How did the army help establish power under Augustus? [Cassius Dio]
“he handed over the weaker provinces to the senate” so that “the senators should be unarmed and unprepared for war”
Who was the “first of the Caesars to purchase the loyalty of his troops”? [Suetonius]
Claudius
Suetonius, Gaius, 10
Who was “proclaimed emperor by his soldiers” in Spain? [Cassius Dio]
Galba
What was Tiberius’s concern regarding Germanicus? [Tacitus]
Tiberius was concerned about the popularity of Germanicus with the army.
Who was the last person to receive the title of imperator outside the imperial family? [Tacitus]
Blaesus
What does the denarius of 37 AD signify?
It links Gaius to Germanicus and his military glory.
Important as he’d never held office or a military command.
What was the first action taken by Augustus after gaining power? [Cassius Dio]
Made the Praetorian Guard and paid them twice what the normal army got as “So genuine was his desire to lay down absolute power”
Why was Piso called the ‘father of the army’? [Tacitus]
He attempted to steal the army’s support from Germanicus through bribery and undiscipline.
What was the outcome for Nero at the end of his reign? [Cassius Dio]
“He had been deserted by all without exception”
How did Augustus control the loyalty of the army? [Res Gestae]
By establishing state pensions for soldiers to prevent reliance on any one general.
What was the daily payment for guardsmen according to Tacitus?
Eight sesterces a day, with retirement after sixteen years.
What decree did Claudius persuade the Senate to issue regarding soldiers? [Suetonius]
“a decree forbidding soldiers to pay complimentary calls on senators”
What did every soldier receive when Claudius came to power? [Suetonius]
15,000 sesterces.
This made him the “first of the Caesars to purchase the loyalty of his troops.”
Who were the important individuals that arose from the Praetorian Guard?
- Sejanus - “To Sejanus alone the otherwise cryptic emperor spoke freely and unguardedly.” [Tacitus]
- Burrus
- Claudius
What does Tacitus describe about soldiers serving long years?
“Old men, mutilated by wounds, are serving their thirtieth or fortieth year.”
What did soldiers want during the mutinies? [Tacitus]
Better pay, fixed duration of service, and release from service.
How did Tacitus portray Tiberius’ handling of mutinies?
As long and moralistic, highlighting Tiberius’s unpopularity.
Velleius Paterculus contrasts with a quick resolution due to Tiberius’ experience.
What happened to Gaius after his death according to Dio?
“Everyone kept stabbing him savagely… even tasted his flesh.”
-
10 Key Quotes10
-
Did Augustus Restore the Roman Republic?14
-
Character of Tiberius12
-
Character of Gaius19
-
Character of Claudius15
-
Character of Nero15
-
Benefit of imperial rule for the people (bread and circuses)15
-
Imperial Women23
-
Relationship with the Senate25
-
Relationship with the Plebs17
-
Succession28
-
Administration20
-
Building Works13
-
Relationship with the Equites9
-
Relationship with the Army18
-
Imperial Cult21
-
Opposition19
-
Military Success15
-
Political Success22
-
Provinces16
