear of reprisal from Domitian rather than loyalty.