Claudius general Flashcards
Censorship
Claudius reinstated the position of censor (during the republic, a censor elected every 5 years to conduct census, review membership of senate and equites and oversee public morality) and made himself and Vitellius one in 47AD. Tiberius had undertaken censorship responsibilities but not the title.
Claudius taking on the position was evidence of the stability of his position, as well as his pro-activeness.
A census was taken and laws passed: E.g. forbade the harsh treatment of debtors, construction of an aqueduct, illegal to lend money to underaged men, added 3 new letters to Latin alphabet (emphasising that the Emperor was a scholar).
Cincian Law
Gaius silius (Messalina lover) proposed that there should be a law forbidding the acceptance of money for legal services. This was an attack on Suillius in hope to reduce corruption. Suillius begged claudius that Aediles would not work without pay because they cant afford it (lie as he was bare successful), but silius said they would still do it for fame. Claudius imposed a max fee of 10000 sesterces for legal services. This was a big difference.
prosecutes two knights
Rufus prosecuted two knights on the false claim that they had dreamt Claudius died after the corn shortage (there had been a corn shortage and Claudius did everything he could to help, like the harbour at osta, so it was a touchy subject). Really it was because they had lent their house to Poppaea Sabina and the ballet dancer. They were both tried under Messelina’s jealousy. Rufus was given half a million sesterces (tacitus criticises Claudius’ absorption of all judicial functions as they opened the way for illicit gain (unfair and exeggerated). Much like Tiberius and Delatores.
Cnaeus Nonius
he was a knight found wearing a sword at the emperor’s morning reception. under torture he admitted he was planning to assassinate the emperor. Tacitus suggests he was probably innocent.
Secular Games
the secular games were held in mark of national dangers. Augustus held them in 17BC. Claudius also hosted them with the excuse that Augustus had done it early (meant to be only every 100 years). In hosting the games claudius boosted national patriotism, as well as increasing his own popularity with the people. Yet he was breaking tradition.
Role of praetorian guard
Claudius was “the first of the Caesars to purchase the loyalty of his troops”.
Tacitus
Page 247; After discovering Messalina was married to Silius, Claudius went to secure the Praetorian guard and ensure they were still loyal to him.
