Character of Gaius Flashcards
(19 cards)
What was a key aspect of Gaius’ character related to religion?
Deification: imperial cult
Gaius emphasized his godliness to differentiate himself from Tiberius, who avoided worship.
What did Gaius do in relation to his own priesthood? (according to Dio)
“Swore himself in as a priest of himself, and appointed his horse a fellow-priest”
What contradiction did Gaius exhibit regarding his images at the start of his reign? (according to Dio)
“At the start of his reign he forbade the setting up of any images of him”
What change occurred later in Gaius’ reign regarding his treatment? (according to Suetonius)
“He insisted on being treated as a god”
Suetonius, Gaius, 22 describes this shift.
What claim does Gaius make regarding the treason charge [Maiestas]? (according to Dio)
Claims to put a stop to the treason charge (39AD) but kills many people with it [Maiestas]
Reference to Dio Cassius
What unusual action did Gaius take with the leading senators? (according to Dio)
“He summoned the leading senators suddenly in the middle of the night as if on some urgent business and then danced in front of them”
How did Gaius’ attitude towards Tiberius change over time? (according to Dio)
“He was the first to insult him…but later he started both to eulogise and to revere him”
What does Seneca say on Gaius’ brutality
“such brutalities were his daily bread and butter” [Seneca, On anger]
What quote does Suetonius attribute to Gaius
“Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.”
What action did Gaius seriously consider against the Senate? (according to Seneca)
He “seriously considered butchering the whole senate.”
Seneca ‘On anger’
What does Josephus say on his extravegance?
“poured millions into pleasures, which served no useful purpose beyond his gratification”
What does Suetonius say about his extravagence (spending)?
“he squandered Tiberius’ entire fortune of 2,700 million sesterces”
What do Josephus and Suetonius say about the bridge of Puteoli (39AD) and what do they not reference?
Josephus says built because as a God he should cross via chariot. Suet. adds the presence of Daarius the Parthian King. But neither refernce it as a show of Roman strength.
What does Suetonius say about the shift in Gaius’ character
“So much for Gaius the emperor; the rest of this history must deal with Gaius the monster”
What does Dio say about Gaius’ shift?
(2 quotes)
“He seemed very democratic at first”
“no-one knew either what to say or how to act towards him”
Who did the Denarius of 37AD link to and why?
Germanicus
as Gaius never held an office or military command
What does Dio say about popular support?
“public oaths to the emperor”
What does Josephus say about Gaius’ building projects?
“He built no great buildings”
BUT Gaius persecuted Jews so as a Jewish source has inherent bias
How does Gaius get popular support? (according to Suet.)
“would scatter vouchers among the audience” entitling them to gifts
