Claudius Foreign Policy Flashcards
Paulinus
42AD victory of Paulinus over the Moors and the founding of two new provinces
The East: Armenia
AD47 Mithridates seized back the Armenian throne due to a civil war going on in Parthia (perfect opportunity for seizing). Claudius supported this and even wrote a letter to Cotys, king of lesser Armenia, restraining him from involvement. By installing a pro-Roman king, he reduced the threat of the Parthian empire in Asia Minor.
Vardanes, the newly installed leader of Parthia after defeating Gotarzes, wanted to visit Armenia but was checked by a threat of war from the imperial governor of Syria.
Vardanes was assassinated and the Parthians were split as to who they wanted to be the new king (Gotarzes or Meherdates descendant of previous king). Meherdates was at this point a roman hostage. Gotarzes occupied the palace but the parthians despatched a secret appeal to the emperor urging that Meherdates be released to assume throne due to Gotarzes cruelty.
Cheruski (german tribe)
Tribe of Cherusci asked Rome for a new king. only surviving royal prince was Italicus. He was in Rome and could fight and ride in Roman and German style. Claudius encouraged him to enter upon his heritage. He would be first man born as Roman citizern to proceed to a foreign throne. He was first welcomed, then the Germans began to say that their freedom was being destroyed by having a “mere Roman military policeman” ruling (tacitus). He remained on the throne however (“he proved disastrous for the Cherusci” Tacicus).
Chauki
47 AD Chauci raided lower germany (lead by Gannascus) before new governor (corbulo) arrived.
Corbulo was chosen by Claudius as an experienced commander. Corbulo defeated and captured Gannascus.
Corbulo inforced strictness on his Roman soldiers. The Chauci were upset by Gannascus’ death and went into rebellion. Claudius forbade further aggression against the Germans so as not to provoke them even more. He ordered a withdraw. Corbulo, surprised, obeyed and retreated. Claudius rewarded him with an honorary triumph.
Not expanding into Germany was good as the expansion of germany under Augustus proved a long and bloody process. It would also require considerable resources
Gauls holding office
Debate with the senate about letting the ‘long-haired’ Gauls claim the right to hold office in the capital. The senate were against but Claudius gave convincing speech which allowed the Chief men of northern and central gaul to enlarge the senate
Invasion of Britain
43 AD - Claudius decided to invade Britain. This had not been attempted since the days of Divus Julius. After marching through Gaul he crossed over to Britain without incident. there were no battles or casualties but managed to reduce a large part of the island to submission. He allowed governors to witness his “splendid triumph” (suetonius). He received the naval crown (representing the crossing and conquest of the Ocean). The result of Britain was roman expansion
