THE JULIO-CLAUDIAN PERIOD (A.D. 14-70); so-called because all the emperors descended from Augustus (by adoption himself a member of the Julian clan) and from the two children his wife Livia brought into his household when they [Augustus and Livia] married. The central question of this period is: could the illusion / facade of the restored republic be maintained? Though the Republic appeared to be functioning, its true military and autocratic character was just beneath the surface (note all the oaths given in RCII-3).

1. The reign of Tiberius (14-37)
1. He was already an old man (portrait as a young man) and experienced general when he came to the principate. The dynastic struggles of Augustus' reign had left him bitter. It is generally agreed that he ruled well and unobtrusively (RCII-1). In other words, the power struggles that used to take place in the Forum and Senate, now take place in the Palace => on Palatine hill, and within the ruling family).
2. Tiberius' reputation was marred by the continuing dynastic struggle between members of the Julian and Claudian branches and by the introduction of treason trials (majestas) for diminishing the prestige of the ruler and of his family(RCII-6). Though there are very few convictions, the very fact that the trials took place at all offended senators (who wrote the history of the period). Note that treason is usually associated with offenses against the state, here treason is applied to what offends the ruling family.
3. Tiberius, having retired to Capri, increasingly relied on Sejanus, who though of good family, was not a senator, but the praetorian prefect (roughly equal to the head of the imperial guard). Sejanus, for uncertain reasons, eventually had to be destroyed.
2. Gaius = Caligula (37-41). [for the movie, try Mr.Skin]
1. A direct descendant of Augustus, a member of the Julian branch.
2. His reign is marked as a premature open absolutism with eastern formalism. His family was given special 'divine' status, prostration introduced. Compare to frieze of the Ara Pacis where all are shown equal in size.
3. In 39, he suffered an illness (epilepsy? nervous breakdown?) whatever, his actions become increasing bizarre and offensive. He was assassinated by disgruntled soldiers, to the relief of everyone.
3. Claudius (41-54). Another portrait
1. In his 50's when he came to power. He had survived the dynastic struggles because of his physical (and mental?) defects.
2. What is esp. significant is that after the death of Gaius, when the senate was deliberating who should be princeps (note: no thought of restoring a real republic) the praetorian guard [the soldiers] found Claudius and saluted him as emperor. The senate and the people had little choice but to agree. This is the first time (but hardly the last!) that the soldiers will be openly involved in this decision. ...those of fight, vote.
3. In the sources, there is considerable negative comment that Claudius was openly dominated by his wives, Messalina and Agrippina, and freedmen --suggests that all-important decisions were made at court, and not in the Senate or Forum (RCII-98).
4. Nonetheless, Claudius did have a number of good advisors and ruled well. He was especially active in the extension of citizenship(RCII-15), the conquest of Britain and the reform of the bureaucracy.  Aqueduct to Rome; where it enters at Portamaggiore
5. His last years plagued by dynastic controversy surrounding succession.
4. Nero (54-68)
1. Represents the Julian branch, he had been adopted by Claudius when Claudius married Agrippina. Nero was educated by the philosopher and senator, Seneca, and succeeded to the throne at 17. A boy who loved his mother.
2. Until 62, the government under control of Burrus and Seneca; thereafter, it declines as Nero demands more and more power. Tigellinus.
3. Dynastic murders: Britannicus (his brother by adoption), his mother, and then all male relatives.
4. The Great Fire of 64 and the Pisonian Conspiracy in 65 make him an increasingly unpopular figure.
5. The end of Nero: the factors are clear, how to weigh them is not.
1. After 65, poor advisors and fear among governing class (return of treason trials) leads to an administrative breakdown. Domus aurea; interior
2. The murders of his relatives and his increasing Hellenization offended national sensitivities and public opinion.
3. Critical was the lack of support in the army, but see coin
1. Never went to army.
2. pensions not regularly paid.
3. too many generals executed, others become nervous.
6. It became clear that:
1. emperor made in provinces by armies; not in Rome by senate and people
2. the army had been loyal to the heirs of Augustus, but that loyalty had to be renewed by each
3. the legions, not the praetorian guard decisive. The Augustuan illusion had been exposed, the arcanum imperii; reality could not be disguised forever.

Events