characters in tacitus book 1 Flashcards
(19 cards)
Who was Livia Drusilla?
Wife of Augustus, mother of Tiberius and Drusus the Elder. Accused of planning Augustus’ death.
Also referred to as ‘Augusta’ or ‘Julia Augusta’ after Augustus’ death.
What major campaigns did Drusus the Elder lead?
Conquest of Germania, including campaigns against the Sicambri, Batavi, Frisii, Usipetes, Marsi, Chatti, Mattiaci, Marcomanni, and Cherusci.
He became the first Roman general to reach the Weser and Elbe rivers.
When did Drusus the Elder die?
In 9 BC, during a campaign while serving as consul.
His death deprived Rome of one of its best generals.
Who was Drusus the Younger?
Son of Tiberius and Vipsania Agrippina, named after his uncle Drusus the Elder.
His political career was intended to parallel that of Germanicus.
What led to the death of Drusus the Younger?
Died suddenly on 14 September 23 AD, possibly from poison amid a feud with Sejanus.
Tacitus and Suetonius allege murder, but Tiberius did not suspect Sejanus.
Who was Sallustius Crispus?
Prominent figure in the Roman Empire, consul twice, and stepfather of future emperor Nero.
Accused by Tacitus of carrying out Agrippa Postumus’ murder.
What was Gaius Asinius Gallus known for?
Consul in 8 BC, proconsul of Asia, orator, and man of letters.
Married Tiberius’ ex-wife, leading to his imprisonment in 30 AD.
Who was Gnaeus Piso?
Belonged to a distinguished senatorial family, accused of poisoning Germanicus.
He committed suicide before a trial decision could be pronounced.
What was the outcome of Gnaeus Piso’s trial?
Acquitted of murdering Germanicus but faced charges of insubordination and corruption.
His property was proscribed, and he faced damnatio memoriae.
What role did Junius Blaesus play during the mutiny?
Proconsul of Sicily and tried to maintain loyalty among the legions during the mutiny.
He later petitioned Tiberius regarding the soldiers’ demands.
What did Percennius demand from the soldiers?
A denarius a day in pay and release from service after 16 years.
He was a theatre-man before becoming a soldier.
What was Aelius Sejanus’s role in the Roman Empire?
Equestrian commander of the Praetorians, influential under Tiberius, and introduced reforms in the Praetorian Guard.
He was executed in 31 AD amid conspiracy suspicions.
Who was Germanicus?
Adopted by Tiberius, married to Agrippina the Elder, and sent to deal with the mutiny in Germany.
He celebrated a triumph in 16 AD after his military campaigns.
What did Germanicus offer to the soldiers during the mutiny?
A letter granting full discharge to those who served in 20 campaigns and conditional release for those who served 16.
The soldiers pressed for immediate discharge and payment.
Fill in the blank: Arminius was famous for commanding an alliance of Germanic tribes at the Battle of the _______.
Teutoburg Forest.
Who was Segestes?
A noble of the Cherusci known for loyalty to Rome, opposed Arminius.
He turned over his daughter Thusnelda to Germanicus as a prisoner.
What did Agrippina the Elder do during the military campaign?
Prevented the destruction of the bridge over the Rhine and distributed medicine to soldiers.
Tacitus praised her heroic spirit.
What was the fate of Cassius Chaerea during the mutiny?
He was a tribune in the praetorian guard who later murdered Caligula.
He served in Germanicus’ army during the mutiny.
What did Aulus Caecina achieve in his military career?
Routed the army of Arminius and was awarded triumph honors.
He had a distinguished career despite initial setbacks during the mutiny.
