Claudius 41-54 CE Flashcards
How did Claudius become emperor?
He was found hiding by the Praetorian Guard who didn’t want to lose their job as the emperor’s bodyguard
What was Claudius the first to do after he accepted the principate?
To buy the loyalty of his troops
What different opinions about the future of Rome were expressed after Gaius’ assassination?
Some people wanted to return to the republic, others wanted to continue the principate but with their man/themselves in charge
What made the Senate choose to continue the principate?
The determined actions of the Praetorian Guard
What did Claudius do as soon as he was established as princeps?
He removed the consideration of a new constitution from the record and minted a coin showing him accepting the Praetorian Guard in an effort to hide the fact that they had chosen him
What did the Praetorian Guard’s involvement with Claudius’ accession do to his relationship with the Senate?
Irreparable damage, the princeps was no longer seen as first among equals
What did Claudius do to try to repair his relationship with the Senate?
Act like Augustus
What event in 42 prompted Claudius’ invasion of Britain in 43 CE?
The revolt of Camillus Scribonianus
Who encouraged Scribonianus to revolt against Claudius?
Lucius Vinicianus
What was the outcome of Scribonianus’ revolt?
It ended after 5 days because he couldn’t convince enough people to support him
How did Claudius react to Scribonianus’ revolt?
He was terrified and bestowed many honours on the legions which had remained faithful to him
Why would a quick campaign give Claudius the army’s loyalty?
Because the soldiers would gain glory and booty
What had Claudius used to secure the loyalty of the army early in his reign?
His connection with his father Drusus and his brother Germanicus who were both very successful in Germany
Why did Claudius choose to invade Britain?
No one had attempted to invade since Julius Caesar in 54 BCE so would bring him great prestige
What was Claudius’ justification for his invasion of Britain in 43 CE?
To stop the anti-Roman Catavellauni who were expanding their territory
What did the Senate give Claudius to celebrate his victory in Britain?
The title Britannicus (which he gave to his son) and a triumph in 44 CE
What did Claudius do in 49 CE to commemorate him adding new territory (Britain) to the empire?
He extended the pomerium
What is the criticism of Claudius mostly caused by?
His wives and freedmen
Why did Claudius rely on his freedmen so much?
The running of the empire had become too great a task for one individual
Who were Claudius main freedmen and what did they do?
Callistus (petitions), Narcissus (correspondence), and Pallas (treasure)
Why are the freedmen vilified by most of our sources?
Because they filled administrative roles that were usually held by senators
What powers did Claudius’ freedmen gather?
Political influence, wealth, and unprivileged access to the emperor
How did the contemporary senators feel about Claudius’ freedmen?
They tried to gain their favour
What did the Senate do in an attempt to gain the favour of Claudius’ freedmen in 52 CE?
They authorised a bronze statue of Pallas
What was Claudius and his freedmen’s administration like?
It was incredibly effective including long-term planning and an overhaul of fundamental infrastructures
What political significance arose from Claudius first 2 marriages?
Only the birth of his daughter, Claudia Antonia, from his 2nd wife
Who was Claudius’ third wife?
Valeria Messalina
Who were Claudius and Messalina’s children?
Claudia Octavia and Tiberius Claudius (Britannicus)
How did Messalina affect Claudius’ reign?
Her numerous affairs and adulterous acts humiliated Claudius
What happened to Messalina?
She was executed after allegedly plotting to usurp the throne and place her new husband on it
Who did Claudius marry after Messalina?
Agrippina the Younger (his niece)
Which of Claudius’ freedmen suggested he marry Agrippina
Pallas
How did Agrippina affect Claudius’ reign?
She promoted her son Lucius Domitius (Nero) above Claudius’ son Britannicus
What name did Claudius give Agrippina’s son Lucius when he was adopted by Claudius in 50 CE?
Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus
Who began to oppose Agrippina’s promotion of Nero in 54 CE?
Claudius and his freedman Narcissus
How many days’ worth of food was there upon Claudius’ accession?
7/8
What administrative projects did Claudius undertake to ensure Rome was well-supplied even after his reign?
He developed the harbour at Ostia and the area around the Fucine Lake, and completed Gaius’ aqueducts (the Anio Novus and the Aqua Claudia)
How could Claudius building programme and administration be compared to Augustus’?
Even more practical and effective
What aspect of administration did Claudius take a personal interest in?
The legal system
What do the sources claim Claudius’ interest in judging legal cases himself was due to?
His unhealthy obsession with passing judgement
What role previously held by Augustus did Claudius utilise in 48 CE?
Censor
What did Claudius census of 48 CE show?
The number of Romans citizens had increase from 4,900,000 in 14 to 5,980,000; Rome was prospering
How did Claudius alter the make-up of the Senate?
By admitting Gauls to their ranks
What were the advantages of Claudius admitting Gauls to the Senate?
It introduced new blood into a stale Senate, better represented the wider empire, reaffirmed his willingness to work with the Senate and created new senators he owed rank to him entirely
What do we know about Claudius’ relationship with the senators?
It was poor but they made no formal opposition to him
What do we know about Claudius’ relationship with the equestrians?
He gave them new privileges but possible executed 300 of them
Why was Claudius’ relationship with the plebs so positive?
He had secured the grain and water supplies and he lavished them with gifts and entertainment reminiscent of Augustus
What is thought to have been the cause of Claudius’ death?
Agrippina clearing the way for her son Nero
