Gaius and Claudius
Gaius ("Caligula")
- AD 37-41
- Son of Germanicus and Agrippina
- "Caligula" is just a nickname
- Tiberius' will invalidated by senate
- Sole power must go to one individual
- Tiberius' grandson soon murdered
- Unstable character
- Lets autocratic power go to head
- Rubs people's noses in his power
- Acts like a god
- Executes those who displease him
- Imperial system of government can function with lunatic at top
- Murdered by conspiracy among officers of praetorian guard
- Note murder by officers, not regular troops
- Assassinations always carried out within imperial household
- Though much feared by unpopular emperors, senatorial conspiracies never amount to anything
Claudius (AD 41-54)
- Chosen as new emp. by praetorian guard b/c he was the only surviving adult male in the dynasty
- Tiberius, Gaius killed others
- Claudius is brother of Germanicus, uncle of Gaius
- Some talk of restoring the Republic
- Swiftly ends once praetorians proclaim Claudius
- Previously kept out of public eye
- Launches military campaigns to gain prestige
- Two client kingdoms annexed
- Campaign to conquer Britain
- Strategically poor move
- England brought under control, Scotland never conquered
- Easily manipulated by wives, freedmen
- Causes bad reputation in anc. sources
- Marries Messalina
- Great-granddaughter of Augustus' sister Octavia (on two sides)
- Party girl
- Manipulates hubby
- Executed for adultery
- Marries Agrippina
- Daughter of Claudius' brother Germanicus
- Has son Nero by prev. marriage
- Claudius persuaded to adopt Nero and marry him to his daughter
- Agrippina poisons Claudius
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