4.4 Drusus and the Claudians - Horace (odes) Flashcards
when is 4.4 Drusus and the Claudians published/written
13 BCE
what is 4.4 Drusus and the Claudians about
It is a poem to celebrate the acievements of Drusus (& Tiberius) and the role of Augustus as father figure.
who was Drusus
Drusus was the brother to Tiberius and son of Livia (Augustus’ 3rd wife) and potential successor of Augustus.
He was marries to Antonia Minor (daughter of Antony and Octavia).
He died in 9BCE
who was Tiberius
Brother to Drusus and son of Livia.
he was married to Agrippa’s daughter and then to Julia in 12 BCE.
He was ultimatly Augustus’ successor
summarise 4.4 Drusus and the Claudians
Drusus is compared to an eagle launched from his nest attacking sheep or snakes, and then to a young lion cub killing his first deer. This was what Drusus was like when he attacked and defeated the German tribes. The Germans came to understand what boys Augustus had raised. The brave and good create the same.
In the past Rome produced the Neros, who defeated Hasdrabul (brother of Hannibal), and Hannibal speaks proclaiming that the Romans were a strong race and that the Claudians were invincible.
what does the poem celebrate
It celebrates the campaigns in the Alps and Germany in 15-14BCE
what is the significance of the Metaurus river
it is a river in central italy, where Hasdrabul was defeated.
what themes are present in 4.4 Drusus and the Claudians
Strong military leader - successful against strong opponants thanks to being taught by Augustus and innate betterness BUT not as good or as experienced as Augustus - he is still fighting for himself not Rome.
Pater Patriae - father-figure, raising good Romans
list some similies used in 4.4 Drusus and the Claudians
- Drusus is compared to:
- an eagle
- a lion cub
- the carthaginians are compared to a deer and the Romans to wolves.
who wrote 4.4 Drusus and the Claudians
Horace
