The Assassination of 41 AD Flashcards
(14 cards)
When was Josephus writing?
90s AD during the Flavian dynasty
Josephus was a Jewish historian whose works provide insight into the period.
When was Suetonius writing?
Around 120 AD
Suetonius was a Roman historian known for his biographies of Roman emperors.
When was Tacitus writing?
During the Flavian dynasty, around the time of Domitian
Tacitus is recognized for his historical accounts of the Roman Empire.
Why was Gaius known as Caligula?
He was nicknamed after the small sandals he wore when he was in Germany with Germanicus
‘Caligula’ means ‘little boot’ in Latin.
What did Gaius do to Drusila after her death?
He had her deified
This act reflects Gaius’s view of himself and his family in relation to the divine.
Who was Cassius Chaerea?
A member of the praetorian guard who hatched a plot to kill Caligula
His motivations included personal insults from Caligula.
Why might the Romans want to kill Caligula?
He thought of himself as a god and wanted to move the capital to Alexandria
His actions were seen as threatening to the traditional Roman values.
What event was being held during the assassination?
The Palatine games were being held
This context adds to the chaos surrounding the assassination.
Who else did they kill during the assassination of Caligula?
His wife and daughter as well
This indicates the extent of the conspiracy against him.
List of conspirators from Dio 59.29
- Cassius Chaerea (Tribune in the Praetorian Guard)
- Cornelius Sabinus (Tribune in the Praetorian Guard)
- Callistus (Imperial freedman)
- Marcus Arrecinus Clemens (Praetorian Prefect)
- Lucius Annius Vinicianus (Senator)
These individuals played key roles in the conspiracy against Caligula.
What does Josephus mention about the opposition to Gaius?
He creates a sense of mass opposition to Gaius and mentions three different assassination attempts
This portrayal may be contested in his later accounts.
What does Dio 59.29.5 reveal about the consul at the time?
Even the consul was bending over to kiss the feet of Caligula
This highlights the extreme flattery and subservience in Caligula’s reign.
What graphic description does Dio provide about the assassination?
’everybody kept stabbing him savagely, even though he was dead: some even tasted his flesh’
This emphasizes the brutality of the assassination.
What were some motivations for the murder of Caligula?
- Self-preservation
- Restoration of the Republic
- Oppression
- Imperial Ambitions
These motivations reflect the political climate and personal grievances of the conspirators.
