Claudius Flashcards
(48 cards)
How did Claudius become emperor?
He was found hiding by the Praetorian Guard who didn’t want to lose their job as the emperor’s bodyguard
What was Claudius the first to do after he accepted the principate?
To buy the loyalty of his troops
What different opinions about the future of Rome were expressed after Gaius’ assassination?
Some people wanted to return to the republic, others wanted to continue the principate but with their man/themselves in charge
What made the Senate choose to continue the principate?
The determined actions of the Praetorian Guard
What did Claudius do as soon as he was established as princeps?
He removed the consideration of a new constitution from the record and minted a coin showing him accepting the Praetorian Guard in an effort to hide the fact that they had chosen him
What did the Praetorian Guard’s involvement with Claudius’ accession do to his relationship with the Senate?
Irreparable damage, the princeps was no longer seen as first among equals
What did Claudius do to try to repair his relationship with the Senate?
Act like Augustus
What event in 42 prompted Claudius’ invasion of Britain in 43 CE?
The revolt of Camillus Scribonianus
Who encouraged Scribonianus to revolt against Claudius?
Lucius Vinicianus
What was the outcome of Scribonianus’ revolt?
It ended after 5 days because he couldn’t convince enough people to support him
How did Claudius react to Scribonianus’ revolt?
He was terrified and bestowed many honours on the legions which had remained faithful to him
Why would a quick campaign give Claudius the army’s loyalty?
Because the soldiers would gain glory and booty
What had Claudius used to secure the loyalty of the army early in his reign?
His connection with his father Drusus and his brother Germanicus who were both very successful in Germany
Why did Claudius choose to invade Britain?
No one had attempted to invade since Julius Caesar in 54 BCE so would bring him great prestige
What was Claudius’ justification for his invasion of Britain in 43 CE?
To stop the anti-Roman Catavellauni who were expanding their territory
What did the Senate give Claudius to celebrate his victory in Britain?
The title Britannicus (which he gave to his son) and a triumph in 44 CE
What did Claudius do in 49 CE to commemorate him adding new territory (Britain) to the empire?
He extended the pomerium
What is the criticism of Claudius mostly caused by?
His wives and freedmen
Why did Claudius rely on his freedmen so much?
The running of the empire had become too great a task for one individual
Who were Claudius main freedmen and what did they do?
Callistus (petitions), Narcissus (correspondence), and Pallas (treasure)
Why are the freedmen vilified by most of our sources?
Because they filled administrative roles that were usually held by senators
What powers did Claudius’ freedmen gather?
Political influence, wealth, and unprivileged access to the emperor
How did the contemporary senators feel about Claudius’ freedmen?
They tried to gain their favour
What did the Senate do in an attempt to gain the favour of Claudius’ freedmen in 52 CE?
They authorised a bronze statue of Pallas
