Abstract This paper compares Tiberius and Claudius with reference to their dealings with the senate, their civil administration and their provincial and frontier policy. In the first area, Tiberius' reliance on Sejanus and adherence to Augustus is compared to Claudius' development of the civil service at the expense of his freedmen. In the second area, Tiberius' frugality is compared to Claudius' extensive building projects. In the third area, Tiberius' diplomacy and consolidation is compared to Claudius' expansionism. It is eventually concluded that the reign of Tiberius was in the long term more profitable for Rome.
From the Paper "Finally, frontier and provincial policy was an area where the achievements, as well as the impact of each emperor varied significantly. Tiberius, as even Tacitus is prepared to concede, was a tactful and diplomatic administrator of the empire's borders, who focused more on consolidation than expansionism. Tacitus states that he strengthened the eastern frontiers by 'astute diplomacy without warfare.' (Annals, p216) Even in Africa, his suppression of the revolt of Tacfarinas was done with as little bloodshed as possible, and Bradley (p 535) notes that 'in two years peace returned to the province.' For the large part, Tiberius was content to maintain the policies of Augustus, using with slow Romanisation of provinces by installing client-kings."
Abstract The following paper discusses Tiberius' reign of the Roman Empire which was oppressive, obsessive and violent. The author also identifies the conflicts and changes in values in the Empire itself, around 25 A.D.
From the Paper "The treason laws of maiestas, particularly the employment of the defamation category, were used incessantly by Tiberius as a convenient and expedient means of repressing his enemies, both real and imagined. The overall goal was a diminution in power for those "treasonous" Romans who dared to disagree with or speak out against the almighty emperor. In 16 A.D., the first execution was ordered, for a dissenter who had consulted astrologers regarding the emperor's health. From that moment on, it became increasingly common to be condemned to death for speaking in any way unfavorably about the emperor.Although Tiberius initially did make some effort to keep control over maiestas trials in the early years of his reign, the situation, with time, spun exceedingly out of control. As the number of treason trials increased, the punishment for conviction became increasingly ruthless. In 25 A.D. Tiberius forced historian Cremitius Cordus to commit suicide for criticizing the regime."
Abstract This paper gives a brief introduction to Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian whose work is dated from the early second century. It examines his background and the prime reasons for his obscure and biased work. It focuses on the political structure of Rome during the 1st century and gives an account of Augustus, Tiberius and the treatment of the senators and the commoners during their reign. It looks at how political power was handed from one ruler to another and also highlights Tacitus personal statements and thoughts about the rulers and the existing political system during that time.
From the Paper "Octavian abdicated his title of Triumvir and wanted to be in the consul. He proclaimed the powers of a tribune to be good enough for him. Octavian captivated the army with bonuses. He entranced the civilians with his cheap food policies. He also captured the good will of the majority by the enjoyable presents of peace. Not satisfied, he further moved ahead with the intention of enthralling the functions of the senate, the officials and the law. Since opposition no longer existed and the war and magisterial murders got rid of all men of spirit, Octavian went well ahead with his plans. People belonging to the upper class that had lucre from the revolution, saw the slavish disobedience as the only way of withstanding both politically and financially."
Abstract Examines the Guard's power as the only military force in the Capital city. Issues of loyalty & disloyalty to various Emperors. Evolution of the Guard under the Julio-Claudian Emperors up to the death of Nero. Problems presented by armies, citizen militias. History of the Roman Army. Organization & mission of the Guard. Emperors Agustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, Nero.
From the Paper "Quis Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?
The Praetorian Guard under the Julio-Claudians
The Praetorian Guard, the personal guard force of the Roman emperors, has become a byword for the ability of a bodyguard to control, and ultimately to elevate or depose, the person whom it is supposed to guard. By the nature of its situation throughout the early and middle eras of the empire -- as the only military force in near the capital of an empire most of whose armies were dispersed among the frontiers -- it had the potential to control its imperial masters. Against a conspiracy or riot an Emperor could call upon the Praetorian Guard, but if the Guard itself..."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the use of satire and irony in the two humorous tales, "Satyricon"and "Leucippe and Clitophon". In order to better illustrate the satire and irony within the tales, the prevailing social conventions, political categories, and personas of the age during which the authors wrote their works are explained.
From the Paper "Both The Satyricon and Achilles Tatius? Leucippe and Clitophon are humorous tales that depend for their humor upon a pattern of subverted sexual expectations. However, what is considered "funny" is famously difficult to define. However, it is perhaps equally if not more problematic to conceptualize what is satirical within a particular cultural or societal context of ages past. To understand why Petronius? novel The Satyricon functions as a satire, one must understand the social conventions and political categories and personas of the age during which the author wrote. The Satyricon is not just a depiction of satirical scenes. The novel is structured along the lines of a pattern where the protagonist constantly attempts to enjoy his sexuality but is thwarted in his attempt."
Abstract This paper explains that, when the youthful Caligula took the title of emperor of Rome, the population of that vast empire felt a new dawn emerging, but something that started out so good ended in tragedy for the young man. The author points out that Caligula had a concept of empire differing markedly from the ideas of Augustus and Tiberius, who had gone to great lengths to avoid displaying themselves as complete autocrats; Caligula did not bother with such pretenses. The paper concludes that Caligula ruled for a very short time compared to the other emperors, but he greatly impacted the Roman Empire and his name will live on in infamy.
From the Paper "Because of his actions, several conspiracies were launched against his life and one did succeed. Marcus Arrecinus Clemens and a colleague were plotting on Caligula's life. Caligula found out and confronted them saying that if they thought he deserved to die then he would kill himself. They never felt safe after this and devised a new plot. This new plot would have never come to being if not for the military tribune Cassius Chaerea. He was often insulted by the emperor's propensity for jokes in bad taste and was teased for being a sexual invert. He also often made obscene gestures with his hand when Chaerea had to kiss the emperors extended hand. This made the tribune laughable among his men so he was ready to claim his part in the fall of Caligula."
Abstract This paper addresses the argument of whether Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus was a success or a failure as an emperor. It analyses his unfortunate childhood as well as his reign and attempts to explain the reasoning behind his actions as emperor. It concludes that he was in fact an intelligent and successful Roman Emperor.
From the Paper "The idea that the power of Rome lies in her Army, has been proven time and time again by figures such as Marius and Sulla. Claudius likewise was no stranger to this fact and, as a result, many of his first actions as Emperor were to secure the loyalty of the army and to establish some much needed military-credentials. Hennessy (1990) explains that following Claudius' rise to power with the support of the Praetorian Guard, he promised each guard 150 gold pieces with the intention of buying their allegiance and hence his protection. Claudius then went to plan and execute a campaign to, as Fagan (2004) argued, secure both military distinction and the respect of the Army. This, of course, came in the form of the famous invasion and annexation of Britain. To keep this strong military image throughout his reign, he added to the Roman Empire: Mauritania, Thrace and Lycia (BBC 2004). By the end of his reign, Claudius had been hailed Imperator twenty-seven times and had won a triumph (Fagan, 2004)."
This essay discusses the impact of the Gracchi brothers upon the Roman Republic and their direct role in leading to the Senate's implementation of the SCU, which initiated a chain of events, forever changing the political landscape of the Republic.
Abstract This essay argues the thesis that the political events which occurred in the course of the "Gracchian Revolution" played a pivotal role in the eventual demise of the Republic. Furthermore, the Roman political system changed following Tiberius Sempronius Gracchus (163 BC-132 BC) & Gaius Gracchus (154 BC-121 BC) deaths with the emergence of more powerful re-elected magistrates, consuls and tribunes. At the same time, the Senate's invoking of the Senatus consultum ultimum (SCU) during this era led to the threat of violence becoming interwoven in Roman politics. This combination of more powerful magistrates and senatorial extremism was to ultimately lead to the end of the Roman Republic itself.
From the Paper "Gaius restored the land commission, and began an extensive road building project, which not only provided work for many local land owners, but allowed for improved attendance at assembly meetings by the rural communitites. Gaius also passed legislation to stabilize grain prices, encourage colonization, and improve the rights of soldiers. In addition, Gaius took steps to drive a wedge between the rich equestrian class and the senatorial class. The historian Sheldon notes that equestrians exerted considerable influence on the politics of Rome, and even the Senate were reluctant to offend them. As a result, Gaius introduced legislation which changed the tax collection system to favour wealthy equestrians. This wedge was expanded with the transferral of jury duty responsibilities from senators to equestrians for cases involving the extortion of governors; cases that were notorious for acquitals by senatorial juries of their patrician defendants. This division between equistrians and senators appears to have been quite deep and lasted many years, as shown in the later writings by Cicero such as his Letters to Atticus."
Tags: roman, republic, senate, politics, magistrate, power
