characters in tacitus book 12 Flashcards
(52 cards)
Who was Lollia Paulina?
Daughter of Marcus Lollius, ex-consul, supported by Callistus as a candidate for Claudius’ 4th wife.
She was the third wife of Caligula for 6 months in 38 AD, eventually banished and forced to suicide in 49 AD.
What role did Agrippina the Younger play in Claudius’ life?
She was chosen as Claudius’ 4th wife, beginning her reign on 1 January 49 AD, and was rumored to have sought his support by adultery.
Tacitus accuses her of poisoning Claudius.
What was the relationship between Aelia Paetina and Claudius?
She was Claudius’ second wife from 28 AD to 31 AD, divorced after the birth of Antonia.
Supported by Narcissus as a candidate for Claudius.
Who was Callistus?
An imperial freedman supporting Lollia Paulina as Claudius’ 4th wife.
He had servile beginnings and great influence under Gaius.
What position did Pallas hold?
Imperial freedman and treasurer (‘a rationibus’).
He supported Julia Agrippina as Claudius’ 4th wife.
What was Narcissus’ role in Claudius’ court?
He was an imperial freedman and secretary (‘ab epistulis’), supporting Aelia Paetina as Claudius’ 4th wife.
He grew suspicious of Agrippina towards the end of Claudius’ reign.
Who was Felix?
Brother of Pallas and influential freedman, governor of Judea.
He took freeborn women as wives.
Who was Lucius Domitius (Nero)?
Son of Julia Agrippina by Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, favored by Claudius.
He became emperor on 13th October 54 AD.
What was the significance of Octavia in this context?
Claudius’ daughter, betrothed to Lucius Silanus but Agrippina planned to wed her to Nero.
Memmius Pollio effected their engagement.
Who was Britannicus?
Claudius’ son by Messalina, several years younger than Nero.
He was pitied when Nero became favored.
Who was Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus?
Father of Lucius Domitius (Nero), died in 41 AD.
He was the son of Augustus’ niece, Antonia Minor.
What role did Lucius Vitellius (the Younger) play during Claudius’ reign?
Censor and suffect consul, associated with Agrippina and charged Silanus with incest.
He urged Claudius’ incestuous marriage to Agrippina.
What was Lucius Silanus (the Elder) known for?
Betrothed to Octavia when she was an infant, he was praetor in 48 AD.
He committed suicide on the day Claudius married Agrippina.
Who was Annaeus Seneca?
Stoic philosopher and statesman, exiled in 41 AD and later became tutor to Nero.
He was accused of adultery by Messalina.
What position did Gaius Cassius hold?
Governor of Syria and proconsul of Asia.
He narrowly escaped death at the hands of Caligula.
Who was Gaius Julius Aquila?
A Roman knight stationed to protect Tiberius Julius Cotys I, obtained praetorian insignia.
He was involved in the Bosporan Kingdom affairs.
What role did Lucius Pomponius serve during Claudius’ reign?
Suffeect consul and governor of Germania Superior, conducted a successful campaign against the German Chatti.
He received ornamenta triumphalia for his achievements.
Who was Publius Osotorius?
Propraetor in Britain from 47 AD, dealt swiftly with disturbances.
He was the second governor of Britain.
What was Ummidius Quadratus’ role in Syria?
Senator and legatus of Syria, known for crucifying Jews.
His authority and actions are debated in historical accounts.
Who was Xenophon?
Physician of Claudius, credited with having poisoned him.
He was honored by the islanders of Cos as their benefactor.
What charges were brought against Lepida?
Charged with attempts on Claudius’ consort by magical incantations and disturbing the peace.
She was sentenced to death despite opposition from Narcissus.
Who was Meherdates?
A Parthian prince, son of Vonones I, engaged in battles but ultimately yielded to Gotarzes II.
He was spared by Gotarzes II after losing a battle.
What was Gotarzes II known for?
King of the Parthian Empire, intermittently reigning from 40 to 51 AD.
He rebelled after his father’s death and died around 51 AD.
Who was Vonones II?
Ruler of the Medes and uncle of Gotarzes II, briefly assumed the Parthian throne.
His reign followed Gotarzes’ death.
