Source Flashcards
Seuitonius’ context
Born under the rule of Galba and the war of the four kings
Under the employment of Emperor Hadrian, he became the bookkeeper of the Roman Archives and was his adviser of cultural matters
Seuitonius’ view on Augustus
“Possessed majesty and dignity”
However he was overly weary of those trying to betray him,
“no suspicion too trivial… to drive him to precaution and vengeance”
Seuitonius’ view in Tiberius
He was lazy when he lived in Capri stating,
He was “laying aside is the garb of his country, took the cloak and slippers”
Had bad sexual tendencies with children, calling them his “fishies” forcing them to “crawl between his thighs” giving him “likes and bites”
Seuitonius’ view on Caligula
“Career of a monster”
He told his grandmother “remember I can do whatever I want to whomever I want”
Seuitonius’ view in Claudius
His mother called him “a monster of a man” - being bullied for his difficulties
“Gave himself to idleness… drunk ends and gambling”
Seuitonius’ view of Nero
First five years of rule,
“Good intentions”, “declared he would rule according to the principles of Augustus” - with his mother as his adviser and he listened and wanted to learn
After he lost his values,
Seeing “no other way to enjoy riches and money than by riotous extravagance”
“His mother offended him by too strict surveillance and criticism of his words and acts”
Tactitus’ context
Roman politician and speaker
Written about the Germanic tribes
Loved and had a consulship with emperor Nerva
Tactitus’ view on Tiberius
“Made a habit if always allowing the consuls the initiative”
The senate asked Tiberius “How long Caesar will you allow the state to have no head”
