Handling of public finance Flashcards
A FIRE
Fire in the Armenian quarters, lodged at the Diribitorium for two nights, sat with bags of coins recruiting firefighters.
Grain encouragement
Took all possible steps to import grain (got pelted by stale crusts after a scarcity) even during the winter months.
Insured merchants against the loss of their ships. Offered a bounty for every new grain transport built proportionate to its tonnage.
Why did he drain the fucine lake
Draining of the fucine lake, as much for profit as for glory
Building the fucine lake
-the outlet took 11 years, 30,000 men continuously at work, 3 miles long
Why was building the harbour at Ostia particularly impressive
Building of the harbour at Ostia (Augustus had turned it down, Julius had abandoned the project)
The harbour at Ostia
-deep water mole at entrance, ship that had brought the great obelisk from Egypt sunk, very tall lighthouse “like the Pharos at Alexandria”
Water to Rome
Brought three fresh springs into Rome by aqueducts
What was he interested in
Interested in the proper upkeep of the city and regular arrival of grain supplies
gnerosity
often distributed largesse to the people
shows
Gave numerous magnificent public show (traditional ones, novelties, ancient revivals,new places)
Rededication of Pompey’s theatre
Held games at the Rededication of Pompey’s theatre He sacrificed in the shrines, walked down the aisle between silent tiers, inaugurated the games from a raised seat in the orchestra.
Saecular games
Secular Games (excuse that Augustus had staged them before they were due) some people Hd seen them twice and partaken in them twice -he had described before how much trouble Augustus had had taken to recommence the series according to the past.
Some common events
-often gave chariot races in the Vatican quarter. Sometimes wild beast shows between every five events.
Circus MAximus
Circus Maximus- replaced the old tufa starting gates with new marble ones. Wooden turning posts with new gilded ones. Reserved seats for the senators (hitherto had sat among the common people.
Troy Games
A panther hunt by a squadron of praetorian cavalry under their tribunes and the praetorian prefect in person.
Gladiatorial Games
Many different gladiatorial games, variety of places.
-Annual one in praetorian camp’ nothing fancy, to celebrate his accession
-one in the Saepta usual kind
Another in the Saepta: The “picnic”
What did he do at the Picnic
behaved informerly, his left arm out. Would shout “one, two, three” with the crowd, addressed them as “my Lords” cracking stupid and far fetched jokes. Encouraged them to enjoy themselves
“Bring on the dove”“certainly but he’ll take a bit of catching”
Campus Martius
Campus Martius- realistic storm and sack of a fortified town+tableau of the British kings’ surrender. He presided with his commander’s cloak.
Fucine Lake Show
Sham sea fight on the Fucine lake
Mechanical silver triton, emerged from the lake bottom, blew a conch signaled the beginning of the battle
Why did Claudius want to go to britain
His sole campaign was of no great importance,
Senate had already voted him triumphal decorations, thought it beneath his dignity to accept them
Britain- he decided the country where a real triumph could be most readily earned
Why was Britain good for a conquest
It’s conquest Had not been attempted since Julius.
Britons were threatening vengeance because the romans had refused to return some fugitives
When was he back in Rome from Britain
Back in Rome 6months later
What happened on the way to Britain
Crossed over to Britain without incident
what happened in Britain
Fought no battles, suffered no casualties
Reduced a large part of the island to submission,
(tries to undermine his accomplishment, but it was very successful)
His Britain triumph
Splendid triumph
Emblems of his victory: naval crown
Messalina followed the chariot in a covered carriage, behind her marched those who had won triumphal decorations in Britain
Detail (Marcus Crassus frugi did not wear purple cloak as had already earned this honour previously, Palm-embroidered tunic and rode a caparisoned charger)
