Pre-accession Flashcards
Birth
(Born at Lugdunum, Kalends of August) 10BC
his name change
Named Tiberius Claudius Drusus, after Germanicus’ adoption into the Julian family(AD4) he took the cognomen Nero Germanicus.
childhood illness
Childhood troubled by various diseases, grew dull-witted’ little physical strength.
Muffled in a mantle when presiding at gladiatorial games “unprecedented”
why did he not hold any magistracy
At the age when he should have won a magistracy or chosen a private career he was considered by his family incapable of either.
What did he still have when of age
After coming of age he remained under the supervision of a tutor who punished him
studious
Applied himself seriously to literature
While still a child published several works
treatment by family
His mother Antonia called him a monster whom nature had flung aside. Would use his foolishness as an insult. Livia Augusta too, seldom addressed him personally. Sister Livilla prayed aloud that the Romans be spared so cruel a misfortune as his rise to power (after a prediction)
Augustus’ letter to Livia
His mother Antonia called him a monster whom nature had flung aside. Would use his foolishness as an insult. Livia Augusta too, seldom addressed him personally. Sister Livilla prayed aloud that the Romans be spared so cruel a misfortune as his rise to power (after a prediction)
Augustus impressed by Claudius
A very pleasant surprise, someone who talks so confusedly can nevertheless disclaim so well with such clearness everything that needs to be said
What did Augustus give Claudius
Listed him in his will in the third degree (only inherited if 1st+2nd did not) practically strangers received this. 1/6th part of his estate left to him, a mere 800000 sesterces
What honours did Augustus give Claudius
-nevertheless he gave him no honours except a seat in the college of augurs.
What did he ask Tiberius when he was emperor
and outcome
Asked him if he could receive some public office
Tiberius gave him the consular insignia (empty title)
Claudius pressed for the duties of consul
Tiberius replied he was sending him 40aurei to be spent on trinkets for the saturnalia and sigillaria
Claudius renounced all hop of a political career
when let down by Tiberius
Idle life. Intimates were men of the lowest class. Reputation of worthlessness enhanced. Stories of drunkenness and love of gambling
Opinion of th epeople
Never lost the people’s respect of public esteem
Equites support of him
twice chose him as their official representative to the consuls (a member of the imperial family but not a member of the senate)
When he appeared at public shows the entire equestrian order would rise and take of their cloaks as a mark of honour,
Senatorial support
The senate voted that he should be made an extraordinary member of the Augustan priesthood (they were as a rule chosen by lot)
When his mansion burned down they decreed it should be rebuilt at public expense(vetoed) and that he should have the honour of addressing the senate among men of consular rank.
Tiberius’ death, his will for him
Tiberiuss death only saw lauding listed with heirs of the third degree. 1/3 of the estate, 2,000,000sesterces
And a commendation to the army, senate, people of rome
What did he do when Gaius was emperor
tried to win popularity
Held office
Was a consul with Gaius for two months
Good omens
When he first entered the forum with the fasces an eagle swooped down and perched on his shoulder
Drew lots for a second consulship that fell four years later
Gaius’ substitute at the games and his reception
Occasionally presided as Gaius’ substitute at the games, audience greeted him “long live the emperor’s uncle” “long live Germanicus’ brother
mocked/abused
Frequently insulted
Late at the dinning hall he had to find a vacant couch
He nodded of at dinner, he would be pelted, slippers on hands, would wake him with whip/cane.
Why as he almost removed from his first consulship
Nearly removed from first consulship for taking too long to set up statues of Nero and Drusus (brothers of Gaius)
Sent on missions
Senate sent him on missions, Gaius was so annoyed that he had been entrusted that he nearly killed him.
Violence by Gaius
“According to one account” Gaius threw him clothed into the Rhine
humiliated by Gaius and under his reign
Humiliated him by ordering that he be the last man of consular rank to speak in any debate
Had to pay 8,000,000sesterces to enter Gaiuss new priesthood, he had to borrow it from the public treasury, pledged his property as security, could not meet the obligation, his goods were formally advertised for sale.
