Relationship with the Plebs Flashcards
(17 cards)
What was necessary for maintaining popular support among the plebs?
Use of festivals and largesse like giving out money
Examples include scattering vouchers among the audience and presenting money directly to the people.
According to Dio, what did Gaius do in relation to the plebs? [Dio]
“He pleased the rabble”
This highlights the importance of public approval for emperors.
What did Suetonius report about Gaius’ tactics for gaining plebeian favor?
“would scatter vouchers among the audience entitling them to all sorts of gifts”
Gifts could include money, farms, ships, and slaves.
What does Seneca attribute to Gaius which highlights discontent against the plebs?
He wished “Roman people had one single neck” [Seneca, On Anger]
What drastic action did Gaius take against the plebs during a game in the Circus Maximus?
Executed a number of them for petitioning him
This shows the potential consequences of displeasing the emperor.
How much money did Nero present to the people according to Suetonius?
“400 sesterces each”
This was part of his strategy to maintain support from the plebs.
What kind of gifts did Nero give during games? [Suetonius]
Vouchers for farms, ships, and slaves
These gifts were intended to win the favor of the populace.
What role did the emperor serve as per the tribune position?
Defender of the people
This role was crucial in establishing the emperor’s authority and relationship with the plebs.
What law was passed regarding the tribunician power of Augustus? [Res Gestae]
He “should have the tribunician power for the rest of my life”
This law solidified the emperor’s power and connection to the people.
How did Claudius respond to a fire breaking out, according to Suetonius?
Recruited firefighters by paying people with bags of gold
What did Josephus state about the people’s belief in emperors?
The people believed “the emperors acted as a curb for its rapacity and were a source of protection for themselves”
This reflects the public perception of emperors as protectors.
What did building programs indicate about the plebs under emperors?
Plebs were better off
These programs contributed to the welfare of the populace.
What vulnerability did emperors face without plebeian support?
Conspiracies more likely
The stability of an emperor’s reign heavily relied on the support of the plebs.
What did Tacitus say about the plebs and Nero’s popularity?
“Delighted if the emperor shares their tastes”
This indicates the importance of aligning with the plebeian interests.
What action by Nero aggravated popular resentment in 68?
“Profiteering in grain”
This act was viewed negatively during a time of food scarcity.
What was the plebs’ reaction to a ship carrying sand arriving during a food shortage? [Suetonius]
Angry
This highlights the sensitivity of the plebs to issues of scarcity.
Complete the quote by Seneca: ‘A starving population is intolerant of _______’
reason
This reflects the desperation and emotions of the plebs during crises.
