Claudius and senate Flashcards
Claudius treatment at start of reign SUETONIUS
He recalled no exile from banishment without senatorial permission
Claudius in court SUETONIUS
Had a hands on approach for justice.
Claudius’ behaviour in court was unpredictable, making decisions by himself. (cutting off mans hands, and condemning to wild beasts).
Claudius rejects senate votes towards him SUETONIUS
Senate voted him triumphal decorations, but “he thought it beneath his dignity to accept these” - Suetonius
Claudius undermining power with freedmen SUETONIUS
Claudius undermined their power by giving his freedmen senatorial power: appointed pallas as the financial secretary, Felix the governor of Judea, and Narcissus as a personal advisor. This was an insult as men of lesser birth and undemocratically appointed held a rival power to the senate. Showed he did not trust them
trial of Asiatticus TACITUS
Treason trial of Asiatticus in AD47 - not taken to the senate for examination, but to a bedroom with Messalina and Suillius. It is the senate duty to prosecute citizens charged for treason, and so their power here was being undermined.
debate about gauls TACITUS
AD48 Claudius allowed senate to debate if the ‘long haired’ (tacitus) gauls should be allowed into the senate. Yet he would make aware that he had the final say. The senate first said no but after Claudius’ speech they agreed with him.
Senate after death of Claigula SUETONIUS
after the assassination of Caligula in AD41m the senate wanted a return to the republic so were reluctant to accept Claudius. Claudius ascended to the principate through purchasing the praetorian guard. He then executed a few of the senate involved in the conspiracy of Gaius
Claudius before being emperor and senate SUETONIUS
when C appeared in public shows, entire equestrian order would rise and take off their cloaks. The senate voted he should be made an extraordinary member of the Augustan Priesthood
