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
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