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HSC ANCIENT HISTORY > Julio-Claudians: HISTORICAL PERIOD > Flashcards

Julio-Claudians: HISTORICAL PERIOD Flashcards

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1
Q

Tiberius and the senate from Tacitus.

A

Election of magistrates  transferred from comitia (people) to Senate
• Tried to encourage Senate to become significant legislative body
• Not as social as Augustus  stiff, serious

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2
Q

Tiberius and the senate from Seutonius.

A

Replaced consilium of Augustus  with a council made up of his friends and 20 other chosen senators – to advise on administrative matters
• Consulted Senate on national revenue, building programs, military commands and foreign policy
• Always entered Senate House without escort, and rose to greet the consuls  respect
• Senate offered him titles and honours but Tiberius refused  following Augustus
• Judicial role of Senate expanded  made responsible for trying provincial officials and those charged with maiestas (treason)
• Delay in succession
 Wanted Senate to give him power
• Early: attended meetings and listened to Senators

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3
Q

Tiberius and the senate from Cassius Dio

A

Later: Became frustrated with the Senate  became annoyed of their services that he commented that they were
“Men fit to be slaves” – Tacitus
• AD 26: Tiberius retired to Capri  left Senate in unstable state
• “Incapable of operating as a serious deliberative body”
- Levick

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4
Q

Gaius and the senate.

A
  • Initially on good terms with Senate
  • Won popularity with Senate when abolished charges of maiestas, put end to use of informers and recalled senators exiled in Tiberius reign
  • Concerned with welfare of Senators  allowing them to sit on cushions at shows instead of bare boards
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5
Q

Gaius and the senate with Cassius Dio.

A

At first: treated Senate with great respect and promised to share power with it

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6
Q

Gaius and the senate with seutonius.

A

• Suetonius
Following illness in AD37
 Gaius grew erratic and gradually alienated and humiliated senators
 Made senators run beside his chariot dressed in their togas
 Alston: supports this argument
 Planned to give his horse consulship
 Alston: argues insulted Senate with horse

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7
Q

Gaius goes mean, relationship with senate then?

A
  • Treated senate with disrespect  assumed increase God-like powers that elevated the principate to a near dictatorship
  • Changed principate  shifted focus of power away from Senate to Emperor
  • Removed Senate’s authority in foreign affairs
  • Transferred right to conduct elections back to comitia  diminished responsibility of the Senate
  • AD 38: Relationship with Senate broke down when reintroduced treason trials against senators
  • Removed Senate’s right to mint coins
  • Executed any Senators who offered him advice
  • After conspiracy AD39  Senators became fearful that Gaius would suspect them of plotting against him  granted him more honours
  • Senators involved in plot to kill Gaius  Vinicianius, Valerius Asiaticus and Longinus
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8
Q

Barrett says what about Gaius and the senate?

A

senate “must bear responsibility for the massive grant of powers they made to Caligula”

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9
Q

Claudius and the senate??

A
  • Secured initial relations with Senate by pardoning conspirators in Gaius’ assassination
  • Proclaimed Emperor by Praetorian Guard instead of senators  reputation criticised by Senators e.g. Seneca
  • Respected dignity of the Senate
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10
Q

Claudius and the senate by Josephus

A

After Gaius assassination, Senate debated whether to restore to a republic  wanted to gain former prestige

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11
Q

Levick says what of Claudius and the senate?

A

Claudius inflicted deep wound in Senate’s authority

 more senatus consulta passed in Claudius’ reign than in that of any other princeps

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12
Q

Claudius tried to do what with the senate?

A

• Tried to win favour of the Senate  recalling exiles, repealing Gaius’ laws and granting consulships to those who wished for a return to the republic
 Displayed courtesy and respect to the Senate
 Held banquets for senators and their wives
 Restored right to mint coins

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13
Q

Tacitus and Claudius and the senate?

A

Encouraged Senate to take responsibilities seriously as a forum for discussion and for passing legislation
 Senators had become hostile to him due to his extensive/formalised use of Freedmen such as Pallas, Narcissus and Polybius
• Claudius kept most administrative information to himself and his assistants  Senate felt he was ignorant of their position
• Charge of imperial policy taken away from Senate and given to procurators

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14
Q

Dio Cassius and Claudius’s senate.

A

AD41: abolished charge of maiestas but later restored it
 many tries were held in palace or in Senate with freedmen and prefects
 accepted all titles and honours at beginning of reign

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15
Q

Nero’s Senate by Tacitus.

A

Initially treated Senate respectfully and promised them more autonomy
 Supported Senate’s laws and proclamations until Great Fire of Rome in AD 64
 Senate able to debate freely

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16
Q

Nero’s senate basic details.

A

• Initially good relationship  influenced by Seneca and Burrus
 Seneca  assisted Nero in establishing a working relationship with Senate

• Promised to reverse unpopular measures introduced by Claudius
 Promised senate would return to original function, no treason trials, control of freedmen, not conduct all business like Claudius & would model Augustus in his reign
• Restored responsibility  Criminal cases tried in Senatorial court
• Initially rejected offers of statues and titles
• Coins issued on authority of Senate
• After death of Agrippina in AD59, Burrus in AD62 and Seneca’s retirement  diminished relationship with Senate

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17
Q

Nero’s senate with Suetonius.

A

Made Senators and knights do battle in the arena of public shows
• As reign progressed neglected imperial duties over interest in poetry, music and drama
 appeared disinterested in discussing state matters
• Treason trials revived by Tigellinus (Praetorian Prefect)  number of senators and wealthy people murdered
 Intention to wipe out senatorial order (Suetonius)
• AD 65: Gaius Calpurnius Piso (Roman statesman) organised conspiracy against Nero
Seneca implicated and made to commit suicide
• Fire created revenue crisis  led to clashes between Senate over taxes
• AD68: Nero declared public enemy

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18
Q

Political Reforms of Tiberius:

A
  • Judicial control of “treason” given to Senate
  • Election of magistrates given to Senate
  • Freedom of debate discouraged
  • Made Senate court of law for cases involving Senators and equestrians
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19
Q

Social Reforms of Tiberius

A
  • Tried to raise prestige of Senate by adhering to Republican traditions
  • Gave money to noble families who were dying out  continuing Augustus’ tradition
  • Morality  priority
  • Maintained public order in Rome and Italy
  • Discouraged games and spectacles
  • Provided relief for victims of fires and natural disasters
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20
Q

Legal Reforms of Tiberius

A
  • Corrupt officials discharged
  • Taxes
  • Confiscation and executions discouraged
  • Dealt with issues with citizens in law courts
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21
Q

Religious Reforms of Tiberius.

A
  • Abolished foreign cults (Inc. Egyptian gods)
  • AD19 Cult of Isis persecuted after disturbances in Rome
  • Jewish men of military age removed from Rome
  • Astrologers banned
  • Did not encourage Emperor worship
  • Rejected provincial requests to build temples for him
  • Created Augustales: priesthood established to maintain cult of Augustus
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22
Q

Administrative Reforms of Tiberius.

A

ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS
• Dio Cassius
Significantly improved Rome’s revenue
• Aid given to provinces
• New road system in Gaul and Spain
• Kept efficient governors and procurators in office longer
• Reduced sales tax from 1% to 0.5%
• Strictly controlled finances  left a large surplus in treasury when he died
• Senate encouraged to choose its own governors for senatorial provinces
• Protection of provincials
• Scullard: “excellent”

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23
Q

Political Reforms of Gaius.

A

• Dio Cassius
Transferred right to conduct elections back to comitia

• (Refer to BAD Relationship with Senate)

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24
Q

Social Reforms of Gaius

A

Recalled exiles from Tiberius and Augustus’ reign
• Encouraged integration of previously banned texts into publication and open debates
• Expelled perverts
• Dio Cassius
Allowed new members into equestrian and senatorial orders
• Revived gladiatorial games

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25
Q

Legal Reforms of Gaius

A
  • Published accounts of public funds which had not been published during Tiberius’ reign
  • Discouraged treason trials
  • Provocative foreign policy weakened Rome’s position in the East
  • Josephus: Persecution of provincial Jews
  • Revived treason trials
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26
Q

Religious reforms of Gaius

A
  • Deified himself  created religious disorder in Rome
  • Eastern cults and mysticism encouraged
  • AD38 Deification of sister Drusilla as goddess
  • Divinity of Princeps emphasised  temples built
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27
Q

Administrative reforms of Gaius.

A
  • Completed building programs neglected by Tiberius – Temple of Augustus and Pompey’s Theatre
  • Abolished heavy sales tax
  • Inefficient and inconsistent
  • Established heavy taxes after Tiberius’ surpluses are spent in the first 12 months of Gaius’ reign
  • Large payments demanded for entry to the College of Priests
  • Treason trials: control the wealth of the Senators
  • Most historians agree that he destroyed Rome’s finances
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28
Q

Political Reforms of Claudius

A
  • Added provincials to the Senate
  • Used Senate as advisory board
  • Took Senate’s administrative role away from it and gave it to Freedmen  each responsible for particular area of governing
  • Negative: Held many proceedings in private  diminished responsibility of Senate
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29
Q

Social Reforms of Claudius.

A
  • Extended citizenship to many groups & colonies
  • Suetonius: Celebrated secular games in AD47
  • Restored many Roman public venues
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30
Q

Legal Reforms of Claudius

A
  • Created more government departments  improved efficiency
  • Extended summer court session
  • Suetonius: equitable and just laws  gave rights to slaves at Temple of Asclepius (god of medicine, healing)
  • Assumed office of Censor  tried to restore idea of citizenship and responsibility
  • Increased speed of judicial hearings
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31
Q

Religious reforms of Claudius

A
  • Restored traditional Roman religious practice
  • Outlawed foreign influences
  • Banned the Druid religion (Celtic)
  • Appointment of state priests
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32
Q

Administrative reforms of Claudius

A

Extended empire – invaded Britain AD43
• Public work programs e.g. Harbour at Ostia
• Josephus
Affirmed rights and freedom of Jews in the Empire
• Consuls placed in charge of orphans
• Gave administrative powers to freedmen e.g. Pallas  control over empire’s financial affairs
• Established imperial procurators to control:
Inheritance tax, senate finances

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33
Q

Political Reforms of Nero

A
  • Excluded sons of freedmen from Senate
  • Annual salaries given to “impoverished but distinguished” senators
  • Worked with the Senate: AD59  Amphitheatre in Pompeii closed for 10 years due to riots
  • Did not hear cases intra cubiculum principis (in the bedroom of the princeps)
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34
Q

Social reforms of Nero

A
  • Made knights and senators fight in public games
  • Enacted sumptuary laws to restrain public luxury
  • Christians persecuted
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35
Q

Legal Reforms of Nero

A
  • Abolition of capital punishment
  • Slaves permitted to take legal action against masters
  • Gave military commands to unsuccessful candidates
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36
Q

Religious reforms of Nero

A

Portrayed himself as the sun god in the Golden House  erected after Great Fire of Rome AD64

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37
Q

Administrative reforms of Nero

A
  • Successful administration through confidants Seneca and Burrus
  • Finances
  • AD56: Control of treasury taken from quaestors and given to imperial praefecti
  • Grain supply made secure under Faenius Rufus
  • AD58 established free trade by removing taxes – BUT was dropped
  • Mint system  precious metal content reduced so he could spend lavishly on games
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38
Q

Praetorian Guard

A

• Elite military force formed by Augustus
• Nine cohorts, each of 500  commanded by two equestrian prefects
• Role: protect Princeps and his family in Rome and on campaign
 Carried letters between Princeps and governor
 Detention and execution of prisoners
 Eventually played important role in succession of emperors

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39
Q

Privileges of the Praetorian Guard

A

• Privileges over other soldiers:
 No active military service unless accompanying the Princeps
 Higher pay & bonuses
 Shorter term of service

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40
Q

Tiberius and Praetorian Guard. ‘Sejanus’

A

• SEJANUS AD 14-31 - Appointed as single commander
 Made the most of position
 Formed close relationship with Tiberius
 Played prominent role in government, esp. after Tiberius’ retirement to Capri
– Acted as intermediary between Tiberius and Senate
– Controlled access to Tiberius
– Senators resented this high level of control
 Tacitus: suggests had eye on principate
 Played important role in imperial politics
 Took part in murders of Drusus (AD23), Agrippina the Elder (AD29) and her sons Nero (AD31) and Drusus (AD33)
 Desired to marry Livilla BUT Tiberius refused
 Betrothed to Julia in AD31
 Responsible for majority of treason trials
 Tiberius’ retirement to Capri AD26 – controlled flow of information between Rome and empire
 Extremely loyal to Tiberius
 When Tiberius realised the amount of power he had gained, he had him removed and killed

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41
Q

Tiberius and the Praetorian Guard ‘Macro’

A

• MACRO AD 31-38
 Vital role in denouncing Sejanus
 Looked after Tiberius’ interests in Rome
 Tacitus: Macro killed Tiberius in AD 37

42
Q

Gaius and the Praetorian Guard?

A

• MACRO AD 31-38
 Hailed Gaius as new Princeps and accompanied him back to Rome
 Helped Gaius in gaining senatorial approval
 AD38 – removed and later forced to commit suicide

43
Q

Claudius and the Praetorian Guard ‘Crispinus and Geta’

A

• CRISPINUS & GETA AD 43-50
 Crucial in securing Claudius’ accession
 Claudius commemorated their role in his succession annually with gladiatorial games in the Praetorian camp

44
Q

Claudius and the Praetorian Guard ‘Burrus’

A

Agrippina replaced joint commanders with single commander

 Distinguished soldier – Agrippina valued loyalty

45
Q

Nero and the Praetorian Guard.

A

• BURRUS AD 50-62
 Appointed by Agrippina to ensure Nero’s smooth succession
 Supported Agrippina during reign of Claudius
 May have assisted in the murder of Britannicus (AD55)
 Ran empire alongside Seneca (54-62): improved finances, food supply, transport, aid programs, Veteran colonies and taxation policy

46
Q

Tiberius and the political role with the army.

A

• Had long and successful military career before Princeps
• Troops hailed him as imperator several times and celebrated triumphs in Rome
• Apart from rebellion early in reign by troops in Pannonia and Germany over pay and conditions  Army remained loyal to Tiberius
• Main political role: safeguard the frontiers
• Tacitus: 9 Roman legions along the Rhine (3 in Spain, 2 in Africa and Egypt, 4 in the East)
• Army began to play role on the events within Rome
 Played part in downfall of Sejanus
• Griffin: reliable military leadership

47
Q

Gaius and the political role with the army.

A
  • Role: maintain borders of empire established by Augustus and consolidated by Tiberius
  • Apart from conspiracy of Gaetulicus (AD39), army remained loyal to Gaius  After Gaetulicus’ execution, rewarded soldiers 100 denarii each for not supporting conspiracy
  • Popular with army  son of Germanicus
  • Spent early years in army camp  given nickname Caligula for miniature army uniforms
48
Q

Claudius and his political role with the Army.

A
  • Claudius came from military family: brother Germanicus, uncle Tiberius and father Nero Drusus
  • Army gained honour from Claudius’ expansion of empire
  • Remained loyal to him
  • Role: Romanisation  construction of roads and bridges, settlement of veterans’ colonies
  • Claudius emphasised military image through coins, statues and buildings
  • Army  well disciplined and content during Claudius’ reign
49
Q

Nero and his political role with the Army.

A

• Political Role: dealing with troubles in empire
• Prominent military commanders Corbulo, Rufus & Proculus  governors of Upper and Lower Germany  condemned and forced to commit suicide after conspiracy of Piso
• Army’s revolt against Nero  staged by Julius Vindex (Governor of Gaul)
 Galba revolted in Spain
 Macer and legion in Africa turned against Nero
 Legions in Germany & Praetorian Guard withdrew support
 Nero forced to commit suicide

50
Q

Impact of the death of Augustus?

A 
•	Died AD 14 
•	Upheaval and uncertainty in Rome
•	Tiberius delays succession which causes confusion 
•	Senate conflict
•	Tiberius reluctant to accept princeps
•	Augustus had restored the republic 
•	Problems of Succession: 
o	Time and again his heirs would die 
o	Did not have sons of his own 
o	Grandsons Lucius and Gaius left
o	Died
o	Who was left? Stepsons Tiberius and Drusus as potential heirs 
o	He was a Claudian, not a Julian
o	Tacitus: Reluctance apparently not sincere
51
Q

Princeps?

A

first among equals
• Established by Augustus
• Look after Rome as a father figure

52
Q

Changing role of the princeps under the Julio-Claudian rulers: Tiberius’s changes to role?

A

• Maintained Augustan principles
• Excellent civil administrator
 Reduced spending on public buildings and games
 Chose officials carefully
 Maintained pax romana
• Attempted to work with the Senate and maintain its traditional rights
• Made many government decisions
• Controlled empire through loyal and efficient armies
• Tacitus: consulted Senate on every issue

53
Q

Changing role of the princeps under the Julio-Claudian rulers: Gaius changes to role?

A

• Acquired many powers
• Expected to be treated as a God with absolute and unreasonable authority
• Alienated and humiliated the Senate
• Acted brutally and with vengeance
• Invoked fear and panic in the Roman people
• Changed principate  shifted focus of power away from Senate to Emperor
• Established a radical system of absolute power
• Alston
Senate is republican  holds values of being a Roman citizen
 Trying to manage between monarchy and republic

54
Q

Changing role of the princeps under the Julio-Claudian rulers: Claudius changes to role?

A
  • Efficient and humane administrator
  • Introduced good social legislation that reflected his duty to care for the people, esp. slaves, women and minors
  • Provided utilities, entertainment and justice
  • Not originally connected to army  BUT became successful military leader and extended empire
  • Centralised bureaucracy: appointed freedmen to specific roles (angered the Senate)
  • Expanded imperial powers  diminished role of the Senate
  • Followed Augustus  revived connection to Republic
55
Q

Changing role of the princeps under the Julio-Claudian rulers: Nero changes to role?

A
  • Young when succeeded  ruled through Agrippina, Seneca and Burrus
  • Not interested in administration of Rome and Empire  allowed freedmen and others to manage
  • Hosted more artistic events
  • Spent excessively and reduced treasury surplus
  • Used position to satisfy himself
  • Neglected the army
56
Q

Changing image to princeps: Tiberius

A

• Tacitus:
 Cruel and sinister
 Tyrant
• Paterculus:
 Positive image
 Praises military achievements and administrative skills
• Coinage: stresses loyalty to Augustus, legitimacy of succession and honours that formed basis of power
• Statues and busts: show facial features and hairstyles similar to Augustus
• Various surviving inscriptions around the empire suggest Tiberius took duties seriously and was greatly appreciated by provincials

57
Q

Changing image to princeps: Gaius

A

• Suetonius & Dio Cassius – DO NOT MENTION TACITUS (WRITINGS HAVEN’T SURVIVED)
 Crazy and cruel
 Associated himself with gods, esp. Jupiter
• Coinage and Statues: used to convey political messages
 Stresses link to Augustus, Germanicus & Agrippina the Elder
 Few statues remain as they were destroyed after assassination
 Emphasises link to sisters in coin:

58
Q

Changing image to princeps: Claudius

A

• Tacitus & Suetonius:
 Paranoid, unskilful fool
 Easily manipulated by his wives and freedmen
• Modern historians: (DIFFERENT IMAGE TO ANCIENT SOURCES)
 Intelligent and able administrator with a concern for justice
• Coinage:
 Early coinage stresses family connections (father Nero Drusus and brother Germanicus and military victories)
 Depicted mother Antonia and grandmother Livia who were given the title ‘Augusta’
 Used to legitimise succession: coin depicting role of Praetorian guard

59
Q

Changing image to princeps: Nero

A

• Tacitus, Suetonius & Dio Cassius
 Strong taste for the arts
 Cruel, sexually deprived, reckless extravagance
• Persecution of Christians  shaped bad image of Nero
• Coinage:
 Shows interest in artistic side of Roman coinage – showing his titles
– Emphasises link to Augustus
– Propaganda  commemorating settlement with Armenia and Parthia
– Nero addressing Praetorian Guard
– Performer: lyre player on the reverse of a coin
 Shotter: suggests Nero’s pride can be seen in coins where he wears a crown of rays (symbol of deification)
 First decade: show devotion to Claudius and Agrippina the Younger
• Statues: few statues remain, would have been destroyed after death and damnation

60
Q

Whats the significance of building programs?

A

• Propaganda:
 Aqueducts – show concerns for providing needs to plebeians
 New buildings and continual structure in Rome – prestige and reminded citizens Rome was the centre of the empire
• Religion:
 Repairing old temples or building new ones  connected Julio-Claudian emperors to traditional values and the Republic
 Temple to the Imperial Cult reinforced emperor’s power in the provinces
• Employment:
 Capital works in Rome provided employment for the poor – emperor became benefactor  increased loyalty
• Pleasure and Leisure
 Theatres, stadiums and baths – centre of Roman leisure

61
Q

Building programs and Tiberius?

A

• Provided employment and contributed to civil pride
• Not aimed at personal glorification
• Tacitus:
 Compares unfavourably to Augustus’ building programs
 Building programs = “far from extravagant”
• Suetonius:
 “while emperor he constructed no magnificent works”
• Temple of Augustus: didn’t finish
• Pompey’s Theatre
• Replaced buildings destroyed by fire on Caecilian Hill AD26
• Completed temples in Egypt  Temple of Hathor
• Cassius Dio:
 speaks highly of his “public works”

62
Q

Building programs and Gaius?

A 
•	Spent a lot on public buildings:
 Expansion of Imperial Palace
 Circus of Nero and Gaius 
 Aqueducts: Aqua Novo and Aqua Claudia 
 Egyptian obelisk in Rome 
 Repaired roads around empire 
 Puteoli Floating Bridge 
 Temple of Lake Nemi 
•	Josephus:
 Main public work: renovations of harbour at Rhegium
63
Q

Building programs and Claudius?

A

• Reflects concerns of his administration
• Completed aqueducts begun by Gaius
• Roads and canals built throughout Italy and the provinces
 Road from Italy to Germany
 Canal from the Rhine to the sea
 Built canal along Tiber – regulate flow of river and prevent flooding
• Suetonius:
 Attempted to drain the Pontine Marshes – increase land mass
 Employed 30 000 men for 11 years

64
Q

Building programs and Nero?

A

• Finished Claudius’ harbour works at Ostia
• Extended Rome’s aqueduct system
• Completed civic buildings in Rome i.e. baths, macellum and gymnasium
• Nero’s passion for theatre  reflected in building programs
 New theatre on Campus Martius
 Stone theatres throughout Italy
• After Great Fire AD 64:
 Introduced building regulations (height restrictions and distance between buildings to prevent fire spreading)
• Most extravagant: Golden House (Domus Aurea)
 more than 1.5km long
 Luxurious rooms, statue of himself, gardens and pools
 Garzetti: “public expression of his power”

65
Q

name the Imperial family that caused problems of succession

A

Livia, Julia, Germanicus, Agrippina the Elder, Messalina, Agrippina the Younger

66
Q

Tiberius and Imperial Family and Problems of Succession

A

• Agrippa’s sons Gaius Caesar and Lucius Caesar were first in line
 Adopted by Augustus in 17 BC
 Died – so left Tiberius as only one left (related through wife Livia as stepson)
• Tacitus: Augustus adopted Tiberius in AD 4
 Personality not fit for emperor: “cruel temper”
• Suetonius: Augustus’ will  “Since fate has cruelly carried off my sons Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius Caesar is to inherit two-thirds of my property”
• Livia
 Vital in securing Tiberius’ succession – mother
 Suetonius: planned to “exterminate all the male offspring of Augustus by his daughter Julia”
 AD 36 coin  Livia’s prominent role in succession
• Julia
 Tiberius forced to divorce Vispania Agrippina and marry Augustus’ daughter Julia
 Marriage connected him to Julian line  gained political favour with Augustus

67
Q

Gaius and Imperial Family and Problems of Succession

A

• Suetonius
 AD 4: Augustus compelled Tiberius to adopt Germanicus (to ensure G’s succession – even though he already had a son Drusus)
 AD 19: Germanicus died
 “Tiberius now placed Drusus next to the throne”
• AD 23: Drusus died
• Death of Tiberius’ heirs – significant  influenced Tiberius to choose Gaius as heir
• AD 37: Before death  Tiberius had not made decision of heir
 Named grandson Tiberius Gemellus & Gaius as co-heirs
 Up to Senate to make decision
 Gaius was favourite as son of Germanicus
- Played prominent role in succession
- Reason for Senate’s decision to name Gaius as heir over Gemellus
- Coin depicting Gaius and Germanicus
• Alston: “Gaius’ claim for the imperial position rested solely on his birth”
 AD 38 Coin depicting sisters Agrippina the Younger, Drusilla and Livilla
• Agrippina the Elder
 Gave strong connection to Julian line – granddaughter of Augustus

68
Q

Claudius and Imperial Family and Problems of Succession

A

• Suetonius & Dio Cassius
• AD 37: Gaius named sister Drusilla as heir but died in AD 38
• AD 41: Assassination of Gaius
 Discord in Rome – between Senate (wanted return to Republic) and Praetorian Guard
• After Gaius’ death  Claudius feared he would be assassinated too
 Suetonius: hid in palace on Palatine Hill
 Praetorian Guard found him  recognised him as brother of Germanicus
 Made him emperor at Praetorian camp
• Dio Cassius: “he was of the imperial family and was regarded as suitable”
• Germanicus
 Influenced Praetorian Guard’s decision
 Highly respected general
 Brother of Claudius

69
Q

Nero and Imperial Family and Problems of Succession

A

• Suetonius
• Barrett: role of family lineage – “grandson of Germanicus”
• Agrippina the Younger
 Mother
 Constantly worked to secure succession
 AD 47: Clash between Agrippina and Messalina (Claudius’ wife)
– Wanted her and Claudius’ son Britannicus as emperor
– Suetonius: Messalina attempted to murder Nero
– AD 48 – Death allowed Agrippina to continue with plan
 Agrippina married Claudius in AD 48
 Salmon - AD 50: Claudius adopts Nero  significant in securing Nero’s succession
 Betrothal of Nero to Octavia (Claudius’ daughter)  further secure succession
 AD 54: Agrippina supposedly murders Claudius with poisoned mushrooms
– Nero immediately succeeds to power
– Statue: Agrippina crowning Nero  role in succession
 Coin depicting Nero and Agrippina confronting each other
• Nero had support of Praetorian Prefect Burrus – took him to Praetorian Barracks where he was hailed as imperator  importance of Praetorian Guard in the political sphere of Rome

70
Q

Whats the consequences of Nero’s death?

A

• Dio Cassius:
 March AD 68: Vindex (Governor of Gaul) rebelled against Nero’s tax policies
 Vindex called on Galba (Governor of Hispania/Spain) to join rebellion and call himself Emperor in opposition to Nero
• Nero fled Rome  forced to commit suicide June AD 68  no plan for succession
• Instability in Rome  decision of succession left up to Senate and people of Rome
• Praetorian prefects continually fired
• Period of civil war before Year of the Four Emperors  June 68-December 69
• End of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty – Year of the Four Emperors – Flavian Dynasty

71
Q

Whats the role and contribution of Seneca?

A

• Successful orator and writer
• Interest in philosophy
• Became a quaestor and senator  BUT banished by Messalina
 Spent 8 years in exile in Corsica
• Agrippina recalled Seneca to tutor Nero in rhetoric  may have asked him to teach Nero the skills he required to become Princeps
• Nero’s accession  Seneca = amicus principis  friend of the Princeps (not official position)
 Drafted Nero’s early speeches to Senate
 Influenced Nero heavily in his early year as Princeps
 Wrote many pieces depicting Nero in a positive light
• Seneca became wealthy  criticised for making too much profit from his position
• After Agrippina’s death  Seneca found hard to exert positive influence on Nero
 Asked to retire in AD 62 when Burrus died but Nero refused  eventually withdrew due to illness
• Tigellinus (new Praetorian Prefect)  became stronger influence on Nero
 Tacitus: “Nero found his unending immoralities and evil reputation fascinating”
• Seneca forced to commit suicide for alleged involvement in Pisonian conspiracy (Tacitus says he was innocent)

72
Q

When was the year of the four emperors?

A

AD 69

73
Q

Year of the Four emperors, ‘Galba’ give a description.

A

• 71 when became Princeps
• Beginning - Had support of Senate  BUT had trouble establishing authority over Rhine regions and did not win support of Praetorian Guard
• Strong disciplinarian  resented (esp. by legions that supported Vindex)
• Removed Verginius Rufus from command of Rhine armies  replaced with commanders who didn’t succeed in gaining control of legions
• Refused to make donative to Praetorian Guard
• Beginning of AD 69  German legions mutinied and turned to Vitellius
• 15 January AD 69: Otho gained support of Praetorians
 Galba was killed – supporters fled Rome
• Alston: main political weakness  failure to win loyalty of troops

74
Q

Year of the Four emperors, ‘Otho’ give a description.

A

• Secured loyalty of troops  Italy, Rome, Danube and in the east
• Pardoned Galba’s supporters, restored many of Nero’s freedmen and procurators
 Gain support of opponents and restored stability
• Vitellius led army from Lower Germany towards Rome
 April AD 69 – Otho confronted Vitellius in battle of Cremona
 Otho’s army was defeated and Otho commited suicide

75
Q

Year of the Four emperors, ‘Vitellius’ give a description.

A

• Defeated Otho  Senate made him Princeps
• Tried to win support of senatorial class  difficult to establish authority
• Suetonius: Failed to control troops  looted Italian towns & misused public funds
• Military position not secure  didn’t have eastern legions on side
• In the East (Egypt, Judea and Syria)  commanders began to rebel against Vitellius  named Vespasian as their Princeps
• Vespasian commissioned by Nero in AD 67 to deal with Great Jewish Revolt  went to Egypt to cut grain supply to Rome
 Forces invaded Italy
 Claimed emperor in Alexandria and by Danube army
• Vitellius wanted to resign  troops wouldn’t allow
• Vespasian’s troops entered Rome AD 69  Vitellius killed

76
Q

Year of the Four emperors, ‘Vespasian’ give a description.

A
  • Victory over Vitellius  Senate recognised as Princeps on 21 December
  • Start of Princeps (when entered Rome AD 70)  confident as had support of both eastern and western provincial armies
  • Began task of reconciliation and establishing political stability  Rome had not seen for many years
  • Established Flavian dynasty
77
Q

Expansion and consolidation of the empire

A
  • Expansion = to become larger
  • Consolidation = make stronger
  • Followed Augustus’ plan  didn’t extend empire beyond boundaries he set
  • New provinces added  only province added by conquest was Britain
  • Client kingdoms converted to provinces when kings died or got rid of
  • Consolidation  achieved through military, diplomatic and administrative measures
78
Q

Expansion and consolidation of the empire (Tiberius)

A
  • Followed Augustus’ policy  didn’t expand empire
  • Recalled Germanicus – ended German campaign
  • Suppressed revolt in Gaul AD 21-22
  • Appointed L. Vitellius as governor of Syria  keep eye on unsettled Parthia
  • Converted kingdom Cappadocia to province
  • Sent Blaesus to defeat Tacfarinas
  • Incorporated Cilicia into province of Syria
  • Established Macedonia and Achaea as provinces
79
Q

Expansion and consolidation of the empire (Gaius)

A
  • Rhine frontier AD 39-40  wished to strengthen frontier

* Prepared army to invade Britain BUT failed

80
Q

Expansion and consolidation of the empire (Claudius)

A

• Reversed Augustan policy  extended empire by conquest of Britain AD 43
 First expansion since Augustus
• Sent Corbulo to deal with raids from German tribes
• Placed pro-Roman king Mithridates on Armenian throne
• Provinces Thrace, Noricum, Pamphylia, Lycia and Judea annexed
• AD 44: Completed annexation of Mauretania (started by Gaius)
• AD 48: Conducted imperial census

81
Q

Expansion and consolidation of the empire (Nero)

A
  • Didn’t extend empire
  • AD 58-63: Conducted war with Parthia
  • Corbulo (Rmn General)  arranged Armenia settlement where Tiridates was made king – had to receive crown from Nero in Rome
  • AD 61: Boudicca revolt in Britain stopped by Paulinus (Rmn General)
  • AD 66: Beginning of Judea war  because of corruption and abuse of Roman officials  eventually stopped by Vespasian
  • Client kingdom Pontus incorporated into province Galatia
  • Had to suppress revolts in western provinces over tax policies at end of reign
82
Q

The relationship of the princeps and the army

A
  • Army = basis of Julio-Claudian power
  • Principate founded on supreme military power – maius imperium
  • Army swore allegiance to emperor
  • Army = main means of controlling the empire  defended frontiers & controlled revolts and rebellions
  • Responsible for Romanisation of the Empire  construction of roads, aqueducts
  • Loyal to Julio-Claudians until Nero removed army commanders (ended support)
83
Q

The relationship of the princeps and the army (Tiberius)

A

• Maintained good relationship with Army, possibly because of military career
(20-7 BC)
• Led troops to victory in Armenia, Parthia, Ractia, Illyricum, Pannonia, Dalmatia
• Hailed imperator numerous times
• Mutinies in Pannonia & Germany (over conditions of army)  sent Drusus and Germanicus
• Army defended frontiers and supressed revolts in Africa, Gaul & Thrace
• Loyal to Tiberius
• Tacitus: lack of auctoritas (authority) allowed increasing praetorian influence:
• Sejanus (Praetorian Prefect)  prominent role in Tiberius’ reign
 Loyal and efficient service
 Tacitus: “Partner of my Labours”
 Tacitus: “entire civil and military administration of the empire was now in Sejanus’ hands”  Became sole consul after Tib. Retired to Capri
• Suetonius: Eventually, Macro gained power & may have encouraged Tiberius’ death

84
Q

The relationship of the princeps and the army (Gaius)

A
  • Good&raquo_space;» bad relationship
  • Hailed emperor by praetorians on Capri  Macro took him to Senate where powers were conferred upon him
  • Macro (Praetorian Guard) supported Gaius in eradicating Tiberius’
  • Due to father Germanicus, had grown up among the troops  named him ‘Caligula’
  • Army adored father Germanicus & grandfather Drusus
  • Cassius Dio: Planned two military campaigns to Germany & Britain  sources confused about details
  • Gaetulicus & Lepidus accused of conspiracy  Gaet executed
  • Praetorian Guard protected Gaius through conspiracy – became dependent on them
  • Army remained loyal through erratic behaviour
  • Suetonius: BUT assassinated by member of Praetorian Guard and Senate
85
Q

The relationship of the princeps and the army (Claudius)

A

• Good relationship
• Praetorians vital in succession  coin depicting Claudius at Praetorian Camp
• Held annual games in Praetorian camp
• Son of Drusus and brother of Germanicus  popular in the army (despite lack of military experience)
• When Scribonius, governor of Dalmatia attempted to use troops to dismiss Claudius
 Troops remained loyal  Claudius awarded troops title ‘Claudian, Devoted and Loyal’
• Army won campaigns in Mauretania & Germany
• Conquest of Britain AD 43, 50,000 troops  extension of empire strengthened reign
 Awarded triumph, two arches & given name Britannicus
• Romanisation: Army built roads in Italy, Sardinia, Spain, Gaul, Rhine
• Established veterans’ colonies in Italy, Gaul, Mauretania, Thrace

86
Q

The relationship of the princeps and the army (Nero)

A

• Good with Agrippina, Burrus & Seneca&raquo_space;> Bad without them
• Claudius’ death  Agrippina and Burrus arranged Praetorians to swear loyalty to Nero
• Owed position to Praetorian Guard
• Burrus kept Praetorians & Army loyal
• Paid praetorians donatives
• Suetonius: Showed little interest in army
 Didn’t visit camps – didn’t undertake campaigns
 Main contact – parades and spectacles
• Army had 2 campaigns in Armenia under command of Corbulo
• Britain  continued Claudius’ expansion policy until Boudicca’s revolt AD 60
• Military led revolt against Nero (Vindex, Galba & Otho)  wanted to depose Nero and install Galba as princeps
• Tigellinus less successful at keeping army happy  Nero’s tax policies led to revolts in AD 68  led to Nero’s forced suicide

87
Q

Administration of the empire by Dio Cassius?

A

• Imperial administration much more efficient than Republican system
 Provided peace and stability
• Continued Augustus’ system  Princeps controlled imperial provinces and Senate controlled senatorial provinces

88
Q

Administration of the empire by Tacitus?

A

• Senatorial provinces = peaceful, required only one legion
• Imperial provinces  recently conquered or in the process of, required more than one legion
 Governor (legatus) chosen by and reported to Princeps not Senate
• Financial administration  Procuratores - equestrians appointed by Princeps  Assess and collect taxes
• Egypt – special province  administered by equestrian appointed by Princeps
• Client kingdoms  had own government but subject to Roman influence  eventually annexed into empire as provinces

89
Q

Administration of the empire by Seutonius?

A

• Some provinces had provincial councils  made up of local representatives  had no administrative role but could lodge complaints to governor or Princeps
• Italian towns had own administration with assemblies, councils and elected officials
 Managed administration of justice & public works
 E.g. Pompeii and Herculaneum
• Romans roads, camps and towns  strengthened defence & peace
 Flat tax rate, freedom of movement and coinage – encouraged trade & commerce
 Increased prosperity of empire

90
Q

Development of Imperial Bureaucracy (Tiberius)

A

• Paid close attention to administration of provinces
• Reorganised administration of east  3 client kings died
 Cappadocia & Commagene made provinces
 Cilicia incorporated into Syria
• Strengthened frontiers of South-eastern Europe
 Combined senatorial provinces Achaea & Macedonia with Moesia – into imperial province under single commander Sabinus
• Assisted victims of natural disaster  12 cities Asia Minor hit by earthquake – gave aid and exempted from tax for 5 years

91
Q

Development of Imperial Bureaucracy (Gaius)

A
  • Administration = erratic & clumsy
  • Made Commagene, Pontus, Lesser Armenia & part of Thrace into client kingdoms
  • Deposed king of Armenia
  • Killed king of Mauretania  sparked rebellion
  • Disregard for Judaism  sparked disturbance in Judea & Alexandria
92
Q

Development of Imperial Bureaucracy (Claudius)

A
  • Suetonius: Attentive to imperial administration
  • Established veterans colonies
  • Promoted organisation of Latin communities
  • Extended Roman citizenship to non-Italians
  • Promoted some citizens of Gaul to Senate
  • Improved harbours, roads, water supply and communal administration in Italy
93
Q

Development of Imperial Bureaucracy (Nero)

A
  • Showed little interest in imperial administration except for Greece  interested in drama
  • Most provinces well administered in early years  influence of Agrippina, Burrus & Seneca
  • Provincial governors tried for corruption
  • Veterans colonies established in Italy
  • Greece exempted from taxation
94
Q

Who are the important freedmen?

A

Narcissus and Pallas

95
Q

Role of Narcissus?

A
  • Until Agrippina  Most powerful of all freedmen
  • Cassius Dio  extremely wealthy (400 million sesterces)
  • Suetonius  provided wealth to Claudius
  • Wrote many letters  gave control of external communication received by Claudius
  • Suppressed mutiny prior to Claudius’ invasion of Britain
  • Vital in death of Silanus & AD 48 downfall of Messalina
  • Tacitus: During Messalina plot: given command of Praetorian Guard
  • Loyal to needs of Princeps
  • Claudius granted him emblem of ornamenta-questoria
  • AD 54  Defends Domitia Lepida against charges brought against her by Agrippina’s supporters  begins to agitate Agrippina
  • AD 59  dies in prison after arrest
96
Q

Role of Pallas?

A
  • Occupied position of accounts
  • Control of fiscal activities (legal & treasury)
  • Extremely wealthy  3 million sesterces
  • Rose to prominence through Agrippina  rumoured to have illicit affair (un-provable by sources)
  • AD 48: role in downfall of Messalina
  • AD 50: Advises Claudius to adopt Nero as “protector” of Britannicus
  • Tacitus: AD 52  influenced establishment of legislation that forbid free women to have sex with slaves (would be enslaved)
  • Negativity derived from fact that they were freedmen and not aristocrats
97
Q

The imperial cult?

A

• Imperial cult  emperors as gods
• Important aspect of Roman religion
• Origin  Hellenistic kingdoms where rulers worshipped as gods
• Took many forms: temples, statues and festivals
 Festivals: sacrifices made
– Plays, music, games, activities conducted by priests or priestesses of the cult
• Cult celebrated in major civic centres
 Altars and shrines included in public buildings
 Rituals performed in theatres

98
Q

Development of the imperial cult with Augustus?

A

• Erected temple to adopted father Julius Caesar in Rome after deification  Augustus became divi filius – son of a god
• Gave eastern provinces permission to worship him as sign of loyalty
• Discouraged emperor worship in Rome or Italy  wanted to be seen as fellow citizen not king or god
• BUT happened anyway  worshipped after death
 Deified
 Priesthood of Augustus (Augustales) established
 Slaves & Freedmen served as ‘Servants of Augustan Good Fortune’ performing rituals and sacrifices in Temples of Fortuna Augusta
• 29 BC  Asian cities built temples to Rome and Augustus
• Cult introduced to western provinces by Drusus
• Alters to imperial cult erected in Germany & Spain  provincials could express loyalty to Rome
• Aphrodisias  Sebasteion dedicated to imperial family containing statues of Augustus, Livia, Gaius and Lucius Caesar, Germanicus, Agrippina the Elder, Tiberius & son Drusus

99
Q

Development of the imperial cult with Tiberius?

A
  • Upon succession, he and mother Livia provided funds for temple and priesthood for Augustus
  • Rejected Spanish request to build temple, advising them to think of him as ‘mortal’ (Tacitus)
  • Tacitus  reluctantly allowed temple to be built to ‘Tiberius, Livia and the Senate’ at Smyrna
  • Statue erected at Aphrodisias
  • Cult statue found at Bilbilis in Spain
  • Refused to allow Senate to deify Livia when she died
  • Not deified when died himself
100
Q

Development of the imperial cult with Gaius?

A

• Eastern provinces  seen as God  cult centres established
• Suetonius, Cassius Dio: saw himself as God and promoted image as God
 Allowed members of imperial court to address as lord
 Priests made sacrifices to him as god (many birds sacrificed acc. to S)
• Josephus, Philo: suggest notion of own divinity evoked him to erect a statue of himself as Jupiter in temple in Jerusalem
• Drusilla’s death  deified her – established shrine and priesthood for her in Rome
- Ordered she be given divine honours throughout empire
- First female member of the imperial family to be deified
• C.J Simpson: cult of Caligula established in Rome  used divinity as form of imperial control
• Shotter: Disagrees with Simpson  no firm evidence of cult
• Barrett: may have been cult dedicated to Gaius’ spirit (acceptable by Augustus)

101
Q

Development of the imperial cult with Claudius?

A

• Rejected divine honours
• Allowed Senate to deify grandmother Livia
• Refused request of Alexandrian Greeks to dedicate temple to him as god
• BUT regarded as god in eastern and in some western provinces
• Temple to imperial cult built at Britain where head from statue of Claudius found
• Death  Claudius declared god but cult did not survive
 Seneca: called it the “Pumpkinification of Claudius” – made a joke
• Imperial statue from Italy  Claudius as Jupiter

102
Q

Development of the imperial cult with Nero?

A

• Early in Principate  rejected statues of himself & temples dedicated to him in Rome
• East: identified as Apollo, Jupiter & appeared in Aphrodisias with mother
• Some sources suggest Nero portrayed himself as a god
 Statue of himself in his Golden House
 Image on coins wearing crown
• Griffin: challenges interpretation of archaeological evidence
 Statue at golden house – simple portrait not as god
 Crown on coins – didn’t only mean deification
• Allowed Senate to deify females of family  daughter Claudia and wife Poppaea
• Limited archaeological evidence of his deification  after death would have been destroyed

HSC ANCIENT HISTORY (4 decks)

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