Julio - Claudians Flashcards
how did the people come to terms with Augustus’ triumph?
the people “accepted his triumph with pleasure, as though the enemies conquered had all been foreigners”
(cassius dio 51:21)
what did vell pat say augustus restored?
the republic:
“the ancient, traditional form of the republic was brought back”
what shows that the whole empire was loyal to augustus?
“the whole of italy, of its own accord, swore an oath of allegiance to me”
(res gest 25.2 - 32BC)
when does suetonius say augustus wanted to restore the republic?
“twice augustus seriously thought of restoring the republic” - once after defeating mark antoy and once after coming close to death by illness
suetonius is more sceptical that he restored the republic “seriously” suggesting the efforts highlighted in vell pat were fascades
does cassius dio think augustus restored the republic?
no, he believes augustus made necessary changes - an understabdable view from an aristocratic greek who made it as a senator in the later empire (c.200 yrs); he would have grown accustomed to and benefitted from the system
what kind of rule was the principate?
an autocracy. cassius dio terms it a “monarchy” and tacitus believes it “despotism” regardless, it was a continuation of the one man rule precedent set by marius, sulla, pompey, caesar and now octavian
when augustus lays down his powers in the first settlement, what does he believe that every roman is aware of?
“it is in my power to rule over you for life”
(cassius dio 53.4)
his speech reinforces the lack of choice that the people have in returning him his powers - they know he is the only suitable leader because he could be a proficient destroyer if not
what does R. Syme claim about augustus image of republic restoration?
although he ruled like a monarch, he could claim his power came from the people and senate so maintains a republican facade
what is agrippa’s advisory speech in dio really a representation of?
agrippa becomes a vessel and mouthpiece for dio’s views about the dangers of monarchy and how he should promote democracy - dio gives a kind of omnipresence here which should be recognised as a literary technique and taken with heed
what does the first settlement of 27 seem to portray augustus as having to do?
it “compelled him, as it seemed to accept autocratic powers” (cassius dio) whilst making it seem like he didn’t want to accept it.
ie. power thrust onto him (classically according to aristotle, plato etc, deserving individuals should not have to ask to bear responsibility)
how and why did Augustus put himself in such a strong (military) position?
“he handed over the weaker provinces to the senate” [under the pretext of making life easier for them] so that “the senate should be unarmed and unprepared for war” (cassius dio 53.12)
continuation of how “senate was inordinately terrified as they had no military force at their disposal” (Appian bk. 3) - not changed too much
why does tacitus believe nobody challenged augustus?
“he faced no opposition, since the bravest souls had died in battle of fallen victim to proscription”
it wasn’t that he was a good leader or universally loved, he was the only one left - and actively maintained that
why was the senate weak in terms of resources?
Augustus had complete authority: “he not only had control of the funds but also commanded the army” (dio)
couldn’t use troops to overthrow, couldn’t use money to buy him out or use mercenaries - aug. had every exit covered
what was the first “defensive arrangement” augustus took after the first settlement?
he established the praetorian guard and made sure to pay them twice as much “so genuine was his desire to lay down absolute power” as cassius dio sarcastically remarks
from 30 - 23 bc how did augustus legally represent his power in terms of republican offices?
he held the consulship over this period and was given proconsular imperium; hence he outranked nearly everyone in the empire.
people grew tired of one consulship always being taken and saw this as unconstitutional so he changed this to tribunicias potestas and maius proconsulare imperium in the 2nd settlement
how does tacitus emphasise augustus’ subtle envelopment of the state?
“he gradually increased his power, commandeering to himself the functions of the senate, magistrates and the law”
what was crucial to maintaining the republican facade in terms of offices and positions?
augustus ensured that all traditional republican posts remained the same in appearance with different people filling them and being elected - all the power of these institutions were under him though (dio)
emperors absorbed the powers to ensure all seemed well from the outside but anyone inside could see this was not true; but augustus did keep everyone outside
where did augustus like to claim all his power came from?
honour and virtue; eg the shield of virtue, his auctoritas, first and second settlements (oak crown, laurel wreaths, even tribune connotes a sacrosanctity, simplicity and favour of the people)
how does ovid portray aug to be better than romulus and emphasise his moral reforms?
“you were rome’s lord and master - he is simply princeps, our first citizen”
(fasti, 2.142)
aids to fact that he can’t be a king because he is an equal and lacks the despotism that even the great romulus had
what indicated that the first settlement gave him absolute power purely by virtue?
(made by aug.)
coins, such as the aureus of the civic crown in 27, shield of virtue denarius of 19 bc
when did aug consecutively hold consulship and what did this give him?
31 - 23 bc, it gave im proconsular imperium (legal basis for his power)
how did aug establish is autocracy subtly?
“he gradually increased his power, drawing under him the powers of the senate, the magistrates and law”
(tac. ann)
learns from caesars mistake to openly claim absolute power (arguably dictator for life/almost crowning by antony got him executed?)
what does dio tell us about the organs of the republic?
all the same offices still existed, but their power was completely gone and under augustus now - this made his actions look legal and kept the republicans happy, who still got to wear nice clothes, enjoy prestige and banquets bt missed all the boring admin
what significant wreaths and trees could aug have outside his house?
dio states he could have the laurel trees and oak wreaths garnish his exterior (oak crowns symbolising saving a citizen’s life and laurel trees signifying victory etc.)
what was the clipeus virtuis and what was it for?
the shield of virtue in the senate house that aug claims in the res gest. was given him because of “courage, clemency and piety”
what does augustus mean and what does it give octavian?
“the revered one” and was chosen by oct over romulus and others; this gave him auctoritas which was supposedly deposited by the senate
what two honours/powers is aug given in the 2nd constitutional settlement of 23?
dio states he was given tribunician potestas for life (granted him sacrosanctity, right to prop legislation, veto and large auctoritas) and maius proconsulare imperium - allowing him to lay down the consulship but still outrank every office in the empire
outline of how tac. portrays tib?
horrendously. the worst. person. ever.
outline of how suet. shows tib?
attempts to be balanced and highlight good and bad parts of his reign (still leans towards criticism - pederasty, psychoticism, remorselessness, etc. )
outline of vell. pat. portrayal of tib?
overly positive - often completely disregarded by historians of the last century for this, evidence has come to light that he can be quite useful now though.
how does dio portray tib and why?
attempts to be objective but only because he used much of suetonius’ work as a source - arguably a good thing?
Who says Tiberius is unfathomable?
Tacitus, 1.24 “the natural incomprehensibility of Tiberius”
This meant he was easily misunderstood and it appeared people could do no right - they grew irritated of not knowing
Who was Tiberius’ one confidant?
“to Sejanus alone, the otherwise cryptic emperor spoke freely and unguardedly”
(Tac.)
this gave Sejanus power, access and trust as well as leverage if necessary
How did Tiberius view/treat Germanicus according to Tac?
“the emperor interpreted every action of Germanicus unfavorably” (Tac. 1.62)
His unpleasantness towards his ‘son’ is also shown when Tac. suggests “the emperor’s approval was not lacking” over his murder by Piso and his refusal to speak with Agrippina, lack of grief and refusal to grant him honors
How does Vell. Pat. show Tiberius’ opinion of Germanicus?
He is is insistent of the emperors affection due to his granting of a triumph, sharing a consulship and giving him maius imperium While in the east
What does the Tabula Hebana imply about Tiberius’ and Germanicus’ relationship?
It suggests that Germanicus was granted great honors after death and had a statue built on the palatine hill, counteracting Tac.s narrative of his passing into obscurity
What did Tiberius believe the senators were?
“men fit to be slaves!” because of their undiluted sycophancy (Tac.)
He disliked this and wanted a functioning senate.
How did Tiberius use Sejanus’ downfall to his advantage?
He used the Sejanus faction as a scape goat to divert the people’s hatred from himself and maintained a culture of fear that he was omnipotent which kept the plebs and senate in line and allowed him to effectively rule.
This was duplicitous - as Sejanus played him, he played Sejanus
What are the contrasting views of Tiberius’ public buildings?
Vell. Pat. “wonderful public buildings” - Including temple of Aug and theater of Pompey
Tacitus - nothing, he was a tight arse
Suetonius - concedes he finished Aug temple and fatherland but did nothing else; no games or spectacles either
What did the roman people think of Gaius’ accession and why?
“Gaius’ accession seemed to the roman people… like an answer to their prayers” (Suet. Gaius) because they despised him so much
When are the treason trials brought back the first time?
In Augustus’ reign, although Tac. incorrectly attributes it to Tiberius’ Probably due to his anti-Domitian bias he wants to amplify Tiberius evil autocracy and cut clear Augustus as a foil, like Germanicus
How did Seneca describe the treason trials under Tiberius?
Who was Seneca?
“a form of national madness that cost the lives of more Romans than any civil war”
He lived 4bc - 65ad, banished by Claudius for sleeping with is niece, Tutored Nero.
withdrew from public in 62 doing most of his writing up until his suicide in 65
How did Suet. portray Tiberius’ execution of the treason trials?
The maiestas law was savagely enforced
Who counters Tiberius’ lack of clemency during Maiestas trials?
Tac. defends him saying he defended some of those who were put on trial (Lucius Ennius who was accused of melting a statue of Tib.)
What savage decision did Tiberius carry out in 33?
Finally orders the deaths (women and children included) of Sejanus’ supporters - these were not dignified executions.
Who declared that the key to being an emperor was providing “Bread and circuses”?
Juvenal in satires, showing how the might of the people can be won with trivial acts. Its newfound prominence in society was a benefit of imperial rule for the Plebs
How did Augustus win the affection of the people?
“He seduced the soldiery with gifts, the people with corn and all with the delights of peace” (Tac.)
and he provided beast hunts, games, gladiator fights and naval battles according to his res gestae; in which he also claims to give out HS 400 per man 3 times (29, 24, 12 bc)
What did the giving of gifts by an emperor indicative of?
Their popularity - generally, more gifts meant more support by the people, this was their perk for supporting Imperial power, but this wasn’t always true for the senate
How did the People benefit from Gaius’ squandered wealth?
“would scatter vouchers among thee audience entitling them to all sorts of gifts”
“He held several gladiatorial contests”
(Suet. Gaius)
Hence the reason the people loved him and the senate and praetorian guard eventually hacked him to pieces
Regarding troops, what was Claudius the first Caesar to do?
Upon accession, he gives each soldier 15,000 sesterce making him “the first of the caesars to purchase the loyalty of his troops” - suet, Claudius
What does Nero do during games according to Suetonius?
He would give out vouchers for farms, ships and slaves
What do the gates of Janus show upon closing, who did this?
Peace ran through the empire, they were closed twice before Augustus’s reign and 3 times during it (suet, deified Augustus)
What part of Gaius’ reign do sources give most attention to?
His use of Imperial cult (Tac.) - Extreme presentation of godliness could be used to distance himself from Tiberius, Who refused almost all forms of deification (even at Gytheum)
This would also bring Gaius closer to an Augustan image
How did Gaius show he and his family to be divine?
Placed his daughter on Jupiter’s knee (Tac.), claiming she was daughter of himself and jupiter, Argued with gods (and invited them to sleep with him), made a machine to emulate thunder and lightning, consecrated his own priesthood and temple and basically turned all the temples on palatine and capitoline into his house (entrance guarded by Dioscuri - Dio)
What did Gaius do when making his own Priesthood?
“Swore himself in as a priest of himself, and appointed his horse a fellow priest” - Dio
How does Gaius’ Use of imperial cult evolve over his reign?
“at the start of his reign, he forbade the setting up of any images of him” - dio
but later “he insisted on being treated as a god” (suet. Gaius 22)
What reinstatement shows Gaius to be unpredictable and Volatile?
He claims to stop the maiestas trial and burn the papers in 39 but then spontaneously brings it back (post illness) and uses it to kill assailants of his family with evidence from papers - Dio
Example of Gaius’ weird unpredictibility?
“he summoned senators suddenly in the middle of the night as if on some urgent business and then danced in front of them” - Dio 59.5.5
What showed that you could never support or challenge Gaius for fear of injury?
“He was the first to insult him… both started to eulogise and revere him” (dio) he punished people for slagging off tiberius when he had done it initially - he even gives a speech castigating people for it.
Wha
What does seneca say about Gaius’ malicia and brutality?
“such brutalities were his daily bread and butter” (on anger) these may have referred to his various executions, sadism and torture or mad and unfair lawmaking
What horrific thought does gaius find amusing over dinner?
“I have only to give one nod and both your throats will be cut” - Suet. Gaius 32 referring to the 2 consuls beside him
Suetonius, Gaius 30:
“let them hate me, so long as they fear me”
What did seneca account that gaius considered doing to punish the senate?
He actually flogged senators and “seriously considered butchering the whole senate” after uncovering the Lepidus plot
What does Josephus make of Gaius’ spending?
He “poured millions into pleasures which served no useful purpose beyond his own gratification” (19.205) - Eg. the boats, villas, bridging the bay
What does “Tiberius” tell Gaius to do?
In a speech condemning people for slagging off tiberius, he imitates Tib. himself and tells himself to “take thought only for your own pleasure and safety” (Dio, 59.16.6)
What did Gaius do in under a year with Accrewed resources?
“He squandered Tiberius’ entire fortune of 2,700 million Hs” (suet. Gaius 37)
What nearly happens to Gaius at a banquet with foreign kings?
“He nearly assumed a royal diadem then and there, transforming an ostensible principate into an actual kingdom” (suet. Gaius 22) - only stopping when his advisors convinced him he was already superior to aking as a god; assuming this would shatter rep. facade and cause demise like Caesar
Why does Josephus say Gaius builds a bridge across Puteoli?
In 39, he apparently believes that as a god it was fitting for him to cross by chariot - later Suet. tells us this was to impress a parthian prince Darius
Neither divulge this was actually a show of roman might and deterrent for foreign rebellion, because Jos. possibly wants to condemn extravagant choices to promote jewish values and suet is writing to build up a character (in this case the story of a despotic emperor who went mad)
What did people pledge to do for Gaius’ recovery and what happened after he recovered?
They promised to commit suicide or fight as gladiators (suet. gaius 14) later asking them to follow through, indicative of his post illness madness.
He doesn’t actually force them to carry out pledges - Just enough to scare them; advocates for dark sense of humour not insanity
How does Suet. structure his Biography of Gaius?
Splits into good and bad part: “so much for gaius the emperor; the rest of this history must deal with Gaius the monster” Showing a flip after his illness that polarises his character before
This is a como feature of Suet. work - also using gossip as a source (especially after being expelled from Hadrian’s imperial court)
Why were the Senate and people always on edge?
“no one knew either what to say or how to act towards him” (Dio)
Why does Gaius’ reign seem to start well?
“he seemed very democratic at first”; publishes accounts of state funds (like aug., were not under Tib.), burns papers with apparent evidence of treason, abolishes treason charge - this comes back in 39 and kills many
Dio
What does the Denarius of 37 do for Gaius?
Links him to germanicus and thus military glory - he had never held office or command before so used his family to secure legitimacy.
What did Gaius scatter to curry favour?
“scatter vouchers among the audience” for free gifts and tickets (Suet.)
What counters the suggestion that Gaius built lots (but unnecessary) things?
Josephus: he built “no great buildings” - charged with getting excited and then dropping out of projects.
Gaius persecuted jews, Josephus naturally portrayed him as bad; morally and in terms of infrastructure
What does Pliny make of the anio novus?
“There has been no more remarkable achievement in the whole world”
Who is Pliny? (younger)
Latin lawyer and eventually consul born in the 60s AD - Writes under trajan and was the administer of the drainage board
How were Gaius’ grandmother and sisters honoured at the start of his reign?
Antonia was give the title of Augusta and they were all included in the oaths sworn to him as emperor - uses family to claim legitimacy because. of lack of experience - Dio
How did plebs air their grievances and why did this stop?
Josephus maintains that people at games in the circus would shout requests at the emperor to inspire new domestic policies; once the petitioned Gaius for lower taxes so he sent troops to gather the ringleaders and had them publicly executed in front of everyone in the middle of the circus.
They didn’t do this again; let Gaius do anything for a quiet life
Despite being a senator, why does Tacitus portray the senate poorly in his Annals?
He documents relations between emperor and senate, implying reigns are at better points when these relations are good; but he believes the senate of this time were weak and immoral for letting such men get away with things. Thus he shows the senate to be oprressed but unwilling to do the right thing
How do most sources portray claudius?
Usually as a caricature of a typical comic invalid suggesting he was an easily manipulated coward.
This could be because the pro senatorial sources dislike that he was not granted power by the senate, because he was disabled or because they were creating Archetypal characters for the emperors reigns
What showed Claudius to be out of control and manipulated?
All of his actions “were dictated by his freedmen and wives” (Suet. claud. 25) and “he practically always obeyed their whims”
It is likely that Suet. had been expelled from Hadrian’s court by then so he no longer has access to imperial archives and it is possible he is trying to character his emperors; augustus the god, Tiberius the recluse, Gaius the madman, Claudius the madman and Nero the narcicist
Why could Claudius be so subservient to his wives?
“claudius was unaware” of most things, including
Messalina’s promiscuity (Dio 60.18.1) aiding to perception of bumbling, low self esteemed invalid
What is an example of Messalina’s faithlessness?
Tacitus recounts a supposed marriage ceremony with C. Silius then rushing out to meet claudius in a waste cart - even Tacitus does doubt this happened making his account Ficticious
Why does Claudius’ subservience debase roman values?
Pliny says there were many rich freedmen under claudius, along with powerful women and foreigners which disgraces the Aristocratic tradition of wealthy freeborn romans holding the power - damages conservative society
How Do claudius’ wives work with slaves to meet their own objectives?
Agrippina and Pallas convince Claudius to adopt nero (tac. ) and Messalina and narcissus both came up with a story where they dreamt Silanus would kill Claudius (dio.) - sub citizens uniting to take power
How is Claudius seen as cowardly in 41?
When Gaius was murdered he was found hiding behind a curtain (Suet. gaius 10, Jos.) although he was likely engineered by the praetorian guard and had more control over his accent; this being a convenient, humourous ditto to suit Suet. narrative.
However arguably mor cowardly and more true is dio’s suggestion he waited 30 days before entering the senate and instead secured power through praetorian guard first
How do the sources show Claudius as pathetic, cowardly and using the Praetorian guard as a comfort blanket?
- Waits 30 days before entering senate (dio)
- Hides behind guard and even puts them on coins- showing main source of power
- After learning of Messalina’s random marriage, runs to praetorian camp and asks “am I still emperor?” (Suet. )
What kind of building did claudius do?
useful things; finished Anio Novus (“no more remarkable achievement in the whole world” - Pliny) and built new harbour at ostia for better grain supply (suet.)
What is Claudius’ main source of Power?
The army and the plebs; behaved informally at picnics and engaged with them - shows paternal care, almost patron client relationship (suet.) and gave each soldier 15,000 Hs making him “the first of tha caesars to purchase the loyalty of his troops”
How did Claudius deal with public catastrophes and what did this do?
When fire broke in Aemilian quarter, he employed firefighters by sitting out and doling out gold for help and when he was attacked by a mob with stale crusts over grain shortages, he doubles imports, insures merchant ships and offers bounty for merchant cargo
effecivley but reactive, not proactive
Who plots to overthrow claudius and what happens?
Scribonius and Vinicianus (consuls elect) plot to overthrow him in 42 but the army puts this down effectively
How did Claudius survive so long?
He was unassuming and defferrent to the senate - “abolished the charge of maiestas” (dio, 60.3.6), “sitting in court even on his own birthday” (Suet. claud. p14) and “wore a purple bordered toga” like any regular senator (dio) - He made others feel they had power over him to manipulate them
What counters claudius being humble and unassuming?
“he immediately accepted all honours voted to him except the title of father of the fatherland” which he assumes later - Dio.
suggests he believes his entitlement to rule
What did being deferrential to the senate do for claudius?
It endeared him to the people (Suet) since showing respect to senate maintained republican facade and discouraged autocracy
How did Claudius act honourably towards his opposition?
He gave immunity to those who wanted to restore the republic and those who had campaigned to become emperor against him - clementia (Dio)
What did Claudius do with the anniversary of Gaius’ murder?
Nothing. respectfully he didnt turn it into a holiday Suet.) even though it marked his accession - discouraged precedent that murdering emperors was right, ensured his safety
How does dio portray claudius as acting with good conduct?
He handles financial difficulty well, refusing gifts to himself and redistributing assets seized under Tiberius and Gaius - financial problems were representative of a bad or worsening emperor
Summarise Nero’s Portrayal in sources.
Worsens during his reign but most authors give him a quinquennium aureum, the end of which coincides with the death of agrippina signifying independent rule and a break from his advisors allowing despotism to run rampant
How is Nero delusional in 68?
He was initially unphased by the vindex revolt, continuing to live a luxurious life (dio) and eventually when deciding to do something it is t weep in front of the army while unarmed to soften their hearts and win back loyalty (suet)
What did nero want to do in 68 signifying his delusion and defeat?
Having lost all support, he wanted to move to alexandria as a lyre player; “a simple craft will keep a man from want” (suet. nero)
Why was the vindex revolt a minor issue and when did it become a threat?
Did not seem serious since vindex was govenor of a gallic province with no legionary garrison and there was no reason to doubt the legions under Lucius Verginius Rufus. the revolt was only a problem once galba, legate of spain, was declared emperor by his troops nd was supported by vindex (dio) - Rufus’ troops want to make him emperor but instead they refer it to the senate
Why did Nero celebrate a triumph in 68?
His successes in greek musical contests (dio) - makes a mockery of ancient roman tradition
What did Seneca and Burrus try to stop nero from doing?
racing chariots, acting, singing dancing and other immoral acts (suet., tac.) but he loved them so much that he continued regardless and took full advantage of their deaths for his stage career
Why does Tacitus say that Immorality grew?
Nero and his behaviour which climaxes with his stage debut - the senatorial classes would have thought these acts unbecoming of an emperor and condemned them as immoral despite them being the main focus of Nero’s life “Jupiter, what an artist: perishes in me” - Dio
How was Nero portrayed as malleable (pop.)?
Poppeia “nagged and mocked him incessantly” (tac. 14.4) and complained “he was under his guardian’s thumb” since she wanted him to divorce octavia to Agrippina’s dislike - this can be doubted since they only married 2 years post her death
How was Nero shown to be controlled by his mother?
“under his guardian’s thumb” - Tac.; Unprecedentedly, Agrippina appeared on the Aurealis of 54 like a co-ruler and she often “appeared before her inebriated son all decked out and ready for incest’
All negative views but golden years only end after she dies
What was the character of poppaea?
Coinage and Joephus depict her as a competant and interested political figure, giving a more positive presentation than dio and tacitus - she joins the many julio claudian women who are portrayed as smart and tactical, condemned to evil
Who was Tigellinus?
Prefect of praetorian guard and eques who tacitus criticises for having corrupted nero, showing him every kind of depravity and then abandoning once he saw that nero’s downfall was unavoidable
What did tactius observe about morals under nero?
“roman morals had long become impure, but never was there so favourable an environment for debauchery among this filthy crowd” (tac. 14.15)
What perverse act did Nero commit towards Pythagoras?
Nero married Pythagoras and made a show out of it “everything was public, which even in a natural union is veiled by night” (Tac. 13.15)
How does Tacitus think the great fire started?
“whether it was accidental or caused by a criminal act on the part of the emperor is uncertain” (15.38) - he is unsure of its origins but doubts Nero’s guilt, more nuanced than Suet and portrays an inexperienced child opposed to an agent of chaos”
How does suet. think the fire started?
“he brazenly set fire to the city” and “sang the fall of troy” from the garden of maecenas (suet. 38) does not doubt guilt, suggests premeditation since he destroys grain and its storage that would have survived the fire, ordered torched be thrown into it and prevents people going through the ash because he wanted to loot it himself
What did Nero want in the centre of his ‘domus aurea’?
in the sprawling complex of luxury buildings (suet.) , he wanted the 120’ high colossus, initially to be cast in silver and gold (pliny) - narcissism and extravagance
How did Nero finance his buildings?
plundered temples, claimed 5/6 of freedmen’s estates, maiestas trials, took back gifts from greece, took estates of wealthy senators after forced suicide, Purple dye at market story (Tac.)
What were examples of Nero’s extravagance?
Suet. details many banquets, built the golden house, hosted many games and shows and ordered the beautification of rome, which despite being necessary to proactively prevent fire, he could not afford; would also give out vouchers during games (suet.)
What was the senate like under Tiberius?
subdued and stable being forced into “subservience” to protect their position; however the mutinies at the start of his reign may suggest there was some opposition from both senate and people (tac.) - Principate more stable than rep.
Why does Jos. say people were happy with Claudius in power?
“the emperors acted as a curb for its [senate’s] repacity and were a source for protection for themselves” - lesser of 2 evils, senate was corrupt and dangerous
What contrasts peace by Principate?
(gaius)
Murdered by a praetorian and senatorial conspiracy to wrestle misused autocratic power and tyranny (jos., dio)
What indicated people were unhappy with neo after he died?
when he was ousted, People celebrated as if they’d been “freed from slavery” (Dio) although reports of imposter neros (especially in the east) by tac, dio and suet suggest his memory was still favourable
How did Nero help the people during the fire?
opened his gardens and buildings of agrippina to refugees, cut corn prices “to less than a sesterce a pound” and made relief houses but “these actions earned him no gratitude” (tac)
How did augustus proactively avoid fires and disaster?
he dredged the tibur and “organized stations of night watchmen to watch for fire (suet)
Why does Augustus become emperor?
he had the most power and auctoritas in rome, legally ratified by the first and second settlements of 27 and 23 bc but set it up as a monarchy
Why does Tiberius become emperor?
he takes over as most powerful man in rome and was publicly groomed as a successor, despite being the last resort
Why does Gaius become emperor?
due to birthright as part of the imperial family and dumb luck for having survived Tiberius - claims most power from familial connections (denarius of 37)
Why does Claudius become emperor?
he is the last suitable member of the imperial bloodline and is seen as manipulable by the praetorian guard - the senate have no say in his accession
Why does Nero come to power?
Due to his bloodline and relentlessness of his mother. he is pitted against britannicus until he is adopted by claudius and has a claim to legitimacy
What was key source of power for early emperors (augusts)?
Tribunician potestas - augustus claimed he “should have the tribunician powers for the rest of my life” (res gest) and shows his intended successor by granting the power (denarius of augustus and agrippa designates him)
How did Tiberius benefit from tribunician potestas?
he had it before ascending (Tac.) signifying his position of successor, he gave it to drusus after ger. died -using to signify own successor (tac.) - and convinces sejanus he’ll give it to him to curb his suspicion (suet.)
What unprecedented move does gaius take upon accession that later becomes the norm?
His lineage meant that “in a single day he took all the honours which augustus had been slow to accept” (dio) suggesting he has no qualms about taking absolute power and is not concerned about maintaining republican facade - people come to terms with autocracy after hm as memory of republic dies
How did Aug. secure his power militarily after the first settlement of 27?
“he handed over the weaker provinces to the senate” so that “the senators should be unarmed and unprepared for war” (dio 53.12) and immediately set up praetorian guard with double pay “so genuine was his desire to lay down absolute power” (dio) - legal powers were for show and appeasement, real security came from ability to kill
Why does Gaius issue the denarius of 37?
to link him with germanicus so he can share the military glory - had no experience of command/office so relied on family
What archaeological evidence shows claudius’ main drive of power upon accession?
coin of claudius and praetorian guard illustrates his debt to them and credits them with raising him to office
how does military support for nero change over his reign?
at the beginning, he is rushed to the praetorian guard who proclaim him emperor before the senate does (tac.) which fizzles out to them abandoning him at the end of his term; “he had been deserted by all without exception” (dio)
How was augustus influenced by women?
dio claims livia murdered marcellus and tac says she killed gaius and lucius - engineering succession
thus tiberius wa nominated (pliny - “he died with his enemy’s own son as heir’) suggesting she was not acting in his best interests or those if state
Later, julia married marcellus, agrippa and tib and was used to designate successor (suet) eventually giving tib legitimacy through blood
How is tiberius influenced by women?
Livilla supposedly kills drusus (dio) so that she can marry sejanus, which sejanus asks tiberius to do but is knocked back (tac.) - women open door to threat to power and corruption
And livia grooms him for succession
How does agrippina exhibit control over emperors?
she manipulated claudius to make nero his heir, not britannicus (tac) nad is accused to have poisoned him, this allowed her to groom nero for succession and she removed opposition for him (Tac. 12.69) - he also claimed she listened in on senate meetings from behind a curtain
Does tiberius face any difficulty on accession?
The mutinies in pannonia and germany which vell. pat skims over as a minor trouble quickly deposed by an experienced military commander (Tib) but Tac. uses as a device to compare him to germanicus and makes them seem like a big deal that he handles poorly
What was Gaius’ accession like?
Quick and welcomed by the people - “in a single day he took all the honours which augustus had been slow to accept” (dio) and to the people, his accession “was like an answer to their prayers” (suet.)
What honours did Claudius accept after his accession, when he finally visited the senate after 30 days?
“he immediately accepted all the honours voted to him except the title ‘father of the fatherland’ and he took that later on” - dio, 60.3.2
Tib. denies same title, so does gaius because of his youth but then accepts later.
By Cassius Dio’s time, how were powers conferred upon an emperor?
They were all lumped on them at once but earlier, it was a slow accumulation (think augustus and the settlements)
What is it in Augustus’ power to do and why was this (constitutionally)?
“it is in my power to rule over you for life” - Dio, 53.4
The first and second constitutional settlements (27 and 23 BC respectively) meant that he was voted Absolute power (technically) he wanted this to look like it came from Auctoritas when it was reinforced by actual offices and powers
Were the senate willing to give Gaius power?
Yes, the senate “immediately and unanimously conferred absolute power upon him” (suet.)
Where did Claudius gain his power from?
The praetorian guard, since he was supposedly found hiding behind a curtain (Suet.) where he was then taken to the praetorian camp, held for 2 days, then declared emperor (it took 30 days before he went to the senate)
