Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus: The Surprising Emperor

1. No one is more miserable than the person who wills everything and can do nothing.

2. Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus10 BC –AD 54 By: Caroline Benson

3. Who is Tiberius Claudius? • Son of Drusus Claudius Nero and Antonia Minor and was born in Lugdnum, Gaul. • His mother referred to him as a ‘monster’ • The 4th Roman Emperor (1st Roman Emperor to be appointed by the army's men and not the senate) • He was an embarrassment to his family due to his stutter, limp, and drooling but this worked to his advantage because many emperors and such considered him weak • He was smart and composed works on all subjects in liberal arts and especially history. These skills helped him a lot when he came to power in reforming the government • Caligula as Emperor: • Claudius granted a consulship to Claudius • Treated badly by Caligula…..Claudius was Caligula’s nephew

4. Coming into Power • Caligula Caesar (emperor from 37-41 AD) was assassinated on 41 AD due to a conspiracy • Planned by three men (officers in the Praetorian Guard led by Cassius Chaerea) but many people in the senate were aware of plot • Questionable if Claudius was involved in conspiracy • After the death of Caligula's wife and daughter Cassius wanted to wipe out entire imperial family • Like many Claudius fled to the palace to hide • A praetorian named Gratus, found him hiding behind curtain • He was informed that he was not part of the people that was under Cassius’s watch • Taken to Praetorian camp where put under protection • The senate first considered the restoration of the republic, but faced with the praetorians' decision, the senators fell in line and bestowed imperial power upon Claudius. • Senate had many discussions considering the restoration of the republic • Had to agree with the Praetorian's decision for Claudius to be emperor

5. Expansion of empire • First expansion since Augustus • Most significant: Invasion and Annexation of Britannia • Senate was appeased with his efforts • Created Census: (48) AD • Increase of a million Roman citizens since Census created after Augustusdeath

6. Legislative and Judicial Reform • Extended summer court and winter term session with shortening traditional break. • Created law: required plaintiffs to remain the in the city while cases were pending like defenders have also been required to do • Menuhin age of jurors raised to 25 to ensure experience jurors • Abolished treason trials • Edicts issued concerning medical advice and moral judgments etc. • 2 famous ones: • 1. promoting Yew juice which cures a snake bite • 2. slaves who recovered after treatment from being sick were freed

7. Contributions to the Community • Finished the Aqua Claudia which was started by Caligula and Anio Novus • Focused on transportation (built roads and canals) • Canal: Rhine River to the sea • Road: Italy to Germany • Canal on the Tiber leading to Portus (reduced flooding in Rome) • Wanted to increase the amount of land that was used for agriculture growing in Italy

8. Actions with the Senate • Wanted to reform the Government into a more representative group of legislators • 47 AD became Censor with LuciusVitellius • The senate did not like Claudius and many people attempted to kill him, because of this had to reduce senate power • 42 AD: Revolt led by Marcus Furius, quickly stopped (showed that they had connection with nobility in Rome) • None of revolts against Claudius were successful

9. Religious Reforms • Liked tradition • Revived old religious ceremonies • Participated in the Secular Games in 47 AD

10. Personal Relationships • Only had relationships with woman • PlautiaUrgulanilla • Married 4 times • AeliaPaetina • Agrippina the Younger more about her • Was his niece (which was contradictory to the Roman law)….so he changed it • Granted title of Augusta (first imperial woman to hold this title sinceLivia) • Her son later become emperor Nero (marked as Claudius’s successor) • Agrippina wanted to him to take the place of Britannicus as imperial heir • And so…..Claudius adopted as son

11. Literary Works • Wrote about new empires and obscure antiquarian subjects • Wrote about the Etruscan history • Eight Volumes of the Carthaginian history • Introduced 3 new letters

12. Death • It is said that he died due to murder by poison by mushrooms • It is concluded that the person behind his murder was his wife Agrippina • Her motive was to ensure the successions of Nero before Britannicus could gain power

13. Reputation and Legacy • “The Pumpkinification of the Divine Claudius” • Mockery of the death and life of Claudius by Seneca, showing that he is judged by Gods and is sent to Hades • He was looked at as vulnerable to many other leaders which hurt him at times. • Claudius Proved that he could be a good emperor despite the odds and stereotypes many placed upon him • He was looked at as a good creator of public works and was a good administrator

14. Say not always what you know, but always know what you say.