Claudius' Administrative Changes Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a Censor in ancient Rome?
The person who performs the censuses in Rome.
The Censor was responsible for maintaining the census and public morals.
What does Lustrum signify?
Marks the end of a census.
A lustrum was a period of five years between censuses.
What is Maiestas?
A term referring to the dignity and majesty of the Roman state.
Often associated with laws against treason.
What is Congiarium?
A form of distribution of money or goods to the populace.
It was often used as a political tool to gain favor.
What is a Praefectus urbi?
The urban prefect responsible for the administration of the city of Rome.
This position managed public order and the city’s infrastructure.
What is Pontifex Maximus?
The chief priest of the Roman state religion.
This role held significant religious and political power.
What does Tribunicia potestas refer to?
The powers of a tribune, including the right to veto and protect the plebeians.
This power was associated with the protection of the common people.
What is Auctoritas?
The authority or influence held by an individual in Roman society.
It often derived from personal reputation and social status.
What is Imperium proconsulare maius?
A form of extended power granted to governors in the provinces.
It allowed them greater authority than regular proconsuls.
What positive changes did Claudius implement in administration and infrastructure?
Administration and infrastructure improvements, grain supply, development of the harbour of Ostia, aqueducts, legal system, and restoration of the censor.
These changes are documented by sources like Suetonius and Dio.
What was a significant negative aspect of Claudius’ changes related to grain supply?
There was only 7 or 8 days remaining of food supply after Claudius’ accession.
This urgency was a direct consequence of Caligula’s financial mismanagement.
How much money did Caligula squander within a year?
2,700 million sesterces.
This extravagant spending severely impacted Rome’s economy.
What is depicted on the Dupondius of Claudius?
Ceres and the inscription ‘Augustan goddess of corn’.
This symbolizes Claudius’ commitment to securing grain supply.
What does the port of Ostia demonstrate about Claudius’ focus?
His focus on the day-to-day necessities of urban life.
Claudius appointed an imperial freedman to administer the harbour.
Which two aqueducts were built during Claudius’ reign?
- Anio Novus
- Aqua Claudia
These aqueducts almost doubled the supply of water to Rome.
What was the criticism of the Fucine Lake project according to Tacitus?
It was carelessly completed.
The project aimed to reduce dependence on Egyptian corn supplies.
What was Claudius’ approach to the legal system?
Judged cases himself, which some sources suggest indicated a tyrannical zeal.
His personal involvement in legal matters was viewed as excessive.
How long had the position of Censor lapsed before Claudius reinstated it?
34 years.
The revival of this position reflects Claudius’ desire to restore traditional Roman values.
How many citizens were registered in the census of 48 AD compared to 14 AD?
5,984,072 in 48 AD compared to 4,937,000 in 14 AD.
This increase indicates significant population growth during Claudius’ reign.
What change did Claudius make regarding the Senate?
Admitted Gauls to the Senate.
This was a significant shift in Roman policy towards provincial leaders.
