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
  • Club foot
  • Speech defect
• 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