Claudius (10 BCE–54 CE) Flashcards

1
Q

Who was Claudius?

A

Claudius was a Roman emperor who ruled from 41 to 54 AD and expanded the Roman Empire, including the conquest of Britain.

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2
Q

When was Claudius born?

A

Claudius was born on August 1, 10 BC.

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3
Q

Which Roman emperor was Claudius related to by blood?

A

Claudius was the nephew of Emperor Tiberius and the great-nephew of Emperor Augustus.

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4
Q

What physical challenges did Claudius face?

A

Claudius had a limp and a speech impediment, which made others underestimate him.

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5
Q

How did Claudius become emperor?

A

After Caligula’s assassination, Claudius was unexpectedly declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard.

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6
Q

What major military achievement is Claudius known for?

A

Claudius is known for the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD.

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7
Q

What were some of Claudius’ contributions to Roman infrastructure?

A

Claudius built aqueducts, roads, and buildings, including completing the Aqua Claudia aqueduct.

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8
Q

What legal reforms did Claudius implement?

A

Claudius worked to improve the Roman judicial system and make trials fairer.

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9
Q

Which significant territories did Claudius add to the Roman Empire?

A

Claudius expanded the Roman Empire by annexing regions like Britain, Thrace, and Mauritania.

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10
Q

How did Claudius expand Roman citizenship?

A

Claudius extended Roman citizenship to people in the provinces, helping unify the empire.

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11
Q

What period of history did Claudius live in?

A

Claudius lived during the early Roman Empire, a time of expansion and political intrigue.

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12
Q

Who succeeded Claudius as emperor?

A

Claudius was succeeded by Nero, his adopted son, after being poisoned.

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13
Q

What role did Claudius’ wife, Agrippina the Younger, play in his death?

A

Agrippina the Younger likely poisoned Claudius to ensure her son Nero became emperor.

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14
Q

What is Claudius’ legacy in Britain?

A

Claudius’ conquest of Britain laid the foundation for Roman influence on the island for centuries.

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15
Q

How was Claudius viewed by his contemporaries because of his disabilities?

A

Claudius was often ridiculed and underestimated due to his limp and stammer.

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16
Q

Which wife of Claudius was involved in a conspiracy against him?

A

His wife Messalina was involved in a conspiracy to overthrow him and was later executed.

17
Q

What was Claudius’ scholarly interest?

A

Claudius was an author and historian who wrote about Roman and Etruscan history.

18
Q

How did Claudius’ reign influence Roman administration?

A

Claudius improved the imperial bureaucracy by expanding civil service and granting more autonomy to provinces.

19
Q

What unique type of gladiator combat did Claudius introduce?

A

Claudius once ordered a gladiator to fight a whale that had washed ashore.

20
Q

What happened to Claudius when Caligula was assassinated?

A

Claudius hid behind a curtain, expecting to be killed, but was instead declared emperor.