The Freedmen and Wives under Claudius Flashcards
(25 cards)
What did Suetonius claim about Claudius’ reign?
Everything Claudius did was dictated by his wives and freedmen.
Suetonius Claudius 25
How were freedmen and wives perceived in relation to power?
They were seen as the real powers behind the throne, accruing importance and wealth.
Pliny the Elder, Natural History 33.134
What was the impact of freedmen on the relationship between Claudius and the Senate?
The poor relationship between princeps and Senate never healed.
What did Claudius acknowledge regarding the demands of running an empire?
The demands had long exceeded the capacity of a single individual.
How did Claudius utilize his freedmen?
He effectively used them as an imperial secretariat.
What role did individual freedmen play during Claudius’ reign?
They became political figures of huge significance.
Who were the three most important freedmen under Claudius?
- Callistus, in charge of petitions
- Narcissus, Chief Secretary
- Pallas, treasurer and chief accountant
What significant action did Claudius take at the behest of his freedmen?
The execution of thirty-five senators and 300 equites.
Suetonius Claudius 29
What was the Senate’s relationship with the freedmen?
The Senate courted the favor of the freedmen.
What did the Senate authorize on 23 January 52?
A bronze statue of Pallas.
How was the Claudian administration characterized?
Incredibly effective, with long-term planning and infrastructure overhauls.
What did Josephus record about public opinion toward a sole princeps?
The plebs and provincials favored a sole princeps as a curb to the rapacity of the Senate.
Jewish Antiquities 19.228
Who was Plautia Urgulanilla?
Considered pretty irrelevant in the context of Claudius’ wives.
What was Aelia Paetina known for?
Having a daughter with Claudius named Claudia Antonia.
What children did Valeria Messelina have with Claudius?
- Claudia Octavia
- Tiberius Claudius (Britannicus)
What was Valeria Messelina’s reputation?
Her name became a byword for sexual excess.
Dio 60.17.8-18.4
What evidence did Tacitus record against Valeria Messelina?
Her affair with Gaius Silius and the attempted coup against Claudius.
What happened to Messelina after her affair was discovered?
She was executed.
What was the outcome of the freedmen’s suggestions after Messelina’s execution?
They wrenched apart the princeps’ household.
Who was selected to replace Messelina?
Agrippina the Younger.
What influence did Agrippina the Younger have in court?
She promoted her son Nero ahead of Britannicus.
What was Claudius’ action regarding Nero in 50 AD?
He adopted Nero, changing his name from Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus.
What hints did Claudius give in 54 AD regarding Agrippina?
He hinted at growing weary of her activities.
What was Narcissus’ stance towards Agrippina?
He actively opposed her and her promotion of Nero.
