Quick questions on Claudius and Nero (HSC Ancient History Section IV)

Claudius was acclaimed by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination. The Senate had considered restoring the Republic but the Praetorians wanted an emperor; Claudius was found hiding behind a curtain. He paid a substantial donative to the Praetorians for their support.

Claudius created a structured imperial administration centred on freedmen secretaries: - Pallas (finance). - Narcissus (correspondence). - Callistus (petitions).

Claudius invaded Britain personally, accepting a triumph. The conquest extended Roman territory and provided Claudius with military credibility.

Major projects: the harbour at Ostia (relieving Rome's grain supply); the Aqua Claudia and Anio Novus aqueducts (Rome's water supply).

Claudius extended Roman citizenship more liberally than predecessors.

Claudius died on 13 October AD 54, almost certainly poisoned by his fourth wife Agrippina the Younger (Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio all attest the poisoning). Agrippina engineered the succession of her son Nero over Claudius's biological son Britannicus.

Under the guidance of Seneca (tutor and political advisor) and Burrus (Praetorian Prefect), the reign was competent. The quinquennium (Greek for "five years", AD 54-59) was sometimes praised by later writers as a model of good imperial government.

Nero arranged his mother's murder after she opposed his romantic relationships and political choices. The murder was politically dangerous but Nero survived.

Death of Burrus and retirement of Seneca; the more extravagant and arbitrary phase of Nero's reign began.

A major fire destroyed 10 of Rome's 14 districts. Rumours that Nero had started the fire (to clear ground for his Domus Aurea project) were widespread. Nero blamed and persecuted Christians.

A massive imperial palace complex built after the fire; included a statue of Nero as the Sun God. Ostentatious; alienating to traditional Roman values.

Boudica's revolt in Britain (AD 60-61, under Suetonius Paulinus). Jewish revolt (AD 66-70). Nero's response to provincial issues was often inadequate.

The revolt of Galba in Hispania (AD 68); the Senate declared Nero a public enemy; he committed suicide (9 June AD 68). The Julio-Claudian dynasty ended.

Hostile portraits of Nero; mixed assessment of Claudius.

More balanced. Claudius's bureaucratic innovation is now seen as a major contribution; Nero's early reign is treated more sympathetically; the descent is acknowledged.