exam will be Friday, December 14 0945-1200
DEAR STUDENTS,
I will probably arrive somewhere around 10:25 for this exam. So should
you. I doubt the exam will take you more than 90 minutes unless you
fail
to do the assigned reading for the course. Then it might take you 6
hours.
I encourage you to do the reading, esp. the Course Reader,
Suetonius,
and Dio. But I suggest you do it all.
Format is same as midterm incl reading passages.
If I can I will include a review sheet.
On Tues I made an outline fo dates from Troy to 44 BC on board. If
someone can send this to the class website, that would be generous.
dr stern
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Makeshift Review Sheet for Roman History Exam
Dear Students in Roman History,
Students always tell me my study guides are lousy. So I advise you
to
use the course reader as your guide, pages 67-68 for important terms
(see below). I hope this is a help. Best wishes and BONAM FORTUNAM
to all. I really enjoyed teaching you this term, and I hope your
exams reflect that you also learned a lot from me.
gaius stern
Makeshift Review Sheet for Roman History Exam
Format is just like midterm
Above all read the assigned texts for the semester. The exam will
focus
on the era 218 BC – 69 AD so this means everything from _right
before_ the
midterm to the end of class - thus the 300 best documented years of
Roman
History. That era will comprise 2/3 of the exam and the remaining 1/3
will be generally from the first part of the term and maybe a scattered
few questions on post AD 69.
You will do yourself a big favor if you did the reading during the term
or
have time to catch up all day Thurs. If you enter this exam having
read
only 25% of the course assignments, but attended every day you can
probably get a B. If you attended 50% and read less than 50% you will
be
ill prepared.
Go over the outlines on the website and make sure you understand
the
cause and effect of major events,
IMPORTANT: Pages 67 and 68 (excluding the top half of the R
column
down to PHILIP V) in the purple reader have most of the important terms
and people. If you know who/what all of them are you are in excellent
shape for the exam. I will not list them here, but refer you to the
reader, p. 67-68.
I think you should know the first dozen emperors by name and order.
If you are not perfect on the reign dates, do not worry about it. If
you know the next 5 emperors, that is even better. You should be
able to associate a major feat witht he proper famous emperor
(example: building the Colosseum. Didius Julianus is not very
famous; Marcus Aurelius is)
Regarding reading passages, I will want you to identify the author
and/or work (I will specify). Remember that Penguin has released an
abridged version of _Parallel Lives_ by Plutarch, so instead of
listing the modern title, list the LIFE where needed. In some cases
it is obvious which life you are reading. If it is not obvious,
“Plutarch” may suffice. I will probably say “author” or
"author and
work."
Authors: I can not list them all here, but everyone in reader (Vergil,
Lucretius, Velleius, etc), Catullus and Martial, and the textbooks are
all
fair game. You saw what I did on the midterm.
I will want you to analyze the passage rather than summarize it.
Focus
on what important info this passage provides, or (better) why it is
important.
Note well: the burden sits on you to figure out what was Julius’
highest post in gvt. If you think he was a king, you are in trouble.
Only in the histrionics of his enemies was he called a king, and that
was to arouse anger.
*** If no one has yet sent the "review session timeline" to Dan to
post, someone please do so.
Dear Class,
I plan to include one question asking what was the highest standing
Julius ever achieved.
warning: if you say emperor you might jeopardize your grade on the
exam.
gcs
Students always tell me my study guides are lousy. So I advise you
to
use the course reader as your guide, pages 67-68 for important terms
(see below). I hope this is a help. Best wishes and BONAM FORTUNAM
to all. I really enjoyed teaching you this term, and I hope your
exams reflect that you also learned a lot from me.
gaius stern
Makeshift Review Sheet for Roman History Exam
Format is just like midterm
Above all read the assigned texts for the semester. The exam will
focus
on the era 218 BC – 69 AD so this means everything from _right
before_ the
midterm to the end of class - thus the 300 best documented years of
Roman
History. That era will comprise 2/3 of the exam and the remaining 1/3
will be generally from the first part of the term and maybe a scattered
few questions on post AD 69.
You will do yourself a big favor if you did the reading during the term
or
have time to catch up all day Thurs. If you enter this exam having
read
only 25% of the course assignments, but attended every day you can
probably get a B. If you attended 50% and read less than 50% you will
be
ill prepared.
Go over the outlines on the website and make sure you understand
the
cause and effect of major events,
IMPORTANT: Pages 67 and 68 (excluding the top half of the R
column
down to PHILIP V) in the purple reader have most of the important terms
and people. If you know who/what all of them are you are in excellent
shape for the exam. I will not list them here, but refer you to the
reader, p. 67-68.
I think you should know the first dozen emperors by name and order.
If you are not perfect on the reign dates, do not worry about it. If
you know the next 5 emperors, that is even better. You should be
able to associate a major feat witht he proper famous emperor
(example: building the Colosseum. Didius Julianus is not very
famous; Marcus Aurelius is)
Regarding reading passages, I will want you to identify the author
and/or work (I will specify). Remember that Penguin has released an
abridged version of _Parallel Lives_ by Plutarch, so instead of
listing the modern title, list the LIFE where needed. In some cases
it is obvious which life you are reading. If it is not obvious,
“Plutarch” may suffice. I will probably say “author” or
"author and
work."
Authors: I can not list them all here, but everyone in reader (Vergil,
Lucretius, Velleius, etc), Catullus and Martial, and the textbooks are
all
fair game. You saw what I did on the midterm.
I will want you to analyze the passage rather than summarize it.
Focus
on what important info this passage provides, or (better) why it is
important.
Note well: the burden sits on you to figure out what was Julius’
highest post in gvt. If you think he was a king, you are in trouble.
Only in the histrionics of his enemies was he called a king, and that
was to arouse anger.
*** If no one has yet sent the "review session timeline" to Dan to
post, someone please do so.
Dear Class,
I plan to include one question asking what was the highest standing
Julius ever achieved.
warning: if you say emperor you might jeopardize your grade on the
exam.
gcs
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Year of 5 Emperors AD 69
The Year of 5 Emperors AD 69
Major sources: Suetonius Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian
Plut. Galba, Otho various documents
Tacitus Histories 1-3
Ser. Sulpicius GALBA, having lost the battle (Vesontio), won the war and comes to Rome and is hailed princeps senatus. Stingy, he fails to bribe the praetorian guard. Childless and 71 he had to name an heir. He chose Calpurnius Piso over Otho in Jan AD 69. Soon after, he and Piso are assassinated on 15 January by
M. Salvius OTHO, with very few backers pulls off a coup d’état and is proclaimed emperor by the Senate and guards. 3 bad claims to the throne. But after ascending to power he learns the German legions are in rebellion and sets out to fight them and defeat their commander -
Aulus VITELLIUS, proclaimed emperor by his troops on 1 January, and unaware of Otho’s coup d’état until after the fact. Vitellius’ troops rush south and defeat Otho’s men at First Bedriacum (near Cremona). Otho commits suicide after 90 days in power and Vitellius is the winner. He comes to Rome and takes over, looting the gvt and taking over. He takes the Chief priesthood on a nefas day, making superstitious people mad and presaging his own downfall. In July an opponent rises from the East –
T. Flavius VESPASIAN, proclaimed in an arranged “spontaneous” demonstration in Syria and Alexandria simultaneously. Vespasian has troops of the East on his side and Vitellius has the veteran Rhine legions – the deciding factor is the three legion block in Illyria, which back Vespasian. At Second Bedriacum, Vitellius’ forces are defeated. A rush to Rome follows and Vitellius is slain.
Vespasian as Emperor 69 – 79, gets economy back running, pulls down Nero’s Golden House (aristocrats ok with this) and builds Colosseum in its place. Refuses flattery while alive, but deified at death.
TITUS Flavius Vespasian 79-81 actually co-emperor with his father for most of it, opens Colosseum (not really complete) Vesuvius buries Pompeii, a terrible fire in Rome. The Arch of Titus celebrates his victory over Jerusalem.
T. Flavius DOMITIAN 81-96 a tyrant and spoiled brat, starts out ok but grows paranoid. Eventually his wife helps plot his downfall. Completes Colosseum, wages war in Germany and Romania (not successfully), defeats a serious rebellion. Assassinated.
Acme of the Empire: The Five Good Emperors 96-180
Major sources: Suet. Vespasian, Titus, Domitian; Cassius Dio; Scriptores HA; Tacitus
M. Cocceius NERVA 96-98, probably in on Domitian’s assassination, was agreeable to all. Already old, he had to choose an heir and did not err like Galba. He adopted …
M. Ulpius TRAJAN 98-117, greatest emperor (“May you be as fortunate as Augustus and as great as Trajan!”) first rate soldier, probably not a Julius, but maybe a Pompey. Secured N border and fought 2 wars in Romania, adding Dacia as a province and building up central Rome with Trajan’s Column, Forum, Market from Dacian gold, silver. Then attacked Parthians and defeated them so far he sacked Ctesiphon. Died in mid conquest, so his family engineered a (probably false) adoption of …
P. Aelius HADRIAN 117-138, the architect emperor. Settled borders by evacuating Trajan’s new provinces Mesapotamia, etc. Build Hadrian’s Wall, rebuilt Pantheon, Tivoli palace (Hadrian’s villa). Loved Antinuous, a youth who drowned in the Nile. Consolidation over expansion, grand tour of the empire, but started out on a bad foot by executing Trajan’s generals on phony charges and never was forgiven by populace. Died alone and bitter, his choice of an heir predeceased him, so he adopted …
ANTONINUS PIUS 138-161, begged Senate to deify Hadrian (against their inclination) so he is Pius (like QCMP). Ran Empire at its peak of prosperity. Expanded N to Scotland and built Antonine’s Wall. A plague, probably small pox came through in ca 160 and killed 15-25% of population. Adopted two heirs …
LUCIUS VERUS 161-69, did little, died. Shared throne with …
MARCUS AURELIUS 161-180, philosopher king, wrote Meditations in Greek (a favorite of B Clinton). The assault on the N border by Germans prevented him from reigning over the Golden Age he wished to bring. Died on campaign in Vindabona, breaking precedent by leaving throne to his biological son, the disastrous
COMMODUS 180-192, even in Anc. world rumors circulated that he killed his father. Made unfavorable peace with the Germans, and returned to Rome to live in pleasure. Reigned ok for a while and then his sister formed a plot to kill him. Went mad with paranoia. Turned into the villain in Gladiator, but there was no Maximus. He was strangled on 31 Dec.
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire 180 - 476
Helvius PERTINAX 193 took throne, but after 3 months a guard killed him and the Praetorians sold the Empire in an auction to the highest bidder,
DIDIUS JULIANUS 193 made the purchase, but was soon defeated in civil war by
L. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS 193-211 who warded off two rivals Pescenius Niger and Clodius Albinus and founded Severan Dynasty. A thug, he reconquered territory in revolt in Dacia, Britain, and as far as Mesopotamia. Everyone was scared of him. Told his son, “Pay the army then forget about the rest,” when he died, leaving
GETA Severus 211 killed by his mean older brother
CARACALLA Severus 211-17, fratricide, gave everyone citizenship, built baths, was assassinated after he left out a list of intended victims.
MACRINUS 217-18 a military man who tried to found a new dynasty w/o success
HELIOGABALUS 218-22 worst … emperor … ever, as Comic Book Guy would say. Made Nero look good. Brought a weird sun cult to Rome, wasted the treasury, acted effeminate, raped a vestal virgin, lost grip on reality. Let Mom rule until his aunt conspired against him and replaced him with
ALEXANDER SEVERUS 222-235 ok emperor, but slain by his troops, ending the dynasty.
235-283 era of Barracks Emperors (soldiers) bad economy, debasing of coinage, repeated invasions, most emperors last 2 years or less, often multiple emperors – “era of 30 tyrants”
285-305 Diocletian creates Tetrarchy of 4 – 2 Augusti, 2 Caesares
Tetarchy system broken down by Constantine (306-337) whose dynasty lasts until 361 after it turns on self.
The Fall –
Many invasions, permanent division of Empire E and W with separate agendas towards survival, a gradual un-Romanization of the population. People no longer care if the Empire falls; they have no stake in it. Far fewer unifying forces in Empire among citizens and contact beyond 50 miles greatly reduced by chaos of the era. Foreign troops fight the battles of Empire for reward and citizenship, but often turn on Rome later using military technology they learned in the legions. Incompetent and venal emperors throw away the few advantages Rome has (Valens loses Adrianople 378, Honorious is totally incompetent, Valentinain III assassinated Aetius).
Official fall: AD 476 when Odvocar makes himself king of Italy and overthrows the boy-emperor Romulus Augustulus. RA spared, goes to Ravenna and builds a church.
The Mausoleum of Augustus
3rd Most Important lesson from this term: how to spot a good gelateria
T
Major sources: Suetonius Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Vespasian
Plut. Galba, Otho various documents
Tacitus Histories 1-3
Ser. Sulpicius GALBA, having lost the battle (Vesontio), won the war and comes to Rome and is hailed princeps senatus. Stingy, he fails to bribe the praetorian guard. Childless and 71 he had to name an heir. He chose Calpurnius Piso over Otho in Jan AD 69. Soon after, he and Piso are assassinated on 15 January by
M. Salvius OTHO, with very few backers pulls off a coup d’état and is proclaimed emperor by the Senate and guards. 3 bad claims to the throne. But after ascending to power he learns the German legions are in rebellion and sets out to fight them and defeat their commander -
Aulus VITELLIUS, proclaimed emperor by his troops on 1 January, and unaware of Otho’s coup d’état until after the fact. Vitellius’ troops rush south and defeat Otho’s men at First Bedriacum (near Cremona). Otho commits suicide after 90 days in power and Vitellius is the winner. He comes to Rome and takes over, looting the gvt and taking over. He takes the Chief priesthood on a nefas day, making superstitious people mad and presaging his own downfall. In July an opponent rises from the East –
T. Flavius VESPASIAN, proclaimed in an arranged “spontaneous” demonstration in Syria and Alexandria simultaneously. Vespasian has troops of the East on his side and Vitellius has the veteran Rhine legions – the deciding factor is the three legion block in Illyria, which back Vespasian. At Second Bedriacum, Vitellius’ forces are defeated. A rush to Rome follows and Vitellius is slain.
Vespasian as Emperor 69 – 79, gets economy back running, pulls down Nero’s Golden House (aristocrats ok with this) and builds Colosseum in its place. Refuses flattery while alive, but deified at death.
TITUS Flavius Vespasian 79-81 actually co-emperor with his father for most of it, opens Colosseum (not really complete) Vesuvius buries Pompeii, a terrible fire in Rome. The Arch of Titus celebrates his victory over Jerusalem.
T. Flavius DOMITIAN 81-96 a tyrant and spoiled brat, starts out ok but grows paranoid. Eventually his wife helps plot his downfall. Completes Colosseum, wages war in Germany and Romania (not successfully), defeats a serious rebellion. Assassinated.
Acme of the Empire: The Five Good Emperors 96-180
Major sources: Suet. Vespasian, Titus, Domitian; Cassius Dio; Scriptores HA; Tacitus
M. Cocceius NERVA 96-98, probably in on Domitian’s assassination, was agreeable to all. Already old, he had to choose an heir and did not err like Galba. He adopted …
M. Ulpius TRAJAN 98-117, greatest emperor (“May you be as fortunate as Augustus and as great as Trajan!”) first rate soldier, probably not a Julius, but maybe a Pompey. Secured N border and fought 2 wars in Romania, adding Dacia as a province and building up central Rome with Trajan’s Column, Forum, Market from Dacian gold, silver. Then attacked Parthians and defeated them so far he sacked Ctesiphon. Died in mid conquest, so his family engineered a (probably false) adoption of …
P. Aelius HADRIAN 117-138, the architect emperor. Settled borders by evacuating Trajan’s new provinces Mesapotamia, etc. Build Hadrian’s Wall, rebuilt Pantheon, Tivoli palace (Hadrian’s villa). Loved Antinuous, a youth who drowned in the Nile. Consolidation over expansion, grand tour of the empire, but started out on a bad foot by executing Trajan’s generals on phony charges and never was forgiven by populace. Died alone and bitter, his choice of an heir predeceased him, so he adopted …
ANTONINUS PIUS 138-161, begged Senate to deify Hadrian (against their inclination) so he is Pius (like QCMP). Ran Empire at its peak of prosperity. Expanded N to Scotland and built Antonine’s Wall. A plague, probably small pox came through in ca 160 and killed 15-25% of population. Adopted two heirs …
LUCIUS VERUS 161-69, did little, died. Shared throne with …
MARCUS AURELIUS 161-180, philosopher king, wrote Meditations in Greek (a favorite of B Clinton). The assault on the N border by Germans prevented him from reigning over the Golden Age he wished to bring. Died on campaign in Vindabona, breaking precedent by leaving throne to his biological son, the disastrous
COMMODUS 180-192, even in Anc. world rumors circulated that he killed his father. Made unfavorable peace with the Germans, and returned to Rome to live in pleasure. Reigned ok for a while and then his sister formed a plot to kill him. Went mad with paranoia. Turned into the villain in Gladiator, but there was no Maximus. He was strangled on 31 Dec.
Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire 180 - 476
Helvius PERTINAX 193 took throne, but after 3 months a guard killed him and the Praetorians sold the Empire in an auction to the highest bidder,
DIDIUS JULIANUS 193 made the purchase, but was soon defeated in civil war by
L. SEPTIMIUS SEVERUS 193-211 who warded off two rivals Pescenius Niger and Clodius Albinus and founded Severan Dynasty. A thug, he reconquered territory in revolt in Dacia, Britain, and as far as Mesopotamia. Everyone was scared of him. Told his son, “Pay the army then forget about the rest,” when he died, leaving
GETA Severus 211 killed by his mean older brother
CARACALLA Severus 211-17, fratricide, gave everyone citizenship, built baths, was assassinated after he left out a list of intended victims.
MACRINUS 217-18 a military man who tried to found a new dynasty w/o success
HELIOGABALUS 218-22 worst … emperor … ever, as Comic Book Guy would say. Made Nero look good. Brought a weird sun cult to Rome, wasted the treasury, acted effeminate, raped a vestal virgin, lost grip on reality. Let Mom rule until his aunt conspired against him and replaced him with
ALEXANDER SEVERUS 222-235 ok emperor, but slain by his troops, ending the dynasty.
235-283 era of Barracks Emperors (soldiers) bad economy, debasing of coinage, repeated invasions, most emperors last 2 years or less, often multiple emperors – “era of 30 tyrants”
285-305 Diocletian creates Tetrarchy of 4 – 2 Augusti, 2 Caesares
Tetarchy system broken down by Constantine (306-337) whose dynasty lasts until 361 after it turns on self.
The Fall –
Many invasions, permanent division of Empire E and W with separate agendas towards survival, a gradual un-Romanization of the population. People no longer care if the Empire falls; they have no stake in it. Far fewer unifying forces in Empire among citizens and contact beyond 50 miles greatly reduced by chaos of the era. Foreign troops fight the battles of Empire for reward and citizenship, but often turn on Rome later using military technology they learned in the legions. Incompetent and venal emperors throw away the few advantages Rome has (Valens loses Adrianople 378, Honorious is totally incompetent, Valentinain III assassinated Aetius).
Official fall: AD 476 when Odvocar makes himself king of Italy and overthrows the boy-emperor Romulus Augustulus. RA spared, goes to Ravenna and builds a church.
The Mausoleum of Augustus
3rd Most Important lesson from this term: how to spot a good gelateria
T
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Rome in the Second Century AD – beyond Politics
Rome in the Second Century AD – beyond Politics
I. Romanization of the Empire
A. Make provincials in W speak Latin – especially for gvt bureaucracy
B. Grid pattern towns complete with Roman civic institutions (temples, amphitheaters, theaters, forts, forum, aquaduct, roads, gates, etc.)
Temples: Pantheon, Anxur, Maison Carré,
Amphitheater: Colosseum, Arles, Verona, Nîmes, Bordeaux
Nîmes
Bordeaux Amphitheater
Theaters: Orange, Joublains, Triest
Baths: all over the place
Forts & Walls: Joublains, Hadrian’s Wall, Le Mans, Sarlat
Forum: Rome, Aquileia, Bavay
Gates: Orange, Rimini, Rheims, Sarlat
Aquaducts: South France, Rome, Campania
Famous roads: via Domitia, via Appia, via Flaminia, via Cassia, etc.
C. Roman army acts as a Romanizing force (HOW?)
D. What sources tell us about how Romanization occurred?
E. What is the dominant language, culture of the East?
F. What other factors lead to Romanization?
***G. Why did Germans of AD 9 rebel rather than accept benefits of Romanization?
2. Literature 201 - Silver Age Latin
A. The paragon pinnacle is Seneca the Younger, philosophy and tragedies but also …
1. Quintillian in rhetoric
2. Tacitus and Pliny the Younger in history, letters - both regarded as the top two minds of their generation. A Spaniard came to Rome to see Livy’s face, a stranger sat beside Pliny and quizzed him finally saying, “By Jove, you are either Tacitus or Pliny!” Compare to TJ in 1820.
3. Poets: Juvenal, Perseus (satires) and Martial (epigrams) see website
Martial 1.47
Recently Diaulus was a doctor, now he is a mortician,
And that pretty well explains how he got most of his clients.
4. Epic and Novel, Epic makes a return – but Silius Italicus Punica is not the same quality as Vergil. Appuleius’ Golden Ass is hilarious.
5. Biography – Plutarch and Suetonius - CST got fired by Hadrian (like Ovid?)
3. Religion and magic
A. While polytheist, Romans willingly adopt other powerful gods and permit but do not require the adoption of R religion by provincials.
1. In Gallo-Roman culture many Celtic gods are combined w/ R gods and worshipped under local names.
2. Tacitus likens German gods to Roman ones “The Germans worship Mercury above all others.” Who is this, and why does CCT think he is Mercury?
B. Numa’s work still bearing fruit, commoners very superstitious, esp after Augustus reinstituted old ways.
C. Cults exist – Mithraism e.g. is very popular with army. All emperors from 175-275 underwent Mithraic baptism.
D. Magic and witchcraft - rampant and widespread See Golden Ass for many examples.
4. Roman War and Peace
A. Romans usually at war 670-235, 228-29. Augustus closed Gates of Janus 3 times, Nero closed them ca AD 64, Vespasian in ca. 73, Hadrian closed them ca. AD 120.
Neronian coin celebrating peace worldwide
definition of peace: When the enemy has lost all power to resist. First generation of Roman rule is rather tough, but for the subsequent generations it is better.
Vespasian issued a coin “To Peace all over the world”
5. Women, slaves and children (repeated from before)
A. It goes w/o saying that women could not vote or hold office, BUT they were citizens just like women in 1919. Eventually R women won the informal right to own property, make contracts, sue, write wills, etc. In earlier days the good R woman kept quiet and was not the topic of rumor. She had no public persona. But before the Principate certain powerful aristocratic women (Servilia and Fulvia and a bit less Cornelia) engaged in politics and surpassed the previous tight bonds of femininity. Consider the unconventional Atia on HBO, based on Antony’s wife. By AD 150 we know of many very prominent women who had a public life, especially Octavia Minor and both Agrippinas, but not just the imperial family. See tombstones.
B. Slaves – about 1 in 3 urban slaves set free and enrolled as citizens. The master becomes a patron of sorts to the slave (the client) and advises his transition to citizen. The slave still has to give the master 5 days of work a year. Later laws protect a slave from excessive abuse and arbitrary murder, and slaves cannot testify in court against their masters. But if a slave kills his master, all the slaves are crucified by the state.
C. Children go to school if their parents can afford it. Public schools in Italy created under Trajan and Hadrian. Girls educated until ca age 12 or so in same basics as boys, but usually not beyond. Orphans had a grim fate until Trajan, who had an adoption program created. Many abandoned children ended up as slaves or prostitutes. Adoption was a rare outcome and the stock of Theater Comedies (Plautus’ Casina).
Augustan coin (recently purchased by me)
I. Romanization of the Empire
A. Make provincials in W speak Latin – especially for gvt bureaucracy
B. Grid pattern towns complete with Roman civic institutions (temples, amphitheaters, theaters, forts, forum, aquaduct, roads, gates, etc.)
Temples: Pantheon, Anxur, Maison Carré,
Amphitheater: Colosseum, Arles, Verona, Nîmes, Bordeaux
Nîmes
Bordeaux Amphitheater
Theaters: Orange, Joublains, Triest
Baths: all over the place
Forts & Walls: Joublains, Hadrian’s Wall, Le Mans, Sarlat
Forum: Rome, Aquileia, Bavay
Gates: Orange, Rimini, Rheims, Sarlat
Aquaducts: South France, Rome, Campania
Famous roads: via Domitia, via Appia, via Flaminia, via Cassia, etc.
C. Roman army acts as a Romanizing force (HOW?)
D. What sources tell us about how Romanization occurred?
E. What is the dominant language, culture of the East?
F. What other factors lead to Romanization?
***G. Why did Germans of AD 9 rebel rather than accept benefits of Romanization?
2. Literature 201 - Silver Age Latin
A. The paragon pinnacle is Seneca the Younger, philosophy and tragedies but also …
1. Quintillian in rhetoric
2. Tacitus and Pliny the Younger in history, letters - both regarded as the top two minds of their generation. A Spaniard came to Rome to see Livy’s face, a stranger sat beside Pliny and quizzed him finally saying, “By Jove, you are either Tacitus or Pliny!” Compare to TJ in 1820.
3. Poets: Juvenal, Perseus (satires) and Martial (epigrams) see website
Martial 1.47
Recently Diaulus was a doctor, now he is a mortician,
And that pretty well explains how he got most of his clients.
4. Epic and Novel, Epic makes a return – but Silius Italicus Punica is not the same quality as Vergil. Appuleius’ Golden Ass is hilarious.
5. Biography – Plutarch and Suetonius - CST got fired by Hadrian (like Ovid?)
3. Religion and magic
A. While polytheist, Romans willingly adopt other powerful gods and permit but do not require the adoption of R religion by provincials.
1. In Gallo-Roman culture many Celtic gods are combined w/ R gods and worshipped under local names.
2. Tacitus likens German gods to Roman ones “The Germans worship Mercury above all others.” Who is this, and why does CCT think he is Mercury?
B. Numa’s work still bearing fruit, commoners very superstitious, esp after Augustus reinstituted old ways.
C. Cults exist – Mithraism e.g. is very popular with army. All emperors from 175-275 underwent Mithraic baptism.
D. Magic and witchcraft - rampant and widespread See Golden Ass for many examples.
4. Roman War and Peace
A. Romans usually at war 670-235, 228-29. Augustus closed Gates of Janus 3 times, Nero closed them ca AD 64, Vespasian in ca. 73, Hadrian closed them ca. AD 120.
Neronian coin celebrating peace worldwide
definition of peace: When the enemy has lost all power to resist. First generation of Roman rule is rather tough, but for the subsequent generations it is better.
Vespasian issued a coin “To Peace all over the world”
5. Women, slaves and children (repeated from before)
A. It goes w/o saying that women could not vote or hold office, BUT they were citizens just like women in 1919. Eventually R women won the informal right to own property, make contracts, sue, write wills, etc. In earlier days the good R woman kept quiet and was not the topic of rumor. She had no public persona. But before the Principate certain powerful aristocratic women (Servilia and Fulvia and a bit less Cornelia) engaged in politics and surpassed the previous tight bonds of femininity. Consider the unconventional Atia on HBO, based on Antony’s wife. By AD 150 we know of many very prominent women who had a public life, especially Octavia Minor and both Agrippinas, but not just the imperial family. See tombstones.
B. Slaves – about 1 in 3 urban slaves set free and enrolled as citizens. The master becomes a patron of sorts to the slave (the client) and advises his transition to citizen. The slave still has to give the master 5 days of work a year. Later laws protect a slave from excessive abuse and arbitrary murder, and slaves cannot testify in court against their masters. But if a slave kills his master, all the slaves are crucified by the state.
C. Children go to school if their parents can afford it. Public schools in Italy created under Trajan and Hadrian. Girls educated until ca age 12 or so in same basics as boys, but usually not beyond. Orphans had a grim fate until Trajan, who had an adoption program created. Many abandoned children ended up as slaves or prostitutes. Adoption was a rare outcome and the stock of Theater Comedies (Plautus’ Casina).
Augustan coin (recently purchased by me)
Reign of Augustus 27- AD 14
(unofficial) Reign of Augustus 27- AD 14
sources: Cassius Dio 49-56;
Suet. Augustus (and early Tiberius),
Tac. Annals 1
Velleius Paterculus 1.80 ff
Stemma (Family tree) of Juli-Claudians 25 BC-AD 10
____________________________________________
| | |
Julius Caesar dictator Julia = M. Attius Balbus Julia
\ | |
\ Atia = Octavius = Ancharia Q Pedius
\ __________|________________________________________
1 \ | 2 1 | |
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero ANTONY = Octavia = CCM Octavia
| \ \ _____|___________ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* /\ TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcellus Sex. Appuleius
| / \ | __________|_______________
| / \ Drusus Yngr = Livilla | CLAUDIUS
_______|___/______\________________________ |
| | / \ | | |
Julia Gaius Lucius Postumus Agrippina Elder = Germanicus
29 New Constitution divides provinces and some imperial powers
23 Anger at his monopoly of 1 consulship leads Augustus to resign and accept tribunicia potestas instead. He dates his power on coins from 23. Turbulent elections follow. Promotion of Marcellus, Agrippa miffed, goes to Lesbos, Marcellus dies mysteriously
22-21 Aug tries to cope w/o Agrippa, MVMC but can not, recalls Agrippa, Agr = Julia
18 renewal of tp, and Agrippa receives it also (start of Agrippa’s escalation)
17 After the birth of Lucius, Augustus adopts both Gaius and Lucius and raises them
16 Domestic problems and a German invasion compel Aug to leave R for 3 years
13 Triumphal return, Aug refuses a triumph, celebrates Pax, Ara Pacis begun
12 Agrippa dies in March, provinces rebel, Drusus and Tiberius sent to suppress
9 Drusus as consul, dies in Germany, national mourning
7 Triumph and 2nd consulship of Tiberius
4 Elevation of Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius miffed, retires to Rhodes
2 Conspiracy of Iullus Antony, exile of Julia to Pandateria
1 Gaius sent out to fight in Parthia
AD 2 Lucius dies in Massilia mysteriously, Tib recalled
AD 4 Gaius dies mysteriously, Aug adopts Tiberius and Postumus, T adopts Germanicus
AD 4-6 Tiberius conquers Germany, Illyria revolts in 6,
AD 8 Julia the Yngr exiled for adultery
AD 9 Teutoberger Wald - three legions lost, but German invasion dissipates
AD 12 Postumus exiled,
AD 13 Tiberius receives TPand authority, power equal to Augustus
AD 14 Augustus dies in August, is made a god by the Senate (WHY?) Postumus executed at once, Tiberius summons Senate and is offered the same leadership Augustus held. He feigns disinterest, but then snaps when others offer to take him seriously.
Legacy of Augustus:
“I found Rome a city of brick and mud and left her a city of marble”
New unofficial imperial system of monarchy for 100 yrs
Greatly increased prosperity of empire
End of Civil wars for 75 (100) yrs
Quality of life greatly improves, including literacy
Romanization of Empire doubles pace
Considerable freedom for a secret police state
Drawbacks –
Return to Mos Maiorum was a return to archaic religion, step back in time
Secret police state with escalated censorship in last decade
Wealth acquired on backs of untold 100,000s of new slaves
Set in path a monarchy that corrupted absolutely under Caligula, Nero
Tiberius (42 – AD 37), r. AD 14-37
Son of Livia and Ti.Claudius Nero (pr.42). Survived a perilous infancy and perhaps unhappy childhood. Parents divorced right before his brother Drusus was born and as per Roman law he was raised in his father’s house until the death of Ti. Nero. After this he was raised by his mother (not common R practice). Augustus apparently tolerated his step-sons. At a very young age Tiberius was the leader of the gens Claudia.
Tiberius married Vipsania Minor, daughter of Agrippa, ca. 24 at about the same time PQVarus married Vipsania Maior. He served under Agrippa and received several prestigious honors under Augustus including the right to hold office under legal age. In political terms he tied his wagon to Agrippa’s star.
In 13 he served as consul with PQV to celebrate the return of Augustus and Agrippa in a lavish ceremony that included the constitutio of the Ara Pacis and probably the closing of the Gates of Janus. Tiberius could look ahead at age 29 to a long career of gvt service at the side of his father-in-law incl. multiple governorships, vast wealth, and the consulship for his son(s).
Suddenly Agrippa died in 12 and his fortune became both brighter and more risky. Livia and Augustus forced him to divorce the beloved Vipsania (who miscarried over it) in order to marry Julia. It turned out this new marriage was not so that Tiberius could assume Agrippa’s position as second princeps, but just to keep the seat warm for Agrippa’s (biological) sons, whom Augustus had adopted in 17. Tiberius was miserable, and after his son by Julia died he ceased to cohabitate with Julia.
Happier on the battlefield, he and Drusus invaded Austria in 11 and conquered new territory for Rome. But in 10 Drusus was injured when his horse fell upon him and died of gangrene. Tiberius rushed 200 miles in 24 hours (Val Max) to reach Drusus before he died. He brought the body back to Italy where Drusus was laid in the Mausoleum of the Iulii after 30 funerals in every major town from Milan to Rome.
Tiberius returned to the field and waged war in Germany on and off until 6. Then he saw Gaius Caesar coming of age and insisted on leaving for Rhodes. Augustus was put out at his departure and late refused to allow him to return.
In Tiberius’ absence Augustus probably relied upon Iullus Antonius for administrative work. Perhaps Iullus got mad at being used (?) because he conspired against Augustus in 2, and his adulterous affair with Julia was exposed. Iullus committed suicide. Augustus divorced Julia from Tiberius and despite Tiberius’ protests, she was exiled to a small island. Tiberius was now allowed to return in AD 2 as a private citizen.
After Lucius and Gaius died (AD 2, 4) Tiberius was reinstated and adopted with Agrippa Postumus by Augustus. But Augustus forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus, the older nephew, thus Tiberius had to relinquish his position as leading Claudius – to his younger nephew CLAUDIUS. Tiberius again was sent to war in Germany and Illyria, and back to Germany after his appointee, PQV lost 3 legions at Teutoberger Wald.
Tiberius becomes the second princeps and has a hand in most important policy decisions (thanks to his mother), especially after the exile of Postumus (AD 10 or so).
Tiberius takes over as in AD 14, but in a show of Republican modesty, pretends to refuse the opportunity. This provokes a challenge and he has to take a stern hand to prevent a show of weakness (Asinius Gallus gets it in the end). At first tries to be Republican, not autocratic, but relations with the Senate strain.
Germanicus sent to Germany to avenge Teutoberger Wald, but he tries to reconquer Germany. See Tacitus Annals 2. Tiberius recalls him in 17 because of the $$, but in fact the reconquest of Germany would be far less expensive than facing future hordes of Germans. Germanicus given a second consulship and sent East, where he dies mysteriously, provoking charges that Tiberius had Cn. Calpurnius Piso poison G.
Tiberius makes no display of emotion at G’s death, but allows his son Drusus the Younger to become junior emperor – until Drusus dies (poisoned by his wife) in AD 23. Tiberius forced to turn to his chief minister, L. Aelius Sejanus to run the Empire.
Sejanus runs the Guard and other functions. He plots to marry Livilla and take over the Empire, so he discredits and imprisons Germanicus’ sons and widow. But he is discovered by Antonia Minor and exposed, AD 29. A purge follows in which all Sejanus’ allies are executed.
Tiberius turns savage. He retires to Capri and runs the Empire despotically. He chooses to leave the Empire to both Gaius “Caligula” and Tiberius Julius “Gemellus,” but Gemellus is too young. Tiberius succumbs (possibly murdered by Caligula) in March 37 to the relief of the people who want to throw him in the Tiber River. Senate grants him no honors.
CALIGULA AND CLAUDIUS
__________|_______________________
1 | 2 1 Octavia = CCM and Antony
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero _____________|_____
| \ _____|______ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcella Antonia Major
| | __________|_ | m.
| Drusus Yngr = Livilla | | MVMB L. Domitius
_______|_________ | | | | Ahenobarbus
| | Gemellus | CLAUDIUS = Messallina |
others Agrippina | ___|_______ |
the Elder = Germanicus Brittanicus Octavia |
_____________________|___________________ Cn. Domitius
Nero Caesar Drusus Caesar Julia CALIGULA Agrippina Yngr = Ahenobarbus
m. Claud |
NERO
AD 37-41 CALIGULA
everyone so happy to be rid of Tiberius they welcome Gaius Caesar Germanicus and heap honors upon him. If he was sane before, it goes to his head and in a year he goes raving mad. He really or pretends to suffer a medical illness and awakens “a god on earth.” While rumors of his incest with his sister Drusilla might be slander, he was plenty bad in every other way.
• Phony invasion of Britain called back at the North Sea
• Execution of Germany legionary commanders including Lentulus Gaetulicus
• Execution of his heir Paullus Aemilius Lepidus
• Exile of his sisters Agrippina and Julia the Yngr
• Purge of the Senate
• Unlawfully took all the priesthoods
• Forces senatorial wives to work in a brothel to raise funds
• Condemns rich people to death just to get their $$
Finally Caligula was assassinated in Jan AD 41 by Cassius Chaerea, who tried to eliminate the imperial family and said he would restore the republic. The Senate meets and agrees to restore the Republic, but the Praetorian Guard chooses to elevate …
CLAUDIUS AD 41-54
Probably had cerebral palsy and was kept in background w/o hope of a political career Hope to be a professional historian (like Scipio Africanus’ son) and wrote (lost) accounts of Etruscans, R history - 43 BC. Claudius may have been part of the plot to assassinate Caligula, but circulated the story that he was discovered behind a curtain and made emperor against his will. Guards wanted an emperor, not a Republic. Claudius ascended and like Tiberius made a big effort to be Republican, but soon became tyrannical and capricious.
Half a year in, he accused his new father-in-law of treason and executed him. After that no one felt safe. Claudius formed a kitchen cabinet of his ex-slaves, Pallas, Narcissus, and Callistus. These ex-slaves ran the bureaucracy and had more power than most senators. Claudius’ attempts to include the Senate in every decision started out looking Republican, but now it looked like a trap he was setting each time.
In 42 L. Arruntius Camillus Scribonianus rebelled and a civil war broke out, but his troops deserted him. Later everyone regretted this.
In 44 Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain. His generals won and defeated Caractacus. Claudius came to personally watch, brought several major senators with him (lest they rebel in his absence), then went home.
Claudius’ wife Messallina acted up. She had several affairs, then plotted to overthrow him in 48, after she tired waiting for him to die. Her insurrection failed and the freedmen united forces to persuade Claudius to kill her. He may have been drunk, since he forgot that he had signed her execution warrant. When he realized what happened, he was genuinely heartbroken. Although at first determined to remain bachelor, he soon fished about for a new wife. He almost remarried Lollia Paulina, but instead married his niece Agrippin the Yngr after passing a law legalizing uncle-niece marriage. Agrippina at once moved to consolidate her power and the succession of Nero. Octavia’s fiancé was jilted, and Octavia was betrothed to Nero. Nero was adopted and Octavia was adopted out so she could marry her “brother.”
The decline:
Agrippina soon took over and boxed out Narcissus. Politically isolated, he had to tread gently because he had no allies. Callistus was dead, and Pallas was Agrippina’s favorite. Brittanicus and Octavia resented his role in Messallina’s execution. He failed to turn to Claudius’ oldest daughter, Antonia (maybe this was not possible), who had married first Pompey Magnus – and later Cornelius Sulla (maybe she had little influence). Finally he tried to win over Nero w/o Agrippina.
Claudius was totally left without family or allies. Too late he threatened to demote Nero for Brittanicus, so Agrippina struck and poisoned him with mushrooms (October 54). She locked Brittanicus in a closet and had visitors view Claudius’ corpse - “He is tired today” until an auspicious moment when she sent forth news that Nero had succeeded. Nero gave a speech written by Seneca and asked the Senate to declare Claudius a god (Pseudo-Seneca satire Pumkinification of Claudius). Later he called mushrooms the “food of the gods.”
NERO AD 54-68
Last Julio-Claudian emperor, had only one daughter who died in infancy. Several cousins were considered heirs but one by one Nero had them exiled and executed. He divorced Octavia for his lover Acte, but the crowd demanded her recall and he backed down, but later had Octavia accused of adultery to get rid of her.
• 5 golden years
• Escalation of tyranny
• Dabbling in the Arts
• Revolution AD 68
Nero succeeded allowed Seneca and Burrhus to run the Empire for 5 years. They found Agrippina a major hassle so they had her clipped. When she struck back they realized she had to be eliminated. Nero ignored Octavia and loved a slave, Acte. Drama between N, A, and Agrippina. When Agr threatened to restore Claudius’ children, Nero had Brittanicus poisoned and moved to remove Agr, but she survived 3 assassination attempts. Finally someone killed her with a sword.
Burrhus died and Seneca pleaded to retire, fearing Nero’s tyranny. He had once dreamed Nero was Caligula. Soon after Nero took over and appointed Tigellinus. Nero divorced Octavia for Poppeia Sabina (Pseudo-Seneca play Octavia).
Nero turned to art, especially singing. He got trainers and entered many contests, esp. in Naples and always was thrilled when he “won.” Later he created an Olympics festival called the Neronia in AD 66 and won lots of awards. He refused to return to Rome during the crisis and had to be dragged back by courtiers.
One thing he did right – the Great Fire in AD 64. Nero opened emergency relief to all from gvt coffers, and hunted down the culprits. Fire probably set by a cult of monotheist Branch Dividian types “flood last time, fire the next time.”
Nero and most Romans could not distinguish one monotheist from another, so many innocent Christians were punished for the crime of a few. Nasty persecution followed.
The rebellion – Vindex in Gaul rebelled in Spr 68 and denounced Nero. He asked Galba to chair the rebellion. They brought Fr, Spain, and Portugal (under Otho) into rebellion when the German legions under Verginius Rufus moved on Vindex. They met at Besançon (Vesontio) where Vindex wanted to confer with Verginius, but the legions massacred Vindex’s rebels. Vindex committed suicide. Galba fulfilled several prophecies that made Nero scared. Galba and Nero simultaneously panicked, but news came from Rome that the Senate had already declared Nero a public enemy and he fled. Then Nero lost heart and killed himself. Galba lost the battle and won the war.
GALBA emperor AD 68-69 - too strict and miserly. Judged capax imperii nisi regerit. Killed in a coup by Otho when he failed to adopt him on 15 Jan.
OTHO 69 - emperor for only 3 months. Poppea’s second husband, offered to marry Nero’s last wife, but lost the civil war and committed suicide after 90 days of rule.
VITELLIUS 69 – rebelled against Galba on 1 Jan and then learned Otho was in charge. His army invaded Italy and won Bedriacum after which he marched on Rome. His reputation was destroyed by his enemies who won the war in winter for Vespasian.
VESPASIAN 69-79
TITUS 79-81
DOMITIAN 81-96
5 good Emperors
Nerva
Trajan
Hadrian
Antoninus Pius
Marcus Aurelius
sources: Cassius Dio 49-56;
Suet. Augustus (and early Tiberius),
Tac. Annals 1
Velleius Paterculus 1.80 ff
Stemma (Family tree) of Juli-Claudians 25 BC-AD 10
____________________________________________
| | |
Julius Caesar dictator Julia = M. Attius Balbus Julia
\ | |
\ Atia = Octavius = Ancharia Q Pedius
\ __________|________________________________________
1 \ | 2 1 | |
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero ANTONY = Octavia = CCM Octavia
| \ \ _____|___________ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* /\ TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcellus Sex. Appuleius
| / \ | __________|_______________
| / \ Drusus Yngr = Livilla | CLAUDIUS
_______|___/______\________________________ |
| | / \ | | |
Julia Gaius Lucius Postumus Agrippina Elder = Germanicus
29 New Constitution divides provinces and some imperial powers
23 Anger at his monopoly of 1 consulship leads Augustus to resign and accept tribunicia potestas instead. He dates his power on coins from 23. Turbulent elections follow. Promotion of Marcellus, Agrippa miffed, goes to Lesbos, Marcellus dies mysteriously
22-21 Aug tries to cope w/o Agrippa, MVMC but can not, recalls Agrippa, Agr = Julia
18 renewal of tp, and Agrippa receives it also (start of Agrippa’s escalation)
17 After the birth of Lucius, Augustus adopts both Gaius and Lucius and raises them
16 Domestic problems and a German invasion compel Aug to leave R for 3 years
13 Triumphal return, Aug refuses a triumph, celebrates Pax, Ara Pacis begun
12 Agrippa dies in March, provinces rebel, Drusus and Tiberius sent to suppress
9 Drusus as consul, dies in Germany, national mourning
7 Triumph and 2nd consulship of Tiberius
4 Elevation of Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius miffed, retires to Rhodes
2 Conspiracy of Iullus Antony, exile of Julia to Pandateria
1 Gaius sent out to fight in Parthia
AD 2 Lucius dies in Massilia mysteriously, Tib recalled
AD 4 Gaius dies mysteriously, Aug adopts Tiberius and Postumus, T adopts Germanicus
AD 4-6 Tiberius conquers Germany, Illyria revolts in 6,
AD 8 Julia the Yngr exiled for adultery
AD 9 Teutoberger Wald - three legions lost, but German invasion dissipates
AD 12 Postumus exiled,
AD 13 Tiberius receives TPand authority, power equal to Augustus
AD 14 Augustus dies in August, is made a god by the Senate (WHY?) Postumus executed at once, Tiberius summons Senate and is offered the same leadership Augustus held. He feigns disinterest, but then snaps when others offer to take him seriously.
Legacy of Augustus:
“I found Rome a city of brick and mud and left her a city of marble”
New unofficial imperial system of monarchy for 100 yrs
Greatly increased prosperity of empire
End of Civil wars for 75 (100) yrs
Quality of life greatly improves, including literacy
Romanization of Empire doubles pace
Considerable freedom for a secret police state
Drawbacks –
Return to Mos Maiorum was a return to archaic religion, step back in time
Secret police state with escalated censorship in last decade
Wealth acquired on backs of untold 100,000s of new slaves
Set in path a monarchy that corrupted absolutely under Caligula, Nero
Tiberius (42 – AD 37), r. AD 14-37
Son of Livia and Ti.Claudius Nero (pr.42). Survived a perilous infancy and perhaps unhappy childhood. Parents divorced right before his brother Drusus was born and as per Roman law he was raised in his father’s house until the death of Ti. Nero. After this he was raised by his mother (not common R practice). Augustus apparently tolerated his step-sons. At a very young age Tiberius was the leader of the gens Claudia.
Tiberius married Vipsania Minor, daughter of Agrippa, ca. 24 at about the same time PQVarus married Vipsania Maior. He served under Agrippa and received several prestigious honors under Augustus including the right to hold office under legal age. In political terms he tied his wagon to Agrippa’s star.
In 13 he served as consul with PQV to celebrate the return of Augustus and Agrippa in a lavish ceremony that included the constitutio of the Ara Pacis and probably the closing of the Gates of Janus. Tiberius could look ahead at age 29 to a long career of gvt service at the side of his father-in-law incl. multiple governorships, vast wealth, and the consulship for his son(s).
Suddenly Agrippa died in 12 and his fortune became both brighter and more risky. Livia and Augustus forced him to divorce the beloved Vipsania (who miscarried over it) in order to marry Julia. It turned out this new marriage was not so that Tiberius could assume Agrippa’s position as second princeps, but just to keep the seat warm for Agrippa’s (biological) sons, whom Augustus had adopted in 17. Tiberius was miserable, and after his son by Julia died he ceased to cohabitate with Julia.
Happier on the battlefield, he and Drusus invaded Austria in 11 and conquered new territory for Rome. But in 10 Drusus was injured when his horse fell upon him and died of gangrene. Tiberius rushed 200 miles in 24 hours (Val Max) to reach Drusus before he died. He brought the body back to Italy where Drusus was laid in the Mausoleum of the Iulii after 30 funerals in every major town from Milan to Rome.
Tiberius returned to the field and waged war in Germany on and off until 6. Then he saw Gaius Caesar coming of age and insisted on leaving for Rhodes. Augustus was put out at his departure and late refused to allow him to return.
In Tiberius’ absence Augustus probably relied upon Iullus Antonius for administrative work. Perhaps Iullus got mad at being used (?) because he conspired against Augustus in 2, and his adulterous affair with Julia was exposed. Iullus committed suicide. Augustus divorced Julia from Tiberius and despite Tiberius’ protests, she was exiled to a small island. Tiberius was now allowed to return in AD 2 as a private citizen.
After Lucius and Gaius died (AD 2, 4) Tiberius was reinstated and adopted with Agrippa Postumus by Augustus. But Augustus forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus, the older nephew, thus Tiberius had to relinquish his position as leading Claudius – to his younger nephew CLAUDIUS. Tiberius again was sent to war in Germany and Illyria, and back to Germany after his appointee, PQV lost 3 legions at Teutoberger Wald.
Tiberius becomes the second princeps and has a hand in most important policy decisions (thanks to his mother), especially after the exile of Postumus (AD 10 or so).
Tiberius takes over as in AD 14, but in a show of Republican modesty, pretends to refuse the opportunity. This provokes a challenge and he has to take a stern hand to prevent a show of weakness (Asinius Gallus gets it in the end). At first tries to be Republican, not autocratic, but relations with the Senate strain.
Germanicus sent to Germany to avenge Teutoberger Wald, but he tries to reconquer Germany. See Tacitus Annals 2. Tiberius recalls him in 17 because of the $$, but in fact the reconquest of Germany would be far less expensive than facing future hordes of Germans. Germanicus given a second consulship and sent East, where he dies mysteriously, provoking charges that Tiberius had Cn. Calpurnius Piso poison G.
Tiberius makes no display of emotion at G’s death, but allows his son Drusus the Younger to become junior emperor – until Drusus dies (poisoned by his wife) in AD 23. Tiberius forced to turn to his chief minister, L. Aelius Sejanus to run the Empire.
Sejanus runs the Guard and other functions. He plots to marry Livilla and take over the Empire, so he discredits and imprisons Germanicus’ sons and widow. But he is discovered by Antonia Minor and exposed, AD 29. A purge follows in which all Sejanus’ allies are executed.
Tiberius turns savage. He retires to Capri and runs the Empire despotically. He chooses to leave the Empire to both Gaius “Caligula” and Tiberius Julius “Gemellus,” but Gemellus is too young. Tiberius succumbs (possibly murdered by Caligula) in March 37 to the relief of the people who want to throw him in the Tiber River. Senate grants him no honors.
CALIGULA AND CLAUDIUS
__________|_______________________
1 | 2 1 Octavia = CCM and Antony
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero _____________|_____
| \ _____|______ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcella Antonia Major
| | __________|_ | m.
| Drusus Yngr = Livilla | | MVMB L. Domitius
_______|_________ | | | | Ahenobarbus
| | Gemellus | CLAUDIUS = Messallina |
others Agrippina | ___|_______ |
the Elder = Germanicus Brittanicus Octavia |
_____________________|___________________ Cn. Domitius
Nero Caesar Drusus Caesar Julia CALIGULA Agrippina Yngr = Ahenobarbus
m. Claud |
NERO
AD 37-41 CALIGULA
everyone so happy to be rid of Tiberius they welcome Gaius Caesar Germanicus and heap honors upon him. If he was sane before, it goes to his head and in a year he goes raving mad. He really or pretends to suffer a medical illness and awakens “a god on earth.” While rumors of his incest with his sister Drusilla might be slander, he was plenty bad in every other way.
• Phony invasion of Britain called back at the North Sea
• Execution of Germany legionary commanders including Lentulus Gaetulicus
• Execution of his heir Paullus Aemilius Lepidus
• Exile of his sisters Agrippina and Julia the Yngr
• Purge of the Senate
• Unlawfully took all the priesthoods
• Forces senatorial wives to work in a brothel to raise funds
• Condemns rich people to death just to get their $$
Finally Caligula was assassinated in Jan AD 41 by Cassius Chaerea, who tried to eliminate the imperial family and said he would restore the republic. The Senate meets and agrees to restore the Republic, but the Praetorian Guard chooses to elevate …
CLAUDIUS AD 41-54
Probably had cerebral palsy and was kept in background w/o hope of a political career Hope to be a professional historian (like Scipio Africanus’ son) and wrote (lost) accounts of Etruscans, R history - 43 BC. Claudius may have been part of the plot to assassinate Caligula, but circulated the story that he was discovered behind a curtain and made emperor against his will. Guards wanted an emperor, not a Republic. Claudius ascended and like Tiberius made a big effort to be Republican, but soon became tyrannical and capricious.
Half a year in, he accused his new father-in-law of treason and executed him. After that no one felt safe. Claudius formed a kitchen cabinet of his ex-slaves, Pallas, Narcissus, and Callistus. These ex-slaves ran the bureaucracy and had more power than most senators. Claudius’ attempts to include the Senate in every decision started out looking Republican, but now it looked like a trap he was setting each time.
In 42 L. Arruntius Camillus Scribonianus rebelled and a civil war broke out, but his troops deserted him. Later everyone regretted this.
In 44 Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain. His generals won and defeated Caractacus. Claudius came to personally watch, brought several major senators with him (lest they rebel in his absence), then went home.
Claudius’ wife Messallina acted up. She had several affairs, then plotted to overthrow him in 48, after she tired waiting for him to die. Her insurrection failed and the freedmen united forces to persuade Claudius to kill her. He may have been drunk, since he forgot that he had signed her execution warrant. When he realized what happened, he was genuinely heartbroken. Although at first determined to remain bachelor, he soon fished about for a new wife. He almost remarried Lollia Paulina, but instead married his niece Agrippin the Yngr after passing a law legalizing uncle-niece marriage. Agrippina at once moved to consolidate her power and the succession of Nero. Octavia’s fiancé was jilted, and Octavia was betrothed to Nero. Nero was adopted and Octavia was adopted out so she could marry her “brother.”
The decline:
Agrippina soon took over and boxed out Narcissus. Politically isolated, he had to tread gently because he had no allies. Callistus was dead, and Pallas was Agrippina’s favorite. Brittanicus and Octavia resented his role in Messallina’s execution. He failed to turn to Claudius’ oldest daughter, Antonia (maybe this was not possible), who had married first Pompey Magnus – and later Cornelius Sulla (maybe she had little influence). Finally he tried to win over Nero w/o Agrippina.
Claudius was totally left without family or allies. Too late he threatened to demote Nero for Brittanicus, so Agrippina struck and poisoned him with mushrooms (October 54). She locked Brittanicus in a closet and had visitors view Claudius’ corpse - “He is tired today” until an auspicious moment when she sent forth news that Nero had succeeded. Nero gave a speech written by Seneca and asked the Senate to declare Claudius a god (Pseudo-Seneca satire Pumkinification of Claudius). Later he called mushrooms the “food of the gods.”
NERO AD 54-68
Last Julio-Claudian emperor, had only one daughter who died in infancy. Several cousins were considered heirs but one by one Nero had them exiled and executed. He divorced Octavia for his lover Acte, but the crowd demanded her recall and he backed down, but later had Octavia accused of adultery to get rid of her.
• 5 golden years
• Escalation of tyranny
• Dabbling in the Arts
• Revolution AD 68
Nero succeeded allowed Seneca and Burrhus to run the Empire for 5 years. They found Agrippina a major hassle so they had her clipped. When she struck back they realized she had to be eliminated. Nero ignored Octavia and loved a slave, Acte. Drama between N, A, and Agrippina. When Agr threatened to restore Claudius’ children, Nero had Brittanicus poisoned and moved to remove Agr, but she survived 3 assassination attempts. Finally someone killed her with a sword.
Burrhus died and Seneca pleaded to retire, fearing Nero’s tyranny. He had once dreamed Nero was Caligula. Soon after Nero took over and appointed Tigellinus. Nero divorced Octavia for Poppeia Sabina (Pseudo-Seneca play Octavia).
Nero turned to art, especially singing. He got trainers and entered many contests, esp. in Naples and always was thrilled when he “won.” Later he created an Olympics festival called the Neronia in AD 66 and won lots of awards. He refused to return to Rome during the crisis and had to be dragged back by courtiers.
One thing he did right – the Great Fire in AD 64. Nero opened emergency relief to all from gvt coffers, and hunted down the culprits. Fire probably set by a cult of monotheist Branch Dividian types “flood last time, fire the next time.”
Nero and most Romans could not distinguish one monotheist from another, so many innocent Christians were punished for the crime of a few. Nasty persecution followed.
The rebellion – Vindex in Gaul rebelled in Spr 68 and denounced Nero. He asked Galba to chair the rebellion. They brought Fr, Spain, and Portugal (under Otho) into rebellion when the German legions under Verginius Rufus moved on Vindex. They met at Besançon (Vesontio) where Vindex wanted to confer with Verginius, but the legions massacred Vindex’s rebels. Vindex committed suicide. Galba fulfilled several prophecies that made Nero scared. Galba and Nero simultaneously panicked, but news came from Rome that the Senate had already declared Nero a public enemy and he fled. Then Nero lost heart and killed himself. Galba lost the battle and won the war.
GALBA emperor AD 68-69 - too strict and miserly. Judged capax imperii nisi regerit. Killed in a coup by Otho when he failed to adopt him on 15 Jan.
OTHO 69 - emperor for only 3 months. Poppea’s second husband, offered to marry Nero’s last wife, but lost the civil war and committed suicide after 90 days of rule.
VITELLIUS 69 – rebelled against Galba on 1 Jan and then learned Otho was in charge. His army invaded Italy and won Bedriacum after which he marched on Rome. His reputation was destroyed by his enemies who won the war in winter for Vespasian.
VESPASIAN 69-79
TITUS 79-81
DOMITIAN 81-96
5 good Emperors
Nerva
Trajan
Hadrian
Antoninus Pius
Marcus Aurelius
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Suetonius: Life of the divine Augustus
Suetonius: Life of the divine Augustus
Part 1 Fill in any 5 of the blanks (2 points each)
1. In 62 BC, Julius was A’s ____________(before the adoption).
2. Augustus’ full name after adoption:___________
3. Agrippa helped him defeat this pirate from 37 to 36 BC. __________
4. This beloved nephew, ______________died young shattering A’s plans.
5. This sister of A, utterly broken by her son’s death, withdrew form public life.______
6. At what battle did Agrippa help A defeat Antony and Cleopatra?
Part 2. choose any 4 (5 points each) you can use the back
1. What was unusual about the way Julius treated POWs he captured? Give an example.
2. Why was young Octavius advised not to accept adoption by Julius?
3. Augustus go to such efforts to claim the Republic was restored?
4. What did Augustus do to ensure that people could see the Republic was in place?
5. Why did Augustus wait so long to become Pontifiex Maximus (ca. 11 BC) when Julius had been Pontifex Maximus, and he died back in 44?
6. Why did Augustus take such efforts to make sure Julia was always married?
Part 3 short answers, maybe a sentence (4 points each, choose 5)
1. Name a marvelous event involving A during Julius’ inauguration.
2. What was A’s daughter’s name? Why was this name given to her?
3. Who won the most glory at Philippi, Why?
4. Why did A declare war on Cleopatra in 32 BC instead of Antorny or on both of them?
5. Whom did A hope to succeed him after Agrippa died, what steps had he taken to arrange this?
6. What did Augustus do to increase birth rate and how did he try to lead by example?
7. Why was it so surprising that Augustus outlived not just Agrippa but also Drusus, et al.?
8. Extra Credit: conjugate timeo in future, esse in imperfect, absum in future.
Part 1 Fill in any 5 of the blanks (2 points each)
1. In 62 BC, Julius was A’s ____________(before the adoption).
2. Augustus’ full name after adoption:___________
3. Agrippa helped him defeat this pirate from 37 to 36 BC. __________
4. This beloved nephew, ______________died young shattering A’s plans.
5. This sister of A, utterly broken by her son’s death, withdrew form public life.______
6. At what battle did Agrippa help A defeat Antony and Cleopatra?
Part 2. choose any 4 (5 points each) you can use the back
1. What was unusual about the way Julius treated POWs he captured? Give an example.
2. Why was young Octavius advised not to accept adoption by Julius?
3. Augustus go to such efforts to claim the Republic was restored?
4. What did Augustus do to ensure that people could see the Republic was in place?
5. Why did Augustus wait so long to become Pontifiex Maximus (ca. 11 BC) when Julius had been Pontifex Maximus, and he died back in 44?
6. Why did Augustus take such efforts to make sure Julia was always married?
Part 3 short answers, maybe a sentence (4 points each, choose 5)
1. Name a marvelous event involving A during Julius’ inauguration.
2. What was A’s daughter’s name? Why was this name given to her?
3. Who won the most glory at Philippi, Why?
4. Why did A declare war on Cleopatra in 32 BC instead of Antorny or on both of them?
5. Whom did A hope to succeed him after Agrippa died, what steps had he taken to arrange this?
6. What did Augustus do to increase birth rate and how did he try to lead by example?
7. Why was it so surprising that Augustus outlived not just Agrippa but also Drusus, et al.?
8. Extra Credit: conjugate timeo in future, esse in imperfect, absum in future.
Augustus
(unofficial) Reign of Augustus 27- AD 14
sources: Cassius Dio 49-56;
Suet. Augustus (and early Tiberius),
Tac. Annals 1
Velleius Paterculus 1.80 ff
Stemma (Family tree) of Juli-Claudians 25 BC-AD 10
____________________________________________
| | |
Julius Caesar dictator Julia = M. Attius Balbus Julia
\ | |
\ Atia = Octavius = Ancharia Q Pedius
\ __________|________________________________________
1 \ | 2 1 | |
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero ANTONY = Octavia = CCM Octavia
| \ \ _____|___________ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* /\ TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcellus Sex. Appuleius
| / \ | __________|_______________
| / \ Drusus Yngr = Livilla | CLAUDIUS
_______|___/______\________________________ |
| | / \ | | |
Julia Gaius Lucius Postumus Agrippina Elder = Germanicus
29 New Constitution divides provinces and some imperial powers
23 Anger at his monopoly of 1 consulship leads Augustus to resign and accept tribunicia potestas instead. He dates his power on coins from 23. Turbulent elections follow. Promotion of Marcellus, Agrippa miffed, goes to Lesbos, Marcellus dies mysteriously
22-21 Aug tries to cope w/o Agrippa, MVMC but can not, recalls Agrippa, Agr = Julia
18 renewal of tp, and Agrippa receives it also (start of Agrippa’s escalation)
17 After the birth of Lucius, Augustus adopts both Gaius and Lucius and raises them
16 Domestic problems and a German invasion compel Aug to leave R for 3 years
13 Triumphal return, Aug refuses a triumph, celebrates Pax, Ara Pacis begun
12 Agrippa dies in March, provinces rebel, Drusus and Tiberius sent to suppress
9 Drusus as consul, dies in Germany, national mourning
7 Triumph and 2nd consulship of Tiberius
4 Elevation of Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius miffed, retires to Rhodes
2 Conspiracy of Iullus Antony, exile of Julia to Pandateria
1 Gaius sent out to fight in Parthia
AD 2 Lucius dies in Massilia mysteriously, Tib recalled
AD 4 Gaius dies mysteriously, Aug adopts Tiberius and Postumus, T adopts Germanicus
AD 4-6 Tiberius conquers Germany, Illyria revolts in 6,
AD 8 Julia the Yngr exiled for adultery
AD 9 Teutoberger Wald - three legions lost, but German invasion dissipates
AD 12 Postumus exiled,
AD 13 Tiberius receives TPand authority, power equal to Augustus
AD 14 Augustus dies in August, is made a god by the Senate (WHY?) Postumus executed at once, Tiberius summons Senate and is offered the same leadership Augustus held. He feigns disinterest, but then snaps when others offer to take him seriously.
Legacy of Augustus:
“I found Rome a city of brick and mud and left her a city of marble”
New unofficial imperial system of monarchy for 100 yrs
Greatly increased prosperity of empire
End of Civil wars for 75 (100) yrs
Quality of life greatly improves, including literacy
Romanization of Empire doubles pace
Considerable freedom for a secret police state
Drawbacks –
Return to Mos Maiorum was a return to archaic religion, step back in time
Secret police state with escalated censorship in last decade
Wealth acquired on backs of untold 100,000s of new slaves
Set in path a monarchy that corrupted absolutely under Caligula, Nero
Tiberius (42 – AD 37), r. AD 14-37
Son of Livia and Ti.Claudius Nero (pr.42). Survived a perilous infancy and perhaps unhappy childhood. Parents divorced right before his brother Drusus was born and as per Roman law he was raised in his father’s house until the death of Ti. Nero. After this he was raised by his mother (not common R practice). Augustus apparently tolerated his step-sons. At a very young age Tiberius was the leader of the gens Claudia.
Tiberius married Vipsania Minor, daughter of Agrippa, ca. 24 at about the same time PQVarus married Vipsania Maior. He served under Agrippa and received several prestigious honors under Augustus including the right to hold office under legal age. In political terms he tied his wagon to Agrippa’s star.
In 13 he served as consul with PQV to celebrate the return of Augustus and Agrippa in a lavish ceremony that included the constitutio of the Ara Pacis and probably the closing of the Gates of Janus. Tiberius could look ahead at age 29 to a long career of gvt service at the side of his father-in-law incl. multiple governorships, vast wealth, and the consulship for his son(s).
Suddenly Agrippa died in 12 and his fortune became both brighter and more risky. Livia and Augustus forced him to divorce the beloved Vipsania (who miscarried over it) in order to marry Julia. It turned out this new marriage was not so that Tiberius could assume Agrippa’s position as second princeps, but just to keep the seat warm for Agrippa’s (biological) sons, whom Augustus had adopted in 17. Tiberius was miserable, and after his son by Julia died he ceased to cohabitate with Julia.
Happier on the battlefield, he and Drusus invaded Austria in 11 and conquered new territory for Rome. But in 10 Drusus was injured when his horse fell upon him and died of gangrene. Tiberius rushed 200 miles in 24 hours (Val Max) to reach Drusus before he died. He brought the body back to Italy where Drusus was laid in the Mausoleum of the Iulii after 30 funerals in every major town from Milan to Rome.
Tiberius returned to the field and waged war in Germany on and off until 6. Then he saw Gaius Caesar coming of age and insisted on leaving for Rhodes. Augustus was put out at his departure and late refused to allow him to return.
In Tiberius’ absence Augustus probably relied upon Iullus Antonius for administrative work. Perhaps Iullus got mad at being used (?) because he conspired against Augustus in 2, and his adulterous affair with Julia was exposed. Iullus committed suicide. Augustus divorced Julia from Tiberius and despite Tiberius’ protests, she was exiled to a small island. Tiberius was now allowed to return in AD 2 as a private citizen.
After Lucius and Gaius died (AD 2, 4) Tiberius was reinstated and adopted with Agrippa Postumus by Augustus. But Augustus forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus, the older nephew, thus Tiberius had to relinquish his position as leading Claudius – to his younger nephew CLAUDIUS. Tiberius again was sent to war in Germany and Illyria, and back to Germany after his appointee, PQV lost 3 legions at Teutoberger Wald.
Tiberius becomes the second princeps and has a hand in most important policy decisions (thanks to his mother), especially after the exile of Postumus (AD 10 or so).
Tiberius takes over as in AD 14, but in a show of Republican modesty, pretends to refuse the opportunity. This provokes a challenge and he has to take a stern hand to prevent a show of weakness (Asinius Gallus gets it in the end). At first tries to be Republican, not autocratic, but relations with the Senate strain.
Germanicus sent to Germany to avenge Teutoberger Wald, but he tries to reconquer Germany. See Tacitus Annals 2. Tiberius recalls him in 17 because of the $$, but in fact the reconquest of Germany would be far less expensive than facing future hordes of Germans. Germanicus given a second consulship and sent East, where he dies mysteriously, provoking charges that Tiberius had Cn. Calpurnius Piso poison G.
Tiberius makes no display of emotion at G’s death, but allows his son Drusus the Younger to become junior emperor – until Drusus dies (poisoned by his wife) in AD 23. Tiberius forced to turn to his chief minister, L. Aelius Sejanus to run the Empire.
Sejanus runs the Guard and other functions. He plots to marry Livilla and take over the Empire, so he discredits and imprisons Germanicus’ sons and widow. But he is discovered by Antonia Minor and exposed, AD 29. A purge follows in which all Sejanus’ allies are executed.
Tiberius turns savage. He retires to Capri and runs the Empire despotically. He chooses to leave the Empire to both Gaius “Caligula” and Tiberius Julius “Gemellus,” but Gemellus is too young. Tiberius succumbs (possibly murdered by Caligula) in March 37 to the relief of the people who want to throw him in the Tiber River. Senate grants him no honors.
CALIGULA AND CLAUDIUS
__________|_______________________
1 | 2 1 Octavia = CCM and Antony
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero _____________|_____
| \ _____|______ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcella Antonia Major
| | __________|_ | m.
| Drusus Yngr = Livilla | | MVMB L. Domitius
_______|_________ | | | | Ahenobarbus
| | Gemellus | CLAUDIUS = Messallina |
others Agrippina | ___|_______ |
the Elder = Germanicus Brittanicus Octavia |
_____________________|___________________ Cn. Domitius
Nero Caesar Drusus Caesar Julia CALIGULA Agrippina Yngr = Ahenobarbus
m. Claud |
NERO
AD 37-41 CALIGULA
everyone so happy to be rid of Tiberius they welcome Gaius Caesar Germanicus and heap honors upon him. If he was sane before, it goes to his head and in a year he goes raving mad. He really or pretends to suffer a medical illness and awakens “a god on earth.” While rumors of his incest with his sister Drusilla might be slander, he was plenty bad in every other way.
• Phony invasion of Britain called back at the North Sea
• Execution of Germany legionary commanders including Lentulus Gaetulicus
• Execution of his heir Paullus Aemilius Lepidus
• Exile of his sisters Agrippina and Julia the Yngr
• Purge of the Senate
• Unlawfully took all the priesthoods
• Forces senatorial wives to work in a brothel to raise funds
• Condemns rich people to death just to get their $$
Finally Caligula was assassinated in Jan AD 41 by Cassius Chaerea, who tried to eliminate the imperial family and said he would restore the republic. The Senate meets and agrees to restore the Republic, but the Praetorian Guard chooses to elevate …
CLAUDIUS AD 41-54
Probably had cerebral palsy and was kept in background w/o hope of a political career Hope to be a professional historian (like Scipio Africanus’ son) and wrote (lost) accounts of Etruscans, R history - 43 BC. Claudius may have been part of the plot to assassinate Caligula, but circulated the story that he was discovered behind a curtain and made emperor against his will. Guards wanted an emperor, not a Republic. Claudius ascended and like Tiberius made a big effort to be Republican, but soon became tyrannical and capricious.
Half a year in, he accused his new father-in-law of treason and executed him. After that no one felt safe. Claudius formed a kitchen cabinet of his ex-slaves, Pallas, Narcissus, and Callistus. These ex-slaves ran the bureaucracy and had more power than most senators. Claudius’ attempts to include the Senate in every decision started out looking Republican, but now it looked like a trap he was setting each time.
In 42 L. Arruntius Camillus Scribonianus rebelled and a civil war broke out, but his troops deserted him. Later everyone regretted this.
In 44 Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain. His generals won and defeated Caractacus. Claudius came to personally watch, brought several major senators with him (lest they rebel in his absence), then went home.
Claudius’ wife Messallina acted up. She had several affairs, then plotted to overthrow him in 48, after she tired waiting for him to die. Her insurrection failed and the freedmen united forces to persuade Claudius to kill her. He may have been drunk, since he forgot that he had signed her execution warrant. When he realized what happened, he was genuinely heartbroken. Although at first determined to remain bachelor, he soon fished about for a new wife. He almost remarried Lollia Paulina, but instead married his niece Agrippin the Yngr after passing a law legalizing uncle-niece marriage. Agrippina at once moved to consolidate her power and the succession of Nero. Octavia’s fiancé was jilted, and Octavia was betrothed to Nero. Nero was adopted and Octavia was adopted out so she could marry her “brother.”
The decline:
Agrippina soon took over and boxed out Narcissus. Politically isolated, he had to tread gently because he had no allies. Callistus was dead, and Pallas was Agrippina’s favorite. Brittanicus and Octavia resented his role in Messallina’s execution. He failed to turn to Claudius’ oldest daughter, Antonia (maybe this was not possible), who had married first Pompey Magnus – and later Cornelius Sulla (maybe she had little influence). Finally he tried to win over Nero w/o Agrippina.
Claudius was totally left without family or allies. Too late he threatened to demote Nero for Brittanicus, so Agrippina struck and poisoned him with mushrooms (October 54). She locked Brittanicus in a closet and had visitors view Claudius’ corpse - “He is tired today” until an auspicious moment when she sent forth news that Nero had succeeded. Nero gave a speech written by Seneca and asked the Senate to declare Claudius a god (Pseudo-Seneca satire Pumkinification of Claudius). Later he called mushrooms the “food of the gods.”
NERO AD 54-68
Last Julio-Claudian emperor, had only one daughter who died in infancy. Several cousins were considered heirs but one by one Nero had them exiled and executed. He divorced Octavia for his lover Acte, but the crowd demanded her recall and he backed down, but later had Octavia accused of adultery to get rid of her.
• 5 golden years
• Escalation of tyranny
• Dabbling in the Arts
• Revolution AD 68
Nero succeeded allowed Seneca and Burrhus to run the Empire for 5 years. They found Agrippina a major hassle so they had her clipped. When she struck back they realized she had to be eliminated. Nero ignored Octavia and loved a slave, Acte. Drama between N, A, and Agrippina. When Agr threatened to restore Claudius’ children, Nero had Brittanicus poisoned and moved to remove Agr, but she survived 3 assassination attempts. Finally someone killed her with a sword.
Burrhus died and Seneca pleaded to retire, fearing Nero’s tyranny. He had once dreamed Nero was Caligula. Soon after Nero took over and appointed Tigellinus. Nero divorced Octavia for Poppeia Sabina (Pseudo-Seneca play Octavia).
Nero turned to art, especially singing. He got trainers and entered many contests, esp. in Naples and always was thrilled when he “won.” Later he created an Olympics festival called the Neronia in AD 66 and won lots of awards. He refused to return to Rome during the crisis and had to be dragged back by courtiers.
One thing he did right – the Great Fire in AD 64. Nero opened emergency relief to all from gvt coffers, and hunted down the culprits. Fire probably set by a cult of monotheist Branch Dividian types “flood last time, fire the next time.”
Nero and most Romans could not distinguish one monotheist from another, so many innocent Christians were punished for the crime of a few. Nasty persecution followed.
The rebellion – Vindex in Gaul rebelled in Spr 68 and denounced Nero. He asked Galba to chair the rebellion. They brought Fr, Spain, and Portugal (under Otho) into rebellion when the German legions under Verginius Rufus moved on Vindex. They met at Besançon (Vesontio) where Vindex wanted to confer with Verginius, but the legions massacred Vindex’s rebels. Vindex committed suicide. Galba fulfilled several prophecies that made Nero scared. Galba and Nero simultaneously panicked, but news came from Rome that the Senate had already declared Nero a public enemy and he fled. Then Nero lost heart and killed himself. Galba lost the battle and won the war.
GALBA emperor AD 68-69 - too strict and miserly. Judged capax imperii nisi regerit. Killed in a coup by Otho when he failed to adopt him on 15 Jan.
OTHO 69 - emperor for only 3 months. Poppea’s second husband, offered to marry Nero’s last wife, but lost the civil war and committed suicide after 90 days of rule.
VITELLIUS 69 – rebelled against Galba on 1 Jan and then learned Otho was in charge. His army invaded Italy and won Bedriacum after which he marched on Rome. His reputation was destroyed by his enemies who won the war in winter for Vespasian.
VESPASIAN 69-79
TITUS 79-81
DOMITIAN 81-96
5 good Emperors
Nerva
Trajan
Hadrian
Antoninus Pius
Marcus Aurelius
sources: Cassius Dio 49-56;
Suet. Augustus (and early Tiberius),
Tac. Annals 1
Velleius Paterculus 1.80 ff
Stemma (Family tree) of Juli-Claudians 25 BC-AD 10
____________________________________________
| | |
Julius Caesar dictator Julia = M. Attius Balbus Julia
\ | |
\ Atia = Octavius = Ancharia Q Pedius
\ __________|________________________________________
1 \ | 2 1 | |
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero ANTONY = Octavia = CCM Octavia
| \ \ _____|___________ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* /\ TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcellus Sex. Appuleius
| / \ | __________|_______________
| / \ Drusus Yngr = Livilla | CLAUDIUS
_______|___/______\________________________ |
| | / \ | | |
Julia Gaius Lucius Postumus Agrippina Elder = Germanicus
29 New Constitution divides provinces and some imperial powers
23 Anger at his monopoly of 1 consulship leads Augustus to resign and accept tribunicia potestas instead. He dates his power on coins from 23. Turbulent elections follow. Promotion of Marcellus, Agrippa miffed, goes to Lesbos, Marcellus dies mysteriously
22-21 Aug tries to cope w/o Agrippa, MVMC but can not, recalls Agrippa, Agr = Julia
18 renewal of tp, and Agrippa receives it also (start of Agrippa’s escalation)
17 After the birth of Lucius, Augustus adopts both Gaius and Lucius and raises them
16 Domestic problems and a German invasion compel Aug to leave R for 3 years
13 Triumphal return, Aug refuses a triumph, celebrates Pax, Ara Pacis begun
12 Agrippa dies in March, provinces rebel, Drusus and Tiberius sent to suppress
9 Drusus as consul, dies in Germany, national mourning
7 Triumph and 2nd consulship of Tiberius
4 Elevation of Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius miffed, retires to Rhodes
2 Conspiracy of Iullus Antony, exile of Julia to Pandateria
1 Gaius sent out to fight in Parthia
AD 2 Lucius dies in Massilia mysteriously, Tib recalled
AD 4 Gaius dies mysteriously, Aug adopts Tiberius and Postumus, T adopts Germanicus
AD 4-6 Tiberius conquers Germany, Illyria revolts in 6,
AD 8 Julia the Yngr exiled for adultery
AD 9 Teutoberger Wald - three legions lost, but German invasion dissipates
AD 12 Postumus exiled,
AD 13 Tiberius receives TPand authority, power equal to Augustus
AD 14 Augustus dies in August, is made a god by the Senate (WHY?) Postumus executed at once, Tiberius summons Senate and is offered the same leadership Augustus held. He feigns disinterest, but then snaps when others offer to take him seriously.
Legacy of Augustus:
“I found Rome a city of brick and mud and left her a city of marble”
New unofficial imperial system of monarchy for 100 yrs
Greatly increased prosperity of empire
End of Civil wars for 75 (100) yrs
Quality of life greatly improves, including literacy
Romanization of Empire doubles pace
Considerable freedom for a secret police state
Drawbacks –
Return to Mos Maiorum was a return to archaic religion, step back in time
Secret police state with escalated censorship in last decade
Wealth acquired on backs of untold 100,000s of new slaves
Set in path a monarchy that corrupted absolutely under Caligula, Nero
Tiberius (42 – AD 37), r. AD 14-37
Son of Livia and Ti.Claudius Nero (pr.42). Survived a perilous infancy and perhaps unhappy childhood. Parents divorced right before his brother Drusus was born and as per Roman law he was raised in his father’s house until the death of Ti. Nero. After this he was raised by his mother (not common R practice). Augustus apparently tolerated his step-sons. At a very young age Tiberius was the leader of the gens Claudia.
Tiberius married Vipsania Minor, daughter of Agrippa, ca. 24 at about the same time PQVarus married Vipsania Maior. He served under Agrippa and received several prestigious honors under Augustus including the right to hold office under legal age. In political terms he tied his wagon to Agrippa’s star.
In 13 he served as consul with PQV to celebrate the return of Augustus and Agrippa in a lavish ceremony that included the constitutio of the Ara Pacis and probably the closing of the Gates of Janus. Tiberius could look ahead at age 29 to a long career of gvt service at the side of his father-in-law incl. multiple governorships, vast wealth, and the consulship for his son(s).
Suddenly Agrippa died in 12 and his fortune became both brighter and more risky. Livia and Augustus forced him to divorce the beloved Vipsania (who miscarried over it) in order to marry Julia. It turned out this new marriage was not so that Tiberius could assume Agrippa’s position as second princeps, but just to keep the seat warm for Agrippa’s (biological) sons, whom Augustus had adopted in 17. Tiberius was miserable, and after his son by Julia died he ceased to cohabitate with Julia.
Happier on the battlefield, he and Drusus invaded Austria in 11 and conquered new territory for Rome. But in 10 Drusus was injured when his horse fell upon him and died of gangrene. Tiberius rushed 200 miles in 24 hours (Val Max) to reach Drusus before he died. He brought the body back to Italy where Drusus was laid in the Mausoleum of the Iulii after 30 funerals in every major town from Milan to Rome.
Tiberius returned to the field and waged war in Germany on and off until 6. Then he saw Gaius Caesar coming of age and insisted on leaving for Rhodes. Augustus was put out at his departure and late refused to allow him to return.
In Tiberius’ absence Augustus probably relied upon Iullus Antonius for administrative work. Perhaps Iullus got mad at being used (?) because he conspired against Augustus in 2, and his adulterous affair with Julia was exposed. Iullus committed suicide. Augustus divorced Julia from Tiberius and despite Tiberius’ protests, she was exiled to a small island. Tiberius was now allowed to return in AD 2 as a private citizen.
After Lucius and Gaius died (AD 2, 4) Tiberius was reinstated and adopted with Agrippa Postumus by Augustus. But Augustus forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus, the older nephew, thus Tiberius had to relinquish his position as leading Claudius – to his younger nephew CLAUDIUS. Tiberius again was sent to war in Germany and Illyria, and back to Germany after his appointee, PQV lost 3 legions at Teutoberger Wald.
Tiberius becomes the second princeps and has a hand in most important policy decisions (thanks to his mother), especially after the exile of Postumus (AD 10 or so).
Tiberius takes over as in AD 14, but in a show of Republican modesty, pretends to refuse the opportunity. This provokes a challenge and he has to take a stern hand to prevent a show of weakness (Asinius Gallus gets it in the end). At first tries to be Republican, not autocratic, but relations with the Senate strain.
Germanicus sent to Germany to avenge Teutoberger Wald, but he tries to reconquer Germany. See Tacitus Annals 2. Tiberius recalls him in 17 because of the $$, but in fact the reconquest of Germany would be far less expensive than facing future hordes of Germans. Germanicus given a second consulship and sent East, where he dies mysteriously, provoking charges that Tiberius had Cn. Calpurnius Piso poison G.
Tiberius makes no display of emotion at G’s death, but allows his son Drusus the Younger to become junior emperor – until Drusus dies (poisoned by his wife) in AD 23. Tiberius forced to turn to his chief minister, L. Aelius Sejanus to run the Empire.
Sejanus runs the Guard and other functions. He plots to marry Livilla and take over the Empire, so he discredits and imprisons Germanicus’ sons and widow. But he is discovered by Antonia Minor and exposed, AD 29. A purge follows in which all Sejanus’ allies are executed.
Tiberius turns savage. He retires to Capri and runs the Empire despotically. He chooses to leave the Empire to both Gaius “Caligula” and Tiberius Julius “Gemellus,” but Gemellus is too young. Tiberius succumbs (possibly murdered by Caligula) in March 37 to the relief of the people who want to throw him in the Tiber River. Senate grants him no honors.
CALIGULA AND CLAUDIUS
__________|_______________________
1 | 2 1 Octavia = CCM and Antony
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero _____________|_____
| \ _____|______ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcella Antonia Major
| | __________|_ | m.
| Drusus Yngr = Livilla | | MVMB L. Domitius
_______|_________ | | | | Ahenobarbus
| | Gemellus | CLAUDIUS = Messallina |
others Agrippina | ___|_______ |
the Elder = Germanicus Brittanicus Octavia |
_____________________|___________________ Cn. Domitius
Nero Caesar Drusus Caesar Julia CALIGULA Agrippina Yngr = Ahenobarbus
m. Claud |
NERO
AD 37-41 CALIGULA
everyone so happy to be rid of Tiberius they welcome Gaius Caesar Germanicus and heap honors upon him. If he was sane before, it goes to his head and in a year he goes raving mad. He really or pretends to suffer a medical illness and awakens “a god on earth.” While rumors of his incest with his sister Drusilla might be slander, he was plenty bad in every other way.
• Phony invasion of Britain called back at the North Sea
• Execution of Germany legionary commanders including Lentulus Gaetulicus
• Execution of his heir Paullus Aemilius Lepidus
• Exile of his sisters Agrippina and Julia the Yngr
• Purge of the Senate
• Unlawfully took all the priesthoods
• Forces senatorial wives to work in a brothel to raise funds
• Condemns rich people to death just to get their $$
Finally Caligula was assassinated in Jan AD 41 by Cassius Chaerea, who tried to eliminate the imperial family and said he would restore the republic. The Senate meets and agrees to restore the Republic, but the Praetorian Guard chooses to elevate …
CLAUDIUS AD 41-54
Probably had cerebral palsy and was kept in background w/o hope of a political career Hope to be a professional historian (like Scipio Africanus’ son) and wrote (lost) accounts of Etruscans, R history - 43 BC. Claudius may have been part of the plot to assassinate Caligula, but circulated the story that he was discovered behind a curtain and made emperor against his will. Guards wanted an emperor, not a Republic. Claudius ascended and like Tiberius made a big effort to be Republican, but soon became tyrannical and capricious.
Half a year in, he accused his new father-in-law of treason and executed him. After that no one felt safe. Claudius formed a kitchen cabinet of his ex-slaves, Pallas, Narcissus, and Callistus. These ex-slaves ran the bureaucracy and had more power than most senators. Claudius’ attempts to include the Senate in every decision started out looking Republican, but now it looked like a trap he was setting each time.
In 42 L. Arruntius Camillus Scribonianus rebelled and a civil war broke out, but his troops deserted him. Later everyone regretted this.
In 44 Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain. His generals won and defeated Caractacus. Claudius came to personally watch, brought several major senators with him (lest they rebel in his absence), then went home.
Claudius’ wife Messallina acted up. She had several affairs, then plotted to overthrow him in 48, after she tired waiting for him to die. Her insurrection failed and the freedmen united forces to persuade Claudius to kill her. He may have been drunk, since he forgot that he had signed her execution warrant. When he realized what happened, he was genuinely heartbroken. Although at first determined to remain bachelor, he soon fished about for a new wife. He almost remarried Lollia Paulina, but instead married his niece Agrippin the Yngr after passing a law legalizing uncle-niece marriage. Agrippina at once moved to consolidate her power and the succession of Nero. Octavia’s fiancé was jilted, and Octavia was betrothed to Nero. Nero was adopted and Octavia was adopted out so she could marry her “brother.”
The decline:
Agrippina soon took over and boxed out Narcissus. Politically isolated, he had to tread gently because he had no allies. Callistus was dead, and Pallas was Agrippina’s favorite. Brittanicus and Octavia resented his role in Messallina’s execution. He failed to turn to Claudius’ oldest daughter, Antonia (maybe this was not possible), who had married first Pompey Magnus – and later Cornelius Sulla (maybe she had little influence). Finally he tried to win over Nero w/o Agrippina.
Claudius was totally left without family or allies. Too late he threatened to demote Nero for Brittanicus, so Agrippina struck and poisoned him with mushrooms (October 54). She locked Brittanicus in a closet and had visitors view Claudius’ corpse - “He is tired today” until an auspicious moment when she sent forth news that Nero had succeeded. Nero gave a speech written by Seneca and asked the Senate to declare Claudius a god (Pseudo-Seneca satire Pumkinification of Claudius). Later he called mushrooms the “food of the gods.”
NERO AD 54-68
Last Julio-Claudian emperor, had only one daughter who died in infancy. Several cousins were considered heirs but one by one Nero had them exiled and executed. He divorced Octavia for his lover Acte, but the crowd demanded her recall and he backed down, but later had Octavia accused of adultery to get rid of her.
• 5 golden years
• Escalation of tyranny
• Dabbling in the Arts
• Revolution AD 68
Nero succeeded allowed Seneca and Burrhus to run the Empire for 5 years. They found Agrippina a major hassle so they had her clipped. When she struck back they realized she had to be eliminated. Nero ignored Octavia and loved a slave, Acte. Drama between N, A, and Agrippina. When Agr threatened to restore Claudius’ children, Nero had Brittanicus poisoned and moved to remove Agr, but she survived 3 assassination attempts. Finally someone killed her with a sword.
Burrhus died and Seneca pleaded to retire, fearing Nero’s tyranny. He had once dreamed Nero was Caligula. Soon after Nero took over and appointed Tigellinus. Nero divorced Octavia for Poppeia Sabina (Pseudo-Seneca play Octavia).
Nero turned to art, especially singing. He got trainers and entered many contests, esp. in Naples and always was thrilled when he “won.” Later he created an Olympics festival called the Neronia in AD 66 and won lots of awards. He refused to return to Rome during the crisis and had to be dragged back by courtiers.
One thing he did right – the Great Fire in AD 64. Nero opened emergency relief to all from gvt coffers, and hunted down the culprits. Fire probably set by a cult of monotheist Branch Dividian types “flood last time, fire the next time.”
Nero and most Romans could not distinguish one monotheist from another, so many innocent Christians were punished for the crime of a few. Nasty persecution followed.
The rebellion – Vindex in Gaul rebelled in Spr 68 and denounced Nero. He asked Galba to chair the rebellion. They brought Fr, Spain, and Portugal (under Otho) into rebellion when the German legions under Verginius Rufus moved on Vindex. They met at Besançon (Vesontio) where Vindex wanted to confer with Verginius, but the legions massacred Vindex’s rebels. Vindex committed suicide. Galba fulfilled several prophecies that made Nero scared. Galba and Nero simultaneously panicked, but news came from Rome that the Senate had already declared Nero a public enemy and he fled. Then Nero lost heart and killed himself. Galba lost the battle and won the war.
GALBA emperor AD 68-69 - too strict and miserly. Judged capax imperii nisi regerit. Killed in a coup by Otho when he failed to adopt him on 15 Jan.
OTHO 69 - emperor for only 3 months. Poppea’s second husband, offered to marry Nero’s last wife, but lost the civil war and committed suicide after 90 days of rule.
VITELLIUS 69 – rebelled against Galba on 1 Jan and then learned Otho was in charge. His army invaded Italy and won Bedriacum after which he marched on Rome. His reputation was destroyed by his enemies who won the war in winter for Vespasian.
VESPASIAN 69-79
TITUS 79-81
DOMITIAN 81-96
5 good Emperors
Nerva
Trajan
Hadrian
Antoninus Pius
Marcus Aurelius
Sunday, December 2, 2007
QUIZ HAS BEEN MOVED TO WEDS
QUIZ HAS BEEN MOVED TO WEDS - but material in class on Monay not on
quiz
Topics covered everything since the midterm to death of Augustus
(11/28)
Big three areas: Sulla and his reforms
Julius, the origins of Civil War, and the war &
aftermath
The Second triumvirate and Augustus
readings: Cassius Dio, Velleius, Suet. _Div Jul._ _Augustus_ and
Catullus poems
I encourage students to read for the quiz. I am toying with the idea
of
analyze either of 2 reading passages on the quiz.
quiz
Topics covered everything since the midterm to death of Augustus
(11/28)
Big three areas: Sulla and his reforms
Julius, the origins of Civil War, and the war &
aftermath
The Second triumvirate and Augustus
readings: Cassius Dio, Velleius, Suet. _Div Jul._ _Augustus_ and
Catullus poems
I encourage students to read for the quiz. I am toying with the idea
of
analyze either of 2 reading passages on the quiz.
The Era of the Second Triumvirate 44-31 BC
The Era of the Second Triumvirate 44-31 BC
Key figures:
Caesarians Republicans
M. Antony (cos. 44, 34, 31), Triumvir augur M. Junius Brutus (pr. 44) pontifex
M. Aemilius Lepidus (cos. 46, 42), Triumvir, Dec. Junius Brutus (cos. des. 42)
Pont. Max. C. Cassius Longinus (pr. 44) augur
C. Julius Caesar Octavian (cos. 43, 34, 32, 31-23)
Triumvir, augur and pontifex Sex. Pompey (cos. des. 35)
A. Hirtius, C. Vibius Pansa coss 43, died in office
Republicans who joined Antony after Philippi (both later defected to Caesar)
L. Domitius Ahenobarbus (cos. 32) pontifex
M. Valerius Messalla Corvinus (cos.31) supernumerary augur defended fighting for Brutus at Philippi: “Caesar, I have always taken the more just and more honorable side!”
Antony’s other men
P. Ventidius (suf. 43)
L. Munatius Plancus (cos. 42), augur? Later joined Caesar
L. Antonius (cos. 41) waged war on Caesar 41-40, pardoned
C. Asinius Pollio (cos. 40), augur? Later stayed neutral
M. Cocceius Nerva (cos. 36), brokered Pact of Brundisium
C. Sosius (cos. 32), pontifex
Caesar’s men
• M. Vipsanius Agrippa (cos. 37, 28, 27), VIIvir later entered top 3 colleges also,
commanded at Mylae, Naulochus, Spain, Actium, the East
• T. Statilius Taurus (cos. 37. 26), augur and a second priesthood
commanded in Africa, Sicily, Actium, Piedmont
• L. Arruntius (cos. 23), VIIvir, commanded at Actium
• Sex. Appuleius (cos. 29), Flamen Iulialis, augur, commanded in Asia (?)
• C. Cilnius Maecenas, equestrian, administered Italy
• C. Sallust Crispus Yngr, equestrian, administered Italy
TIMETABLE
44 Ides of March: Julius assassinated, in a deal Antony as surviving consul agrees not to punish assassins, but all of J’s reforms enacted. At J’s funeral, Antony denounces the assassins (Shakespeare), drives them from Rome, and seizes power.
late Spring: Octavius arrives in and demands his inheritance. Antony stonewalls. Under pressure from Senate, he reluctantly holds an election to fill empty consulship and then bribes the hostile winner, P. Cornelius Dollabella, to depart in pursuit of Cassius.
Fall: Antony’s misgovernance provokes Cicero’s Philippics, Senatorial opposition; adoption of Octavius ratified; Antony illegally appoints self governor of Cisalpine Gaul and departs to expel Dec. Brutus (Dec. 44).
43 Hirtius and Pansa consuls, set out to relieve Dec. Brutus in Mutina vs. Antony. With them is the adopted C. Julius Caesar Octavianus as a pro-praetor, they defeat Antony but fall. Caesar demands consulship, is refused, so he joins forces with Antony and his host Lepidus. Plancus and Pollio fail to intercept Lepidus and Antony who march on Rome.
August – Caesar and his cousin Pedius “elected” consuls, begin Proscription, formal start of Second Triumvirate,
Nov. Pedius dies, Caesar resigns. $$ rolls in. New consuls for 2 months
42 War of Philippi vs Brutus and Cassius ends in victory; Antony as the hero chooses to administer East and punish enemies of 2T incl. Egypt; Caesar returns to Italy to settle land for the veterans (unpopular). Confiscations.
41 L. Antony defends the deprived: Perusine War (Fulvia, Plancus, Pollio, L. Antony vs Caesar, Agrippa, Taurus).
40 M. Antony arrives too late, is barred entry at Tarrentum, but comes to terms in Pact of Brundisium. Octavia = Antony. Caesar turns on Sex. Pompey, but is defeated.
39 In Pact of Tarrentum, 2T and Sex. P come to terms, he is reinstated, given a future consulship, a priesthood, and his Republican allies are pardoned. Antony returns East.
38 Caesar seizes Sardinia, renews war with Sex. P, after a defeat he summons Agrippa
37 Antony in the East. Cleopatra
36 Agrippa’s navy defeats Sex. P at Mylae (draw), Naulochus. Sex. P flees east., Lepidus’ gamble for power fails, he is deposed.
35 M. Titius executes Sex. P. Antony plans Parthian invasian
34 Parthian debacle
33 Donations of Alexandria, 2T expires on 31 Dec. Caesar relinquishes titles.
32 Sosius and Domitius consuls, attack Caesar in Senate, S & D flee Rome to A, War declared on Cleopatra, S & D deposed, repl by MVM and CCC
31 Antony deposed and replaced by MVMC, war of Actium 2 Sept. the battle
30 Caesar takes Egypt, Antony commits suicide 1 Sept. Cleopatra later.
29 Caesar and Sex. Appuleius consuls
28-27 Caesar and Agrippa consuls for 2 years, in 27 new Constitution announced, LMP suggests title Augustus, his resignation rejected for a power share with the Senate
27-AD 14 reign of Augustus –
Pax Romana
Senatorial reform incl. reduction from 900 to 550 senators
Provinces divided into 2 camps – Senatorial and Imperial
Foreign expansion replaces Civil War
consular elections soon restored (22) until Tiberius (AD 15)
Numerous triumphs in 20s, after 18 no one outside Imperial Family wins one
Expansion of religious colleges by several seats
Uneasy handling of succession issue
Key figures:
Caesarians Republicans
M. Antony (cos. 44, 34, 31), Triumvir augur M. Junius Brutus (pr. 44) pontifex
M. Aemilius Lepidus (cos. 46, 42), Triumvir, Dec. Junius Brutus (cos. des. 42)
Pont. Max. C. Cassius Longinus (pr. 44) augur
C. Julius Caesar Octavian (cos. 43, 34, 32, 31-23)
Triumvir, augur and pontifex Sex. Pompey (cos. des. 35)
A. Hirtius, C. Vibius Pansa coss 43, died in office
Republicans who joined Antony after Philippi (both later defected to Caesar)
L. Domitius Ahenobarbus (cos. 32) pontifex
M. Valerius Messalla Corvinus (cos.31) supernumerary augur defended fighting for Brutus at Philippi: “Caesar, I have always taken the more just and more honorable side!”
Antony’s other men
P. Ventidius (suf. 43)
L. Munatius Plancus (cos. 42), augur? Later joined Caesar
L. Antonius (cos. 41) waged war on Caesar 41-40, pardoned
C. Asinius Pollio (cos. 40), augur? Later stayed neutral
M. Cocceius Nerva (cos. 36), brokered Pact of Brundisium
C. Sosius (cos. 32), pontifex
Caesar’s men
• M. Vipsanius Agrippa (cos. 37, 28, 27), VIIvir later entered top 3 colleges also,
commanded at Mylae, Naulochus, Spain, Actium, the East
• T. Statilius Taurus (cos. 37. 26), augur and a second priesthood
commanded in Africa, Sicily, Actium, Piedmont
• L. Arruntius (cos. 23), VIIvir, commanded at Actium
• Sex. Appuleius (cos. 29), Flamen Iulialis, augur, commanded in Asia (?)
• C. Cilnius Maecenas, equestrian, administered Italy
• C. Sallust Crispus Yngr, equestrian, administered Italy
TIMETABLE
44 Ides of March: Julius assassinated, in a deal Antony as surviving consul agrees not to punish assassins, but all of J’s reforms enacted. At J’s funeral, Antony denounces the assassins (Shakespeare), drives them from Rome, and seizes power.
late Spring: Octavius arrives in and demands his inheritance. Antony stonewalls. Under pressure from Senate, he reluctantly holds an election to fill empty consulship and then bribes the hostile winner, P. Cornelius Dollabella, to depart in pursuit of Cassius.
Fall: Antony’s misgovernance provokes Cicero’s Philippics, Senatorial opposition; adoption of Octavius ratified; Antony illegally appoints self governor of Cisalpine Gaul and departs to expel Dec. Brutus (Dec. 44).
43 Hirtius and Pansa consuls, set out to relieve Dec. Brutus in Mutina vs. Antony. With them is the adopted C. Julius Caesar Octavianus as a pro-praetor, they defeat Antony but fall. Caesar demands consulship, is refused, so he joins forces with Antony and his host Lepidus. Plancus and Pollio fail to intercept Lepidus and Antony who march on Rome.
August – Caesar and his cousin Pedius “elected” consuls, begin Proscription, formal start of Second Triumvirate,
Nov. Pedius dies, Caesar resigns. $$ rolls in. New consuls for 2 months
42 War of Philippi vs Brutus and Cassius ends in victory; Antony as the hero chooses to administer East and punish enemies of 2T incl. Egypt; Caesar returns to Italy to settle land for the veterans (unpopular). Confiscations.
41 L. Antony defends the deprived: Perusine War (Fulvia, Plancus, Pollio, L. Antony vs Caesar, Agrippa, Taurus).
40 M. Antony arrives too late, is barred entry at Tarrentum, but comes to terms in Pact of Brundisium. Octavia = Antony. Caesar turns on Sex. Pompey, but is defeated.
39 In Pact of Tarrentum, 2T and Sex. P come to terms, he is reinstated, given a future consulship, a priesthood, and his Republican allies are pardoned. Antony returns East.
38 Caesar seizes Sardinia, renews war with Sex. P, after a defeat he summons Agrippa
37 Antony in the East. Cleopatra
36 Agrippa’s navy defeats Sex. P at Mylae (draw), Naulochus. Sex. P flees east., Lepidus’ gamble for power fails, he is deposed.
35 M. Titius executes Sex. P. Antony plans Parthian invasian
34 Parthian debacle
33 Donations of Alexandria, 2T expires on 31 Dec. Caesar relinquishes titles.
32 Sosius and Domitius consuls, attack Caesar in Senate, S & D flee Rome to A, War declared on Cleopatra, S & D deposed, repl by MVM and CCC
31 Antony deposed and replaced by MVMC, war of Actium 2 Sept. the battle
30 Caesar takes Egypt, Antony commits suicide 1 Sept. Cleopatra later.
29 Caesar and Sex. Appuleius consuls
28-27 Caesar and Agrippa consuls for 2 years, in 27 new Constitution announced, LMP suggests title Augustus, his resignation rejected for a power share with the Senate
27-AD 14 reign of Augustus –
Pax Romana
Senatorial reform incl. reduction from 900 to 550 senators
Provinces divided into 2 camps – Senatorial and Imperial
Foreign expansion replaces Civil War
consular elections soon restored (22) until Tiberius (AD 15)
Numerous triumphs in 20s, after 18 no one outside Imperial Family wins one
Expansion of religious colleges by several seats
Uneasy handling of succession issue
Reign of Augustus
(unofficial) Reign of Augustus 27- AD 14
sources: Cassius Dio 49-56;
Suet. Augustus (and early Tiberius),
Tac. Annals 1
Velleius Paterculus 1.80 ff
Stemma (Family tree) of Juli-Claudians 25 BC-AD 10
____________________________________________
| | |
Julius Caesar dictator Julia = M. Attius Balbus Julia
\ | |
\ Atia = Octavius = Ancharia Q Pedius
\ __________|________________________________________
1 \ | 2 1 | |
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero ANTONY = Octavia = CCM Octavia
| \ \ _____|___________ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* /\ TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcellus Sex. Appuleius
| / \ | __________|_______________
| / \ Drusus Yngr = Livilla | CLAUDIUS
_______|___/______\________________________ |
| | / \ | | |
Julia Gaius Lucius Postumus Agrippina Elder = Germanicus
29 New Constitution divides provinces and some imperial powers
23 Anger at his monopoly of 1 consulship leads Augustus to resign and accept tribunicia potestas instead. He dates his power on coins from 23. Turbulent elections follow. Promotion of Marcellus, Agrippa miffed, goes to Lesbos, Marcellus dies mysteriously
22-21 Aug tries to cope w/o Agrippa, MVMC but can not, recalls Agrippa, Agr = Julia
18 renewal of tp, and Agrippa receives it also (start of Agrippa’s escalation)
17 After the birth of Lucius, Augustus adopts both Gaius and Lucius and raises them
16 Domestic problems and a German invasion compel Aug to leave R for 3 years
13 Triumphal return, Aug refuses a triumph, celebrates Pax, Ara Pacis begun
12 Agrippa dies in March, provinces rebel, Drusus and Tiberius sent to suppress
9 Drusus as consul, dies in Germany, national mourning
7 Triumph and 2nd consulship of Tiberius
4 Elevation of Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius miffed, retires to Rhodes
2 Conspiracy of Iullus Antony, exile of Julia to Pandateria
1 Gaius sent out to fight in Parthia
AD 2 Lucius dies in Massilia mysteriously, Tib recalled
AD 4 Gaius dies mysteriously, Aug adopts Tiberius and Postumus, T adopts Germanicus
AD 4-6 Tiberius conquers Germany, Illyria revolts in 6,
AD 8 Julia the Yngr exiled for adultery
AD 9 Teutoberger Wald - three legions lost, but German invasion dissipates
AD 12 Postumus exiled,
AD 13 Tiberius receives TPand authority, power equal to Augustus
AD 14 Augustus dies in August, is made a god by the Senate (WHY?) Postumus executed at once, Tiberius summons Senate and is offered the same leadership Augustus held. He feigns disinterest, but then snaps when others offer to take him seriously.
Legacy of Augustus:
“I found Rome a city of brick and mud and left her a city of marble”
New unofficial imperial system of monarchy for 100 yrs
Greatly increased prosperity of empire
End of Civil wars for 75 (100) yrs
Quality of life greatly improves, including literacy
Romanization of Empire doubles pace
Considerable freedom for a secret police state
Drawbacks –
Return to Mos Maiorum was a return to archaic religion, step back in time
Secret police state with escalated censorship in last decade
Wealth acquired on backs of untold 100,000s of new slaves
Set in path a monarchy that corrupted absolutely under Caligula, Nero
Tiberius (42 – AD 37), r. AD 14-37
Son of Livia and Ti.Claudius Nero (pr.42). Survived a perilous infancy and perhaps unhappy childhood. Parents divorced right before his brother Drusus was born and as per Roman law he was raised in his father’s house until the death of Ti. Nero. After this he was raised by his mother (not common R practice). Augustus apparently tolerated his step-sons. At a very young age Tiberius was the leader of the gens Claudia.
Tiberius married Vipsania Minor, daughter of Agrippa, ca. 24 at about the same time PQVarus married Vipsania Maior. He served under Agrippa and received several prestigious honors under Augustus including the right to hold office under legal age. In political terms he tied his wagon to Agrippa’s star.
In 13 he served as consul with PQV to celebrate the return of Augustus and Agrippa in a lavish ceremony that included the constitutio of the Ara Pacis and probably the closing of the Gates of Janus. Tiberius could look ahead at age 29 to a long career of gvt service at the side of his father-in-law incl. multiple governorships, vast wealth, and the consulship for his son(s).
Suddenly Agrippa died in 12 and his fortune became both brighter and more risky. Livia and Augustus forced him to divorce the beloved Vipsania (who miscarried over it) in order to marry Julia. It turned out this new marriage was not so that Tiberius could assume Agrippa’s position as second princeps, but just to keep the seat warm for Agrippa’s (biological) sons, whom Augustus had adopted in 17. Tiberius was miserable, and after his son by Julia died he ceased to cohabitate with Julia.
Happier on the battlefield, he and Drusus invaded Austria in 11 and conquered new territory for Rome. But in 10 Drusus was injured when his horse fell upon him and died of gangrene. Tiberius rushed 200 miles in 24 hours (Val Max) to reach Drusus before he died. He brought the body back to Italy where Drusus was laid in the Mausoleum of the Iulii after 30 funerals in every major town from Milan to Rome.
Tiberius returned to the field and waged war in Germany on and off until 6. Then he saw Gaius Caesar coming of age and insisted on leaving for Rhodes. Augustus was put out at his departure and late refused to allow him to return.
In Tiberius’ absence Augustus probably relied upon Iullus Antonius for administrative work. Perhaps Iullus got mad at being used (?) because he conspired against Augustus in 2, and his adulterous affair with Julia was exposed. Iullus committed suicide. Augustus divorced Julia from Tiberius and despite Tiberius’ protests, she was exiled to a small island. Tiberius was now allowed to return in AD 2 as a private citizen.
After Lucius and Gaius died (AD 2, 4) Tiberius was reinstated and adopted with Agrippa Postumus by Augustus. But Augustus forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus, the older nephew, thus Tiberius had to relinquish his position as leading Claudius – to his younger nephew CLAUDIUS. Tiberius again was sent to war in Germany and Illyria, and back to Germany after his appointee, PQV lost 3 legions at Teutoberger Wald.
Tiberius becomes the second princeps and has a hand in most important policy decisions (thanks to his mother), especially after the exile of Postumus (AD 10 or so).
Tiberius takes over as in AD 14, but in a show of Republican modesty, pretends to refuse the opportunity. This provokes a challenge and he has to take a stern hand to prevent a show of weakness (Asinius Gallus gets it in the end). At first tries to be Republican, not autocratic, but relations with the Senate strain.
Germanicus sent to Germany to avenge Teutoberger Wald, but he tries to reconquer Germany. See Tacitus Annals 2. Tiberius recalls him in 17 because of the $$, but in fact the reconquest of Germany would be far less expensive than facing future hordes of Germans. Germanicus given a second consulship and sent East, where he dies mysteriously, provoking charges that Tiberius had Cn. Calpurnius Piso poison G.
Tiberius makes no display of emotion at G’s death, but allows his son Drusus the Younger to become junior emperor – until Drusus dies (poisoned by his wife) in AD 23. Tiberius forced to turn to his chief minister, L. Aelius Sejanus to run the Empire.
Sejanus runs the Guard and other functions. He plots to marry Livilla and take over the Empire, so he discredits and imprisons Germanicus’ sons and widow. But he is discovered by Antonia Minor and exposed, AD 29. A purge follows in which all Sejanus’ allies are executed.
Tiberius turns savage. He retires to Capri and runs the Empire despotically. He chooses to leave the Empire to both Gaius “Caligula” and Tiberius Julius “Gemellus,” but Gemellus is too young. Tiberius succumbs (possibly murdered by Caligula) in March 37 to the relief of the people who want to throw him in the Tiber River. Senate grants him no honors.
CALIGULA AND CLAUDIUS
AD 37-41 CALIGULA
everyone so happy to be rid of Tiberius they welcome Gaius Caesar Germanicus and heap honors upon him. If he was sane before, it goes to his head and in a year he goes raving mad. He really or pretends to suffer a medical illness and awakens “a god on earth.” While rumors of his incest with his sister Drusilla might be slander, he was plenty bad in every other way.
• Phony invasion of Britain called back at the North Sea
• Execution of Germany legionary commanders including Lentulus Gaetulicus
• Execution of his heir Paullus Aemilius Lepidus
• Exile of his sisters Agrippina and Julia the Yngr
• Purge of the Senate
• Unlawfully took all the priesthoods
• Forces senatorial wives to work in a brothel to raise funds
• Condemns rich people to death just to get their $$
Finally Caligula was assassinated in Jan AD 41 by Cassius Chaerea, who tried to eliminate the imperial family and said he would restore the republic. The Senate meets and agrees to restore the Republic, but the Praetorian Guard chooses to elevate …
CLAUDIUS AD 41-54
Probably had cerebral palsy and was kept in background. Hope to be a professional historian and wrote lost accounts of Etruscans, R history -43 BC. Claudius may have been part of the plot to assassinate Caligula, but made public a story of discovery behind a curtain. Guards wanted an emperor, not a Republic. Claudius ascended and like Tiberius made a big effort to be Republican, but
sources: Cassius Dio 49-56;
Suet. Augustus (and early Tiberius),
Tac. Annals 1
Velleius Paterculus 1.80 ff
Stemma (Family tree) of Juli-Claudians 25 BC-AD 10
____________________________________________
| | |
Julius Caesar dictator Julia = M. Attius Balbus Julia
\ | |
\ Atia = Octavius = Ancharia Q Pedius
\ __________|________________________________________
1 \ | 2 1 | |
Scribonia = AUGUSTUS = Livia = Ti. Nero ANTONY = Octavia = CCM Octavia
| \ \ _____|___________ | | |
Agrippa = Julia* /\ TIBERIUS Drusus = Antonia Marcellus Sex. Appuleius
| / \ | __________|_______________
| / \ Drusus Yngr = Livilla | CLAUDIUS
_______|___/______\________________________ |
| | / \ | | |
Julia Gaius Lucius Postumus Agrippina Elder = Germanicus
29 New Constitution divides provinces and some imperial powers
23 Anger at his monopoly of 1 consulship leads Augustus to resign and accept tribunicia potestas instead. He dates his power on coins from 23. Turbulent elections follow. Promotion of Marcellus, Agrippa miffed, goes to Lesbos, Marcellus dies mysteriously
22-21 Aug tries to cope w/o Agrippa, MVMC but can not, recalls Agrippa, Agr = Julia
18 renewal of tp, and Agrippa receives it also (start of Agrippa’s escalation)
17 After the birth of Lucius, Augustus adopts both Gaius and Lucius and raises them
16 Domestic problems and a German invasion compel Aug to leave R for 3 years
13 Triumphal return, Aug refuses a triumph, celebrates Pax, Ara Pacis begun
12 Agrippa dies in March, provinces rebel, Drusus and Tiberius sent to suppress
9 Drusus as consul, dies in Germany, national mourning
7 Triumph and 2nd consulship of Tiberius
4 Elevation of Gaius and Lucius, Tiberius miffed, retires to Rhodes
2 Conspiracy of Iullus Antony, exile of Julia to Pandateria
1 Gaius sent out to fight in Parthia
AD 2 Lucius dies in Massilia mysteriously, Tib recalled
AD 4 Gaius dies mysteriously, Aug adopts Tiberius and Postumus, T adopts Germanicus
AD 4-6 Tiberius conquers Germany, Illyria revolts in 6,
AD 8 Julia the Yngr exiled for adultery
AD 9 Teutoberger Wald - three legions lost, but German invasion dissipates
AD 12 Postumus exiled,
AD 13 Tiberius receives TPand authority, power equal to Augustus
AD 14 Augustus dies in August, is made a god by the Senate (WHY?) Postumus executed at once, Tiberius summons Senate and is offered the same leadership Augustus held. He feigns disinterest, but then snaps when others offer to take him seriously.
Legacy of Augustus:
“I found Rome a city of brick and mud and left her a city of marble”
New unofficial imperial system of monarchy for 100 yrs
Greatly increased prosperity of empire
End of Civil wars for 75 (100) yrs
Quality of life greatly improves, including literacy
Romanization of Empire doubles pace
Considerable freedom for a secret police state
Drawbacks –
Return to Mos Maiorum was a return to archaic religion, step back in time
Secret police state with escalated censorship in last decade
Wealth acquired on backs of untold 100,000s of new slaves
Set in path a monarchy that corrupted absolutely under Caligula, Nero
Tiberius (42 – AD 37), r. AD 14-37
Son of Livia and Ti.Claudius Nero (pr.42). Survived a perilous infancy and perhaps unhappy childhood. Parents divorced right before his brother Drusus was born and as per Roman law he was raised in his father’s house until the death of Ti. Nero. After this he was raised by his mother (not common R practice). Augustus apparently tolerated his step-sons. At a very young age Tiberius was the leader of the gens Claudia.
Tiberius married Vipsania Minor, daughter of Agrippa, ca. 24 at about the same time PQVarus married Vipsania Maior. He served under Agrippa and received several prestigious honors under Augustus including the right to hold office under legal age. In political terms he tied his wagon to Agrippa’s star.
In 13 he served as consul with PQV to celebrate the return of Augustus and Agrippa in a lavish ceremony that included the constitutio of the Ara Pacis and probably the closing of the Gates of Janus. Tiberius could look ahead at age 29 to a long career of gvt service at the side of his father-in-law incl. multiple governorships, vast wealth, and the consulship for his son(s).
Suddenly Agrippa died in 12 and his fortune became both brighter and more risky. Livia and Augustus forced him to divorce the beloved Vipsania (who miscarried over it) in order to marry Julia. It turned out this new marriage was not so that Tiberius could assume Agrippa’s position as second princeps, but just to keep the seat warm for Agrippa’s (biological) sons, whom Augustus had adopted in 17. Tiberius was miserable, and after his son by Julia died he ceased to cohabitate with Julia.
Happier on the battlefield, he and Drusus invaded Austria in 11 and conquered new territory for Rome. But in 10 Drusus was injured when his horse fell upon him and died of gangrene. Tiberius rushed 200 miles in 24 hours (Val Max) to reach Drusus before he died. He brought the body back to Italy where Drusus was laid in the Mausoleum of the Iulii after 30 funerals in every major town from Milan to Rome.
Tiberius returned to the field and waged war in Germany on and off until 6. Then he saw Gaius Caesar coming of age and insisted on leaving for Rhodes. Augustus was put out at his departure and late refused to allow him to return.
In Tiberius’ absence Augustus probably relied upon Iullus Antonius for administrative work. Perhaps Iullus got mad at being used (?) because he conspired against Augustus in 2, and his adulterous affair with Julia was exposed. Iullus committed suicide. Augustus divorced Julia from Tiberius and despite Tiberius’ protests, she was exiled to a small island. Tiberius was now allowed to return in AD 2 as a private citizen.
After Lucius and Gaius died (AD 2, 4) Tiberius was reinstated and adopted with Agrippa Postumus by Augustus. But Augustus forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus, the older nephew, thus Tiberius had to relinquish his position as leading Claudius – to his younger nephew CLAUDIUS. Tiberius again was sent to war in Germany and Illyria, and back to Germany after his appointee, PQV lost 3 legions at Teutoberger Wald.
Tiberius becomes the second princeps and has a hand in most important policy decisions (thanks to his mother), especially after the exile of Postumus (AD 10 or so).
Tiberius takes over as in AD 14, but in a show of Republican modesty, pretends to refuse the opportunity. This provokes a challenge and he has to take a stern hand to prevent a show of weakness (Asinius Gallus gets it in the end). At first tries to be Republican, not autocratic, but relations with the Senate strain.
Germanicus sent to Germany to avenge Teutoberger Wald, but he tries to reconquer Germany. See Tacitus Annals 2. Tiberius recalls him in 17 because of the $$, but in fact the reconquest of Germany would be far less expensive than facing future hordes of Germans. Germanicus given a second consulship and sent East, where he dies mysteriously, provoking charges that Tiberius had Cn. Calpurnius Piso poison G.
Tiberius makes no display of emotion at G’s death, but allows his son Drusus the Younger to become junior emperor – until Drusus dies (poisoned by his wife) in AD 23. Tiberius forced to turn to his chief minister, L. Aelius Sejanus to run the Empire.
Sejanus runs the Guard and other functions. He plots to marry Livilla and take over the Empire, so he discredits and imprisons Germanicus’ sons and widow. But he is discovered by Antonia Minor and exposed, AD 29. A purge follows in which all Sejanus’ allies are executed.
Tiberius turns savage. He retires to Capri and runs the Empire despotically. He chooses to leave the Empire to both Gaius “Caligula” and Tiberius Julius “Gemellus,” but Gemellus is too young. Tiberius succumbs (possibly murdered by Caligula) in March 37 to the relief of the people who want to throw him in the Tiber River. Senate grants him no honors.
CALIGULA AND CLAUDIUS
AD 37-41 CALIGULA
everyone so happy to be rid of Tiberius they welcome Gaius Caesar Germanicus and heap honors upon him. If he was sane before, it goes to his head and in a year he goes raving mad. He really or pretends to suffer a medical illness and awakens “a god on earth.” While rumors of his incest with his sister Drusilla might be slander, he was plenty bad in every other way.
• Phony invasion of Britain called back at the North Sea
• Execution of Germany legionary commanders including Lentulus Gaetulicus
• Execution of his heir Paullus Aemilius Lepidus
• Exile of his sisters Agrippina and Julia the Yngr
• Purge of the Senate
• Unlawfully took all the priesthoods
• Forces senatorial wives to work in a brothel to raise funds
• Condemns rich people to death just to get their $$
Finally Caligula was assassinated in Jan AD 41 by Cassius Chaerea, who tried to eliminate the imperial family and said he would restore the republic. The Senate meets and agrees to restore the Republic, but the Praetorian Guard chooses to elevate …
CLAUDIUS AD 41-54
Probably had cerebral palsy and was kept in background. Hope to be a professional historian and wrote lost accounts of Etruscans, R history -43 BC. Claudius may have been part of the plot to assassinate Caligula, but made public a story of discovery behind a curtain. Guards wanted an emperor, not a Republic. Claudius ascended and like Tiberius made a big effort to be Republican, but
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Fall of the Roman Republic
Fall of the Roman Republic:
Myths and theories
Following Sulla a decade of aristocratic control with unsuccessful challenge by Q. Aemilius Lepidus (cos. 78). Conflict in the East leads to a big aggrandizement of Roman territory under Pompey and Lucullus in 70s and 60s. But after defeating Spartacus, Crassus and Pompey serve as consuls together in 70 and undo Sulla’s cap on the tribunate.
The 60s see Cicero’s rise to the consulship in 63 (in suo anno) and his discovery of a revolutionary plot to overthrow the Republic. Cicero foils Catiline and is proclaimed pater patriae, but his life goal of a harmony of the orders never gains fruition and his own head is put at risk for the execution of citizens w/o trial. Cicero went into exile in 58, though recalled. Simultaneously, Julius starts his rise and wins popularity as aedile and military glory as praetor. In either 60 or 59 he forms First Triumvirate with P & Cr and gives his daughter Julia to Pompey in marriage.
The early 50s
Julius acquires the consulship in 59 (in suo anno) and proposes a vast legislative reform program, partly blocked by the Bibulus and the Old Guard, consulship of Julius and Caesar. To avoid prosecution Julius rigs a province for himself so he can enjoy immunity. This governorship is extended to 5 years and the Senate gives him two more provinces to keep him busy. Friendly consuls elected for 58 and 57 to help protect interests of FT. But hostile forces nearly break up P & Cr until Julius renews the FT at Lucca in 56 and P&C win election for second joint consulship in 55, defeating Cato’s bro-in-law LDA.
The conquest of Gaul matched with 2 invasions of Britain (Comm. De Bel Gal).
The late 50s
P & C renew J’s governorships for 5 years; give selves provinces of Spain and Syria. LDA gets consulship of 54 with the optimatis App. Claudius Pulcher, but has limited success against FT until the exit of Cr. Cr launches illegal war on Parthia in Carrhae disaster in 53, loses his son, his pride, his life. Popular but inaccurate view: Crassus was glue that held FT together, w/o him it broke.
53/52 represents a dramatic change in politics:
1. Cr’s wealth no longer a factor in elections
2. LDA now able to elect some anti-FT consulars: App CP, MVMR (53), and 51-49.
3. Cr’s daughter-in-law Cornelia ultimately weds P and drags him away from J.
4. Coalition of Cato, QCMPS, LDA, Claudii tighten ranks against J
5. Unpredictable conduct of tribune Scribonius Curio
Civil disruption prevents peaceful election for 53, but LDC and MVMR eventually seated as consuls in Feb.
52 all hell breaks loose. The consuls designate are convicted of bribery and lose their seats (L. Plautius Hypsaeus and T Annius Milo). Murder of Clodius by Milo (battle of Bodivilla) followed by a funeral at which the Curia set on fire. At end the optimates agree to give P a sole consulship and he adds his father-in-law QCMPS as a colleague half way through. Milo tried and exiled, despite Cicero.
Efforts in 51 to recall J fail, since P still defends his ally.
Efforts in 50 renewed with more success because P forced to commit himself in a slip.
49 J recalled (illegally) and LDA appointed to succeed him. J crosses Rubicon and makes war on Senate.
The Civil War:
Julius storms Italy in Jan 49 and the Senate first appoints P as CEO, then flees Rome (Napoleon condemns this). J captures LDA at Corfinum, releases him, takes R, chases P to Brundisium , but P escapes. After securing Italy, J turns W to conquer Spain. A largely bloodless victory in which he starves Afranius into surrender.
48 J consul II with PSV, food shortage in Italy caused by the Republicans, J invades Greece and nearly loses all at Dyrrhachium, but wins Pharsalus. LDA executed. P flees to Egypt and is slain (Vergil on the headless trunk of Priam). J follows to Egypt, meets Cleopatra, Alexandrine War.
47 Q Fufius Calenus and Vatinius consuls, J wins Zela (I came, I saw, I conquered) and returns to Italy. Prepares for war in Africa vs Cato.
46 Julius III, Lepidus consuls, invasion of Africa and close call at Thapsus. Cato suicide, QCMPS flees, drowns. J returns to Italy.
45 Julius IV, QFM consuls, Sons of Pompey raise an army in Spain, Munda. J holds a triple triumph over Africa (Juba), Spain (from 60), Pharnaces – but angers many. Caninius Rebillus a one-day consul.
44 Julius V M Antony, J made dictator perpatuus in Feb, assassinated on 3/15.
Theories:
1. Competitive system doomed to create warlords and one-man rule
2. Death of Crassus doomed a confrontation
3. Death of Julia doomed a confrontation
4. System collapsed due to an unpredictable set of personalities
5. Many conflicts in play: Italian vs Roman, Optimate vs Popularis, debtors vs creditors, provincials vs peninsulares, wealth as a changing factor
6. Civil War really a temporary aberration, just as was Marius, Sulla, but Antony and Caesar Octavian followed instead of Republicans.
The consuls and partisanship:
Bold = pro-J,P Italics = anti underline is ambiguous
60 Pupius Piso, M. Val. Messalla Niger
59 Julius, M Calpurnius Bibulus
58 L. Calp Piso, A Gabinius
57 Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, Q Caecilius Metellus Nepos
56 L Marcius Philippus, Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus
55 Cr II and P II
54 App. Claudius Pulcher, L. Domitius Ahenobarbus
53 Domitius Calvinus, M Val Messalla Rufus
52 (Milo and Plautius Hypsaeus) Pompey III, QCMPS
51 P Sulpicius Rufus, M. Claudius Marcellus
50 L. Aemilius Paullus, C. Claudius Marcellus
49 C Claudius Marcellus, L.Cornelius Lentulus Crus
48 J II, P Sevilisu Vatia Isauricus
Myths and theories
Following Sulla a decade of aristocratic control with unsuccessful challenge by Q. Aemilius Lepidus (cos. 78). Conflict in the East leads to a big aggrandizement of Roman territory under Pompey and Lucullus in 70s and 60s. But after defeating Spartacus, Crassus and Pompey serve as consuls together in 70 and undo Sulla’s cap on the tribunate.
The 60s see Cicero’s rise to the consulship in 63 (in suo anno) and his discovery of a revolutionary plot to overthrow the Republic. Cicero foils Catiline and is proclaimed pater patriae, but his life goal of a harmony of the orders never gains fruition and his own head is put at risk for the execution of citizens w/o trial. Cicero went into exile in 58, though recalled. Simultaneously, Julius starts his rise and wins popularity as aedile and military glory as praetor. In either 60 or 59 he forms First Triumvirate with P & Cr and gives his daughter Julia to Pompey in marriage.
The early 50s
Julius acquires the consulship in 59 (in suo anno) and proposes a vast legislative reform program, partly blocked by the Bibulus and the Old Guard, consulship of Julius and Caesar. To avoid prosecution Julius rigs a province for himself so he can enjoy immunity. This governorship is extended to 5 years and the Senate gives him two more provinces to keep him busy. Friendly consuls elected for 58 and 57 to help protect interests of FT. But hostile forces nearly break up P & Cr until Julius renews the FT at Lucca in 56 and P&C win election for second joint consulship in 55, defeating Cato’s bro-in-law LDA.
The conquest of Gaul matched with 2 invasions of Britain (Comm. De Bel Gal).
The late 50s
P & C renew J’s governorships for 5 years; give selves provinces of Spain and Syria. LDA gets consulship of 54 with the optimatis App. Claudius Pulcher, but has limited success against FT until the exit of Cr. Cr launches illegal war on Parthia in Carrhae disaster in 53, loses his son, his pride, his life. Popular but inaccurate view: Crassus was glue that held FT together, w/o him it broke.
53/52 represents a dramatic change in politics:
1. Cr’s wealth no longer a factor in elections
2. LDA now able to elect some anti-FT consulars: App CP, MVMR (53), and 51-49.
3. Cr’s daughter-in-law Cornelia ultimately weds P and drags him away from J.
4. Coalition of Cato, QCMPS, LDA, Claudii tighten ranks against J
5. Unpredictable conduct of tribune Scribonius Curio
Civil disruption prevents peaceful election for 53, but LDC and MVMR eventually seated as consuls in Feb.
52 all hell breaks loose. The consuls designate are convicted of bribery and lose their seats (L. Plautius Hypsaeus and T Annius Milo). Murder of Clodius by Milo (battle of Bodivilla) followed by a funeral at which the Curia set on fire. At end the optimates agree to give P a sole consulship and he adds his father-in-law QCMPS as a colleague half way through. Milo tried and exiled, despite Cicero.
Efforts in 51 to recall J fail, since P still defends his ally.
Efforts in 50 renewed with more success because P forced to commit himself in a slip.
49 J recalled (illegally) and LDA appointed to succeed him. J crosses Rubicon and makes war on Senate.
The Civil War:
Julius storms Italy in Jan 49 and the Senate first appoints P as CEO, then flees Rome (Napoleon condemns this). J captures LDA at Corfinum, releases him, takes R, chases P to Brundisium , but P escapes. After securing Italy, J turns W to conquer Spain. A largely bloodless victory in which he starves Afranius into surrender.
48 J consul II with PSV, food shortage in Italy caused by the Republicans, J invades Greece and nearly loses all at Dyrrhachium, but wins Pharsalus. LDA executed. P flees to Egypt and is slain (Vergil on the headless trunk of Priam). J follows to Egypt, meets Cleopatra, Alexandrine War.
47 Q Fufius Calenus and Vatinius consuls, J wins Zela (I came, I saw, I conquered) and returns to Italy. Prepares for war in Africa vs Cato.
46 Julius III, Lepidus consuls, invasion of Africa and close call at Thapsus. Cato suicide, QCMPS flees, drowns. J returns to Italy.
45 Julius IV, QFM consuls, Sons of Pompey raise an army in Spain, Munda. J holds a triple triumph over Africa (Juba), Spain (from 60), Pharnaces – but angers many. Caninius Rebillus a one-day consul.
44 Julius V M Antony, J made dictator perpatuus in Feb, assassinated on 3/15.
Theories:
1. Competitive system doomed to create warlords and one-man rule
2. Death of Crassus doomed a confrontation
3. Death of Julia doomed a confrontation
4. System collapsed due to an unpredictable set of personalities
5. Many conflicts in play: Italian vs Roman, Optimate vs Popularis, debtors vs creditors, provincials vs peninsulares, wealth as a changing factor
6. Civil War really a temporary aberration, just as was Marius, Sulla, but Antony and Caesar Octavian followed instead of Republicans.
The consuls and partisanship:
Bold = pro-J,P Italics = anti underline is ambiguous
60 Pupius Piso, M. Val. Messalla Niger
59 Julius, M Calpurnius Bibulus
58 L. Calp Piso, A Gabinius
57 Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, Q Caecilius Metellus Nepos
56 L Marcius Philippus, Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus
55 Cr II and P II
54 App. Claudius Pulcher, L. Domitius Ahenobarbus
53 Domitius Calvinus, M Val Messalla Rufus
52 (Milo and Plautius Hypsaeus) Pompey III, QCMPS
51 P Sulpicius Rufus, M. Claudius Marcellus
50 L. Aemilius Paullus, C. Claudius Marcellus
49 C Claudius Marcellus, L.Cornelius Lentulus Crus
48 J II, P Sevilisu Vatia Isauricus
Gaius Valerius Catullus
Gaius Valerius Catullus (84-54) was an eques in some distant way attached to the powerful Valerii gens. Although his father was a friend of Julius, the young Catullus attacked him in his poems until reconciled at a dinner party. Catullus sought political advancement and went away to Bithynia on the staff of Memmius, but soured on politics for good after that experience. He is most famous for his affair with an older, married woman, whom he gave the pseudonym Lesbia (after Sappho, whose poetry Catullus imitated). The affair ended disastrously and Catullus wrote several angry poems about her to make himself feel better.
2
Sparrow, the favorite of my girlfriend,
With which she regularly plays, and holds between her thighs,
Whom she teases with her forefinger
And sometimes startles with sharp bites
When I desire something else.
I do not know why she likes to try
To please by giving pain.
I believe one day her heavy passion will yield:
If so, then I could play with you like her,
And lighten the sad worries of your mind!
11
Furius and Aurelius, comrades of Catullus,
Whether he shall enter far-off India,
Where the long drawn beat of the Indian Ocean
beats upon the shore,
Or whether he lands among the Hyrcani or soft Arabs,
Or the Sagae or the arrow-bearing Parthians,
Or where the seven-tongued Nile colors the waters,
Whether he goes across the high Alps,
Seeing the monuments of great Caesar:
The Gallic Rhine, the horrible see, or the far-off Brittons,
All things, wherever the will of the gods takes him,
You are ready to risk all with him at once,
Take this message to my ex –
and they are not nice words.
Let her live and fare well with her adulterers,
300 strong, whom she holds, all at the same time in an embrace,
Not really loving any of them, but breaking every
single one of them;
Nor will she regain my love, as before,
Which by her fault was cut down, just like the last flower
On a meadow, when a silent plow cut it
As it went by.
49 Some scholars think Catullus sent this poem after Cicero delivered the Pro Caelio, in which he accused Clodia and her brother of incest, to defend Caelius of charges of attempted poisoning. Cicero got Caelius off, and earned the hatred of Clodia. A better interpretation should be proposed.
Silver tongued among the sons of Romulus,
Those who live, those who died, and those who will be
in years to come,
Marcus Tullius, to you Catullus sends deepest thanks,
The worst poet of all, by as much the worst poet of all,
As you are the best lawyer of all.
101
Through many nations and over many seas
I have come to bring you, my brother, these sad offerings,
That I might bring you this sad memorial and in vain
Pay silent tribute to your ashes.
When Fortune took you from me, alas too soon,
Sad brother, wrongfully taken from me,
Nevertheless, now meanwhile, this sad duty is mine
To perform in the ancient rite of our ancestors, to your memory,
Accept this too late heartfelt brotherly grief,
And for all time, hello and farewell.
M. Valerius Martialis was descended from someone who had received Roman citizenship (probably from a M. Valerius Messalla). He came from Spain to Rome ca. AD 65 and tried to get in with Roman upper society. He became friends with Juvenal, Pliny the Younger, and others, achieving some social success under Domitian. His Epigrams show that he interacted with all levels of society, and particularly that he did not like miserly patrons who ill-treated their dependents.
1.47
Recently Diaulus was a doctor, now he is a mortician,
And that pretty well explains how he got most of his clients.
5.74
Asia and Europe cover the sons of Pompey, but he himself –
If any Earth covers him, it is Africa.
Can any Earth cover so great a man? No one tomb
Would be big enough to fit so great a downfall.
6.66
Gellianus the auctioneer was trying to sell
A girl whose reputation sits not well,
To those who live in the Subura slums,
For a long time people only bid small sums.
When he wished to persuade all that she was pure,
He dragged her against her will by the hand close to him,
And two, three, and four times kissed her.
What do you ask resulted from his kisses?
The guy who offered six bucks withdrew his bid.
9.4 Prostitution was not illegal or any more sordid than being a garbage collector, but it was dirty work that brought one into contact with lowlifes.
Galla can screw anyway you want for two gold coins,
And more than screw if you add two more.
Why are you paying her ten, Aeschylus?
Galla will suck you for less than that. You do it so she won’t tell.
9.68 Roman schools began at about 6am and lasted until about 1pm. All schools were private, so only those who could afford it got an education. More boys than girls went to school – probably from the age of 7-12.
Wicked schoolmaster, why is he always with us like some unseen ogre?
The crested roosters have not yet broken the silent dawn,
And already you growl with menacing tones.
It’s like bronze ringing with hammer strokes
When a sculptor makes an equestrian statue for a lawyer.
More noisy than a shout rising in a great amphitheater,
For the winning gladiator from his fans.
We ask for some quiet on our block, not all night,
For a little noise is allright,
But to get no sleep is awful. Send home your students.
Will you agree, Mr. Loudmouth, to take as much money
For shutting up as you do for teaching?
12.93 My younger brother’s 2nd favorite Epigram. Romans liked to keep dwarves as pets or servants. In fact the exotic was very fascinating for them.
In this way she can kiss her adulterous lover
When her husband is there, that wily Labulla.
She kisses her pigmy servant over and over,
Then he takes hold of him with many more kisses,
And after the adulterer slobbers all over him,
Laughing, he sends him back to the mistress.
The husband is made a greater fool than the dwarf!
2
Sparrow, the favorite of my girlfriend,
With which she regularly plays, and holds between her thighs,
Whom she teases with her forefinger
And sometimes startles with sharp bites
When I desire something else.
I do not know why she likes to try
To please by giving pain.
I believe one day her heavy passion will yield:
If so, then I could play with you like her,
And lighten the sad worries of your mind!
11
Furius and Aurelius, comrades of Catullus,
Whether he shall enter far-off India,
Where the long drawn beat of the Indian Ocean
beats upon the shore,
Or whether he lands among the Hyrcani or soft Arabs,
Or the Sagae or the arrow-bearing Parthians,
Or where the seven-tongued Nile colors the waters,
Whether he goes across the high Alps,
Seeing the monuments of great Caesar:
The Gallic Rhine, the horrible see, or the far-off Brittons,
All things, wherever the will of the gods takes him,
You are ready to risk all with him at once,
Take this message to my ex –
and they are not nice words.
Let her live and fare well with her adulterers,
300 strong, whom she holds, all at the same time in an embrace,
Not really loving any of them, but breaking every
single one of them;
Nor will she regain my love, as before,
Which by her fault was cut down, just like the last flower
On a meadow, when a silent plow cut it
As it went by.
49 Some scholars think Catullus sent this poem after Cicero delivered the Pro Caelio, in which he accused Clodia and her brother of incest, to defend Caelius of charges of attempted poisoning. Cicero got Caelius off, and earned the hatred of Clodia. A better interpretation should be proposed.
Silver tongued among the sons of Romulus,
Those who live, those who died, and those who will be
in years to come,
Marcus Tullius, to you Catullus sends deepest thanks,
The worst poet of all, by as much the worst poet of all,
As you are the best lawyer of all.
101
Through many nations and over many seas
I have come to bring you, my brother, these sad offerings,
That I might bring you this sad memorial and in vain
Pay silent tribute to your ashes.
When Fortune took you from me, alas too soon,
Sad brother, wrongfully taken from me,
Nevertheless, now meanwhile, this sad duty is mine
To perform in the ancient rite of our ancestors, to your memory,
Accept this too late heartfelt brotherly grief,
And for all time, hello and farewell.
M. Valerius Martialis was descended from someone who had received Roman citizenship (probably from a M. Valerius Messalla). He came from Spain to Rome ca. AD 65 and tried to get in with Roman upper society. He became friends with Juvenal, Pliny the Younger, and others, achieving some social success under Domitian. His Epigrams show that he interacted with all levels of society, and particularly that he did not like miserly patrons who ill-treated their dependents.
1.47
Recently Diaulus was a doctor, now he is a mortician,
And that pretty well explains how he got most of his clients.
5.74
Asia and Europe cover the sons of Pompey, but he himself –
If any Earth covers him, it is Africa.
Can any Earth cover so great a man? No one tomb
Would be big enough to fit so great a downfall.
6.66
Gellianus the auctioneer was trying to sell
A girl whose reputation sits not well,
To those who live in the Subura slums,
For a long time people only bid small sums.
When he wished to persuade all that she was pure,
He dragged her against her will by the hand close to him,
And two, three, and four times kissed her.
What do you ask resulted from his kisses?
The guy who offered six bucks withdrew his bid.
9.4 Prostitution was not illegal or any more sordid than being a garbage collector, but it was dirty work that brought one into contact with lowlifes.
Galla can screw anyway you want for two gold coins,
And more than screw if you add two more.
Why are you paying her ten, Aeschylus?
Galla will suck you for less than that. You do it so she won’t tell.
9.68 Roman schools began at about 6am and lasted until about 1pm. All schools were private, so only those who could afford it got an education. More boys than girls went to school – probably from the age of 7-12.
Wicked schoolmaster, why is he always with us like some unseen ogre?
The crested roosters have not yet broken the silent dawn,
And already you growl with menacing tones.
It’s like bronze ringing with hammer strokes
When a sculptor makes an equestrian statue for a lawyer.
More noisy than a shout rising in a great amphitheater,
For the winning gladiator from his fans.
We ask for some quiet on our block, not all night,
For a little noise is allright,
But to get no sleep is awful. Send home your students.
Will you agree, Mr. Loudmouth, to take as much money
For shutting up as you do for teaching?
12.93 My younger brother’s 2nd favorite Epigram. Romans liked to keep dwarves as pets or servants. In fact the exotic was very fascinating for them.
In this way she can kiss her adulterous lover
When her husband is there, that wily Labulla.
She kisses her pigmy servant over and over,
Then he takes hold of him with many more kisses,
And after the adulterer slobbers all over him,
Laughing, he sends him back to the mistress.
The husband is made a greater fool than the dwarf!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Paper Topics for Roman History
Paper Topics for Roman History
• Use standard, formal English (no slang, no contractions)
• Write a good thesis paragraph and prove your thesis
• Only quote primary sources (Greek or Roman authors)
• Use the guidelines in back of course reader
1. Watch A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (twice) and then mine Plautus plays for the inspiration matter for Gelbart et al. What is the next greatest influence on FTHoWtF after Pseudolous? Read through a number of Plautus & Terrence plays to find which plays provided material and where source material was common to multiple sources.
2. Compare the biographies of Julius by Plutarch and Suetonius. Find at least four places where they differ or one completely omits a story told by another. Which one do other sources back? Why would the two authors have different interpretations for the same event?
3. After reading Suetonius and Plutarch biographies, read a few of the short biographies by Cornelius Nepos. Then compose your own biography of a Roman figure who is not already the source of a biography. (Make sure you do not make any factual errors, which is a frequent problem with wikipedia.com).
4. Watch the whole HBO Rome series and write a critical analysis of five places where HBO made a historical mistake not as a plot enhancer, but as a simple (correctable) mistake. The characterization of the politically diabolical Atia intentionally departs from history for character development, just as is Titus Pullo’s impregnation of Cleopatra. Your task is to find errors that could have been corrected without changing the plot.
5. When Romans conquered a new region and decided to occupy it, what was the process of Romanization they enacted? How did they indoctrinate the locals? A few books may help you on this – but do not quote modern authors. Atlas of the Roman World, David Potter Roman Italy, or Ina Caro The Road from the Past.
6. Numa established superstition in the guise of religion in 715 BC. How do Romans regard magic and witchcraft according to Appuleius, The Golden Ass? How did Romans handle the threat of the black arts? Do religious cults splinter their followers from mainstream religion?
7. Appuleius, The Golden Ass, is a hilarious set of stories inside stories. How does the audience read these stories? Do they make provincials look provincial, or do they express the fears and hopes of everyone? How safe is the Roman Empire at its peak? Do you get this same sense fo daily life from any other reading that survived?
8. Vergil’s Aeneid became the national epic overnight, but there are a few inconsistencies and problems never resolved in the text. Many people say Aeneas = Augustus and Turnus = Mark Antony. Evaluate this theory and express an opinion. Is Aeneas entirely admirable and a good fit for Augustus? Does Aeneas make Augustus look good or bad? And is Antony really Turnus?
9. How does Polybius differentiate Romans and Roman imperialism from other people. Scour through Polybius and find 3 or more places where he tells his audience how Rs are different because … . Analyze and explain what makes Rs distinct in his opinion. If possible express whether this supports or countermands his theory as to why Rome dominates the Mediterranean.
• Use standard, formal English (no slang, no contractions)
• Write a good thesis paragraph and prove your thesis
• Only quote primary sources (Greek or Roman authors)
• Use the guidelines in back of course reader
1. Watch A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (twice) and then mine Plautus plays for the inspiration matter for Gelbart et al. What is the next greatest influence on FTHoWtF after Pseudolous? Read through a number of Plautus & Terrence plays to find which plays provided material and where source material was common to multiple sources.
2. Compare the biographies of Julius by Plutarch and Suetonius. Find at least four places where they differ or one completely omits a story told by another. Which one do other sources back? Why would the two authors have different interpretations for the same event?
3. After reading Suetonius and Plutarch biographies, read a few of the short biographies by Cornelius Nepos. Then compose your own biography of a Roman figure who is not already the source of a biography. (Make sure you do not make any factual errors, which is a frequent problem with wikipedia.com).
4. Watch the whole HBO Rome series and write a critical analysis of five places where HBO made a historical mistake not as a plot enhancer, but as a simple (correctable) mistake. The characterization of the politically diabolical Atia intentionally departs from history for character development, just as is Titus Pullo’s impregnation of Cleopatra. Your task is to find errors that could have been corrected without changing the plot.
5. When Romans conquered a new region and decided to occupy it, what was the process of Romanization they enacted? How did they indoctrinate the locals? A few books may help you on this – but do not quote modern authors. Atlas of the Roman World, David Potter Roman Italy, or Ina Caro The Road from the Past.
6. Numa established superstition in the guise of religion in 715 BC. How do Romans regard magic and witchcraft according to Appuleius, The Golden Ass? How did Romans handle the threat of the black arts? Do religious cults splinter their followers from mainstream religion?
7. Appuleius, The Golden Ass, is a hilarious set of stories inside stories. How does the audience read these stories? Do they make provincials look provincial, or do they express the fears and hopes of everyone? How safe is the Roman Empire at its peak? Do you get this same sense fo daily life from any other reading that survived?
8. Vergil’s Aeneid became the national epic overnight, but there are a few inconsistencies and problems never resolved in the text. Many people say Aeneas = Augustus and Turnus = Mark Antony. Evaluate this theory and express an opinion. Is Aeneas entirely admirable and a good fit for Augustus? Does Aeneas make Augustus look good or bad? And is Antony really Turnus?
9. How does Polybius differentiate Romans and Roman imperialism from other people. Scour through Polybius and find 3 or more places where he tells his audience how Rs are different because … . Analyze and explain what makes Rs distinct in his opinion. If possible express whether this supports or countermands his theory as to why Rome dominates the Mediterranean.
HBO Rome episode 1 The Coming of the Civil War
HBO Rome episode 1 The Coming of the Civil War
1. (Note the calendar at end of opening credits) Why is the calendar posted publicly in Ancient Rome?
2. opening explanation What 3rd member of the triumvirate, dead in 52, has the show omitted from mention?
3. 3 minutes What battle is this supposed to be, in which Gaul falls, after which (at 5 minutes) Vercingetorix surrenders?
4. 7 minutes Pompey’s letter somehow reaches Julius only in 52 to tell him Julia died in childbirth. When did Julia really die (see Plut. Pompey 53 or Dio 39.64 or App. BC 2.19) and what really happened to the daughter (the show has it wrong)?
5. 9 minutes and later Why does Julius show so little emotion when he reads Pompey’s letter or when Antony or Brutus expresses condolences for Julia’s death?
6. 10 minutes Cato the Younger is dressed in black (mourning) prematurely in this episode. Why does he wear no tunic under his toga like the other senators do?
7. 12 minutes Ancient Romans saw nothing wrong with women enjoying sex (that is a Judeo-Christian hang-up), but HBO may try to make what statement with Atia on top?
8. 14 minutes Cato makes what dreadful historical error when he asks Pompey “why does your fellow consul Julius not return from Gaul?” P repeats the error.
9. 18 minutes What is Scipio’s full name, and why does his daughter Cornelia not like mime? Everyone else loves mime.
10. What is the relationship between Cato, Servilia, Brutus, and Caesar?
11. What was Augustus called back in 52? HBO calls him Octavian to simplify.
12. 36 minutes Why does Atia bathe in blood?
13. 37 minutes HBO pretends Octavia is married to an unknown guy named Flavius. In fact she is really married to what consular and chief high optimatis?
EpisodeII questions all info should be found in first 10-15 minutes of episode
14. Why does Atia not wish to eat with Paullo and Berranius?
15. In the fictous meeting between Marc Antony, Kato and Pompey, when exactly do the two sides claim Julius' govonorship will end?
16. A motion in the Senate mirrors a real lift bill proposed in Jan 49. On HBO Antony flees Rome after violence in the forum. What really happened?
1. (Note the calendar at end of opening credits) Why is the calendar posted publicly in Ancient Rome?
2. opening explanation What 3rd member of the triumvirate, dead in 52, has the show omitted from mention?
3. 3 minutes What battle is this supposed to be, in which Gaul falls, after which (at 5 minutes) Vercingetorix surrenders?
4. 7 minutes Pompey’s letter somehow reaches Julius only in 52 to tell him Julia died in childbirth. When did Julia really die (see Plut. Pompey 53 or Dio 39.64 or App. BC 2.19) and what really happened to the daughter (the show has it wrong)?
5. 9 minutes and later Why does Julius show so little emotion when he reads Pompey’s letter or when Antony or Brutus expresses condolences for Julia’s death?
6. 10 minutes Cato the Younger is dressed in black (mourning) prematurely in this episode. Why does he wear no tunic under his toga like the other senators do?
7. 12 minutes Ancient Romans saw nothing wrong with women enjoying sex (that is a Judeo-Christian hang-up), but HBO may try to make what statement with Atia on top?
8. 14 minutes Cato makes what dreadful historical error when he asks Pompey “why does your fellow consul Julius not return from Gaul?” P repeats the error.
9. 18 minutes What is Scipio’s full name, and why does his daughter Cornelia not like mime? Everyone else loves mime.
10. What is the relationship between Cato, Servilia, Brutus, and Caesar?
11. What was Augustus called back in 52? HBO calls him Octavian to simplify.
12. 36 minutes Why does Atia bathe in blood?
13. 37 minutes HBO pretends Octavia is married to an unknown guy named Flavius. In fact she is really married to what consular and chief high optimatis?
EpisodeII questions all info should be found in first 10-15 minutes of episode
14. Why does Atia not wish to eat with Paullo and Berranius?
15. In the fictous meeting between Marc Antony, Kato and Pompey, when exactly do the two sides claim Julius' govonorship will end?
16. A motion in the Senate mirrors a real lift bill proposed in Jan 49. On HBO Antony flees Rome after violence in the forum. What really happened?
Archaic Rome: The Monarchy
Archaic Rome: The Monarchy
1. Legendary arrival of Aeneas, 1177, standardized by Vergil (70 –
19 BC)
A. Eventually dated to seven years after the Fall of Troy.
B. Stories varied on the relation ship of Aeneas to Romulus and Remus.
C. Problems arose when a great interval of time between Troy and
Romulus
realized.
D. Solution: invent generations in between. Vergil followed example
of
others.
2. Legendary origin of family of Iulii: Iulus/Ascanius the son of
Aeneas
and Creusa (Trojan wife) who inherited high priesthood; Silvius (son by
Lavinia, Latin princess) inherited political power of Aeneas and
Latinus.
3. Romulus and Remus, b. 770 founded Rome 753
A. Date scientifically determined by Livy, counting backwards
B. R + R sons of Rhea Siliva and Mars who slay the evil Amulius and
restore grandfather Numitor.
C. They leave Alba Longa, found Rome in 753, using augury to determine
the
spot.
D. Romulus slays Remus with a spade (other stories invented so he not
be
fratricide)
E. Romulus establishes 1200 year realm, Senate of 100 patres, welcomes
refugees.
F. Rape of the Sabine Women (see Davide, Poussin)
G. Romulus a conqueror, but ignores the Senate.
H. Murdered by senators (patres) in 716.
4. Numa Pompilius r. 715-673, a Sabine
A. Cult of Janus, Temple of Janus (shut only during peace)
B. Commoners kept in superstition, fear
C. New priesthoods established, expansion or Sabine/Latin religion
5. Tullus Hostilius (672-642) – Roman - and Ancus Marcius (642-17)
- Sabine
A. duel of Horatii and Curiatii, destruction of Alba Longa
B. warlike Tullus struck by lightning.
C. Ancus like Numa, but defends Rome in war.
D. Monarchy still elective
6. The Etruscans: Tarquin I (616-579), Servius Tullius (679-535),
Tarquin II (-509)
A. Height of Etruscan power
B. Import of many Etruscan elements (fasces, toga, etc.)
7. Overthrow of the monarchy
A. Attributed to the Rape of Lucretia (Shakespeare sonnet)
B. Brutus throws off his mask of stupidity, rouses the people
C. Res Publica = commonwealth declared.
D. Tarquins try to return to power, are frustrated, ask Lars Porsenna
for
help.
E. Evidence of Lars Porsenna as king of Romans (treaty)
8. Archeology in conflict with Roman legend
A. Villanova age settlements in Rome (match to Vergil’s story of
Evander)
B. Lars Porsenna calls himself king of the Romans after the end of the
monarchy
C. Continued Etruscan presence in Rome – ca. 475.
D. NB – Roman concept of time between Aeneas – Romulus reassessed.
The Early Republic
I. The Fall of the Monarchy, birth of the Republic 510-09
1. First consuls L. Junius Brutus, L. Tarquinius Collatinus
2. Collatinus deposed, Valerius Publicola elected
3. plot to restore the Tarquins
4. battle for Rome, Brutus KIA, finally replaced by Sp. Lartius, MHP
II. War of Porsenna
1. M. Horatius Cocles
2. Cloelia
3. archeology vs legend
4. Lake Regillus 496, last monarchical attack, Castor and Pollux
5. Arrival of the Claudii under Attus Clausus, 502
III. The Etruscans in Italy
1. Origin of Etruscans – Lydia, over the Alps, indigenous?
2. Etruscan confederacy, formerly Veii a big city
3. Fasces, purple toga, gladiatorial combat
4. Women of ancient Etruria: Tannaquil
5. Deciphering the language
IV. Social unrest of Rome
1. The five secessions: 494, 449, 342, ?339, 287
2. Coriolanus, 490
3. Spurius Cassius, 486
4. Cincinnatus’ dictatorships 458, 432
5. The Decemviri, Appius Claudius, Verginia (think Lucretia) 451
V. Wars with Volsci, Fidenae, Veii,
1. Camillus and the schoolteacher
2. The Fall of Veii, 396, Camillus banished
3. Fabius the Ambassador and the Gauls
4. Allia River
5. Brennus, Vae Victis, Camillus saving the day, 387
6. legend vs. historical archeology
VI Social Unrest part 2
1. Plebeians force political equality de iure, but de facto is more
gradual
2. lex Connuleia allows patrician-plebeian marriage
3. Lex Sextia-Licinia allows plebeians be consul in 367, Sextius is
consul
in 366
4. first plebeian dictator 356
5. first plebeian censor 351
6. first plebeian praetor 337
7. lex Ogulnia opens priesthoods to plebeians
8. lex Hortensia gives plebiscita the force of law
VII. Samnite and Latin War
1. Samnium the other big Italic power in central south Italy, clash
inevitable
2. First Samnite War 343-341 short, inconclusive, battle of Vesontio.
3. Latin War arises when Rs refuse to extend full citizenship to
Latins;
Rome wins
4. Second Samnite War 327-304 – Caudine Forks
5. Appius Claudius builds Appian Way 312
6. Third Samnite War 299-291, Samnium defeated, battle of Sentinum
VIII. Exposure to Greece
1. Demaratus, father of L. Tarquin I was Corinthian
2. Etruscan affection fro Greek alphabet, vases
3. Tarquin II sneds sons to Delphi
4. Arsitodemus, son of Lars Porsenna has Greek name
5. Twelve Tables drawn by Roman ambassadors to Greece
6. Trade with Magna Graecia
7. Expansion into S. Italy ca. 280
IX. War with Pyrrhus
1. Tarrentum assaults Roman ships, R ambassador
2. Tarrentum calls in Pyrrhus for defense
3. Pyrrhus has phalanx and elephants
4. battles of Heracleia 279, Asculum 278 “Another such victory and I
am
undone!”
5. C. Fabricius Luscinus and Cineas
6. Pyrrhus abandons Italy for Sicily, 277-75
7. Battle of Beneventum, “What a battlefield I leave Rome and
Carthage!”
8. Pyrrhus abandons Italy, killed in Argos in a street fight
X. Rome and Carthage
1. First of three Punic Wars 264-41 (218-201, 149-146) “Punic”
from Poenus
2. First war around Sicily, Romans forced to create a fleet
3. Regulus episode
4. battles: Agrigentum, Mylae, Ecnomus, Adys, Bagradas, Drepanum,
Aegates Islands.
5. Hamilcar Barca
XI. Roman religion
1. Pontifex Maximus is the high priest
2. numen of divine beings
3. Three major colleges of priests: Pontifical, Augural,
Quindecimiviri
4. sacrifice to avert disaster
XII. Roman marriage and betrothal
1. conferreatio vs. cunnubio
2. common-law marriage
3. marriage for love vs arranged marriage a social inverted benefit
4. betrothals are made to be broken
XIII. Slavery
1. ubiquitous in Ancient World
2. based on conquest, not skin color
3. fuel for the Roman economy and caused imperialism (?)
4. 1/3 slaves set free and enfranchised
5. Plato, Aristotle on free souls, servile souls
XIV. Creation of Roman literature
1. Fabius Pictor, a POW during 2PW
2. Ennius, epic-like work of Punica, Naevius also.
3. Plautus comedies – slapstick, mistaken identity, randy old man
gets
comeuppance
1. Legendary arrival of Aeneas, 1177, standardized by Vergil (70 –
19 BC)
A. Eventually dated to seven years after the Fall of Troy.
B. Stories varied on the relation ship of Aeneas to Romulus and Remus.
C. Problems arose when a great interval of time between Troy and
Romulus
realized.
D. Solution: invent generations in between. Vergil followed example
of
others.
2. Legendary origin of family of Iulii: Iulus/Ascanius the son of
Aeneas
and Creusa (Trojan wife) who inherited high priesthood; Silvius (son by
Lavinia, Latin princess) inherited political power of Aeneas and
Latinus.
3. Romulus and Remus, b. 770 founded Rome 753
A. Date scientifically determined by Livy, counting backwards
B. R + R sons of Rhea Siliva and Mars who slay the evil Amulius and
restore grandfather Numitor.
C. They leave Alba Longa, found Rome in 753, using augury to determine
the
spot.
D. Romulus slays Remus with a spade (other stories invented so he not
be
fratricide)
E. Romulus establishes 1200 year realm, Senate of 100 patres, welcomes
refugees.
F. Rape of the Sabine Women (see Davide, Poussin)
G. Romulus a conqueror, but ignores the Senate.
H. Murdered by senators (patres) in 716.
4. Numa Pompilius r. 715-673, a Sabine
A. Cult of Janus, Temple of Janus (shut only during peace)
B. Commoners kept in superstition, fear
C. New priesthoods established, expansion or Sabine/Latin religion
5. Tullus Hostilius (672-642) – Roman - and Ancus Marcius (642-17)
- Sabine
A. duel of Horatii and Curiatii, destruction of Alba Longa
B. warlike Tullus struck by lightning.
C. Ancus like Numa, but defends Rome in war.
D. Monarchy still elective
6. The Etruscans: Tarquin I (616-579), Servius Tullius (679-535),
Tarquin II (-509)
A. Height of Etruscan power
B. Import of many Etruscan elements (fasces, toga, etc.)
7. Overthrow of the monarchy
A. Attributed to the Rape of Lucretia (Shakespeare sonnet)
B. Brutus throws off his mask of stupidity, rouses the people
C. Res Publica = commonwealth declared.
D. Tarquins try to return to power, are frustrated, ask Lars Porsenna
for
help.
E. Evidence of Lars Porsenna as king of Romans (treaty)
8. Archeology in conflict with Roman legend
A. Villanova age settlements in Rome (match to Vergil’s story of
Evander)
B. Lars Porsenna calls himself king of the Romans after the end of the
monarchy
C. Continued Etruscan presence in Rome – ca. 475.
D. NB – Roman concept of time between Aeneas – Romulus reassessed.
The Early Republic
I. The Fall of the Monarchy, birth of the Republic 510-09
1. First consuls L. Junius Brutus, L. Tarquinius Collatinus
2. Collatinus deposed, Valerius Publicola elected
3. plot to restore the Tarquins
4. battle for Rome, Brutus KIA, finally replaced by Sp. Lartius, MHP
II. War of Porsenna
1. M. Horatius Cocles
2. Cloelia
3. archeology vs legend
4. Lake Regillus 496, last monarchical attack, Castor and Pollux
5. Arrival of the Claudii under Attus Clausus, 502
III. The Etruscans in Italy
1. Origin of Etruscans – Lydia, over the Alps, indigenous?
2. Etruscan confederacy, formerly Veii a big city
3. Fasces, purple toga, gladiatorial combat
4. Women of ancient Etruria: Tannaquil
5. Deciphering the language
IV. Social unrest of Rome
1. The five secessions: 494, 449, 342, ?339, 287
2. Coriolanus, 490
3. Spurius Cassius, 486
4. Cincinnatus’ dictatorships 458, 432
5. The Decemviri, Appius Claudius, Verginia (think Lucretia) 451
V. Wars with Volsci, Fidenae, Veii,
1. Camillus and the schoolteacher
2. The Fall of Veii, 396, Camillus banished
3. Fabius the Ambassador and the Gauls
4. Allia River
5. Brennus, Vae Victis, Camillus saving the day, 387
6. legend vs. historical archeology
VI Social Unrest part 2
1. Plebeians force political equality de iure, but de facto is more
gradual
2. lex Connuleia allows patrician-plebeian marriage
3. Lex Sextia-Licinia allows plebeians be consul in 367, Sextius is
consul
in 366
4. first plebeian dictator 356
5. first plebeian censor 351
6. first plebeian praetor 337
7. lex Ogulnia opens priesthoods to plebeians
8. lex Hortensia gives plebiscita the force of law
VII. Samnite and Latin War
1. Samnium the other big Italic power in central south Italy, clash
inevitable
2. First Samnite War 343-341 short, inconclusive, battle of Vesontio.
3. Latin War arises when Rs refuse to extend full citizenship to
Latins;
Rome wins
4. Second Samnite War 327-304 – Caudine Forks
5. Appius Claudius builds Appian Way 312
6. Third Samnite War 299-291, Samnium defeated, battle of Sentinum
VIII. Exposure to Greece
1. Demaratus, father of L. Tarquin I was Corinthian
2. Etruscan affection fro Greek alphabet, vases
3. Tarquin II sneds sons to Delphi
4. Arsitodemus, son of Lars Porsenna has Greek name
5. Twelve Tables drawn by Roman ambassadors to Greece
6. Trade with Magna Graecia
7. Expansion into S. Italy ca. 280
IX. War with Pyrrhus
1. Tarrentum assaults Roman ships, R ambassador
2. Tarrentum calls in Pyrrhus for defense
3. Pyrrhus has phalanx and elephants
4. battles of Heracleia 279, Asculum 278 “Another such victory and I
am
undone!”
5. C. Fabricius Luscinus and Cineas
6. Pyrrhus abandons Italy for Sicily, 277-75
7. Battle of Beneventum, “What a battlefield I leave Rome and
Carthage!”
8. Pyrrhus abandons Italy, killed in Argos in a street fight
X. Rome and Carthage
1. First of three Punic Wars 264-41 (218-201, 149-146) “Punic”
from Poenus
2. First war around Sicily, Romans forced to create a fleet
3. Regulus episode
4. battles: Agrigentum, Mylae, Ecnomus, Adys, Bagradas, Drepanum,
Aegates Islands.
5. Hamilcar Barca
XI. Roman religion
1. Pontifex Maximus is the high priest
2. numen of divine beings
3. Three major colleges of priests: Pontifical, Augural,
Quindecimiviri
4. sacrifice to avert disaster
XII. Roman marriage and betrothal
1. conferreatio vs. cunnubio
2. common-law marriage
3. marriage for love vs arranged marriage a social inverted benefit
4. betrothals are made to be broken
XIII. Slavery
1. ubiquitous in Ancient World
2. based on conquest, not skin color
3. fuel for the Roman economy and caused imperialism (?)
4. 1/3 slaves set free and enfranchised
5. Plato, Aristotle on free souls, servile souls
XIV. Creation of Roman literature
1. Fabius Pictor, a POW during 2PW
2. Ennius, epic-like work of Punica, Naevius also.
3. Plautus comedies – slapstick, mistaken identity, randy old man
gets
comeuppance
Roman Literature 201
Roman Literature 201
And Roman High Schools
I. Education in the ludus
1. Typically schools taught by Greek teachers, some ex-slaves
2. Roman schoolboys escorted by the paedagogus
3. Most learning by strict memorization
4. Roman (rich) girls educated in school often as far as age 11 or 12
5. A mix of Greek and Roman authors, Homer above the rest
6. Ennius, Naevius rank with Greek tragedicians (A, S, E)
II. T. Lucretius Carus
1. Put Epicurean philosophy into Latin De Rerum Natura
2. Promotes atomic theory
3. Shuns deep emotion, especially love
4. Turned away from active involvement of gods in men’s lives
5. Legend says he committed suicide, Cicero published it posthumously
III. Decline of theater for mime
1. Plautus no longer in vogue – too long (sitcoms replace Shakespeare)
2. Terrence even less popular, too puritanical
3. Commoners like mime shows, a Roman version of satyr plays (?)
4. Theater very bawdy – as in HBO Rome
IV. Annalists vs historians
1. A few annalists (Licinius Macer, Valerias Antias, etc.) writing a fairly dry year by year account without much analysis
2. Julius’ commentaries on Gaul are almost press releases assembled as a book
3. Sallust wrote real history and earned to palm – but he writes ca. 44-30
4. Other lost writers abandon annalist school for historical analysis
V. M. Tullius Cicero
1. Often published his court case briefs
2. Very famous correspondence, published after he died
3. Turned to stoic philosophy when politically muzzled, again when Tullia died
4. Returned to politics after Ides of March with Philippics
5. Cicero sometimes wrote fictional dialogues of great Romans (On Old Age)
VI. Other fields
1. Legal: First plebeian Pontifex Maxumus Ti Coruncanius revealed legal rituals converting law from ritual to justice, long followed by Mucius Scaevola
2. Etymology: Terrentius Varro on Latin vocabulary and grammar
3. Physics: Lucretius
4. Horoscopes: Nigidius Figulus
5. Biography: Atticus
And Roman High Schools
I. Education in the ludus
1. Typically schools taught by Greek teachers, some ex-slaves
2. Roman schoolboys escorted by the paedagogus
3. Most learning by strict memorization
4. Roman (rich) girls educated in school often as far as age 11 or 12
5. A mix of Greek and Roman authors, Homer above the rest
6. Ennius, Naevius rank with Greek tragedicians (A, S, E)
II. T. Lucretius Carus
1. Put Epicurean philosophy into Latin De Rerum Natura
2. Promotes atomic theory
3. Shuns deep emotion, especially love
4. Turned away from active involvement of gods in men’s lives
5. Legend says he committed suicide, Cicero published it posthumously
III. Decline of theater for mime
1. Plautus no longer in vogue – too long (sitcoms replace Shakespeare)
2. Terrence even less popular, too puritanical
3. Commoners like mime shows, a Roman version of satyr plays (?)
4. Theater very bawdy – as in HBO Rome
IV. Annalists vs historians
1. A few annalists (Licinius Macer, Valerias Antias, etc.) writing a fairly dry year by year account without much analysis
2. Julius’ commentaries on Gaul are almost press releases assembled as a book
3. Sallust wrote real history and earned to palm – but he writes ca. 44-30
4. Other lost writers abandon annalist school for historical analysis
V. M. Tullius Cicero
1. Often published his court case briefs
2. Very famous correspondence, published after he died
3. Turned to stoic philosophy when politically muzzled, again when Tullia died
4. Returned to politics after Ides of March with Philippics
5. Cicero sometimes wrote fictional dialogues of great Romans (On Old Age)
VI. Other fields
1. Legal: First plebeian Pontifex Maxumus Ti Coruncanius revealed legal rituals converting law from ritual to justice, long followed by Mucius Scaevola
2. Etymology: Terrentius Varro on Latin vocabulary and grammar
3. Physics: Lucretius
4. Horoscopes: Nigidius Figulus
5. Biography: Atticus
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