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19 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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Tacitus (Style)
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- Characterized by boldness and sharpness of wit
- Deep-cutting and dense prose - Contrasts with softer wit of someone like Plutarch - Keeps to the chronological order of events - Tries to get the heart of the story |
5 points
- characterized by? - how did he write? - contrast w/? - in order? - goal? |
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Tacitus (Approach to History, outline)
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- Blends description of events, moral lessons, and dramatic accounts
- Often pessimistic insights on humanity - His neutrality is debatable, though he oftentimes extremely reliable |
- Three ingredient blend?
- Positively insightful? - Neutral acidity? |
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Tacitus (Approach to History, focuses on...)
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- Concerns himself with balance of power, corruption, and growing tyranny
- In his opinion, ruling class squandered tradition of free speech to placate the Emperor - Explores the princeps increasing dependence on the goodwill of the army (Death of Nero gave way to opportunist generals) |
- concerns himself w/?
- ruling class? - princeps? |
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Tacitus (Tiberius)
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- Portrays Tiberius positively first, then predominantly negative once Sejanus enters into the picture
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Tacitus (Scholarly)
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- Does not fear to give words of praise and rejection in the same breath
- Never conclusively takes sides, instead leaving the reader to choose |
- Breath?
- Chooses sides? |
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Tacitus (Prose)
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- Calculated grandeur that is extremely concise
- Skill with written Latin is unsurpassed, and equaled only by Cicero - At his best when exposing hypocrisy (particularly Tiberius) |
- Latin skill?
- Best at? |
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Tacitus (Studies and Reception)
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- Rome's greatest historian
- Factual accuracy is sometimes debatable |
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Cassius Dio (Literary Style)
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- Attempts to emulate Thucydides
- Style generally clear - Diligence is unquestionable - he was probably alive at most events he covered, thus he is quite reliable |
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Suetonius (Style)
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- Follows a set formula:
1. Appearance 2. Omens 3. Family history 4. Quotes 5. History - Usually very reliable - Known for an illustrative style (contrast w/ Tacitus) |
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Vespasian (Basics)
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- Emperor 69-79
- Founder of Flavian dynasty - Restored financial and military order to Rome after War of Four Emperors - Initiated public building program |
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Vespasian (Biography)
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- Descended from family of equestrians
- Held a consulship - Gained notoriety through military accomplishment - Quelled Judaean uprising and invaded Britain - After death of Nero, Vespasian mustered forces and assumed control from Vitellius - Built the Colosseum - Succeeded by son Titus |
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Vespasian (Military/Political career)
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- Invaded Britain
- Elected consul (51) - Became governor of Africa province - Rather than rebuild wealth, took time to develop friendships - Lost imperial favour w/ Nero - 66: Appointed to crush Jewish rebellion - Destroyed Tempe of Jerusalem - Put down rebellion w/ help of Josephus - During Yo4E, persuaded most Roman legions to join his side |
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Vespasian (Emperor)
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- Became emperor in 69
- Reinstated taxes to rebuild empire's wealth - Initiated a marked reform in societal tone (took his own boots off... Gasp!) - Distributed multiple donatives to secure power - Lex Imperio de Vespanius - Died standing of an intestinal disorder ("An emperor should die on his feet") |
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Views on Vespasian
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- Known for wit and amiable manner as well as military prowess
- Generous to men of letters and rhetoric - Distrusted philosophers - Mild when dealing with political opposition (unless it was a legit uprising) - Deified |
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Praetorian Guard (History)
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- Elite group of Roman citizens charged w/ protecting first Rome's generals, then the emperor
- Consisted of both infantry and cavalry - Originally used on the battlefield; later used for political means |
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Praetorian Guard (Original Form)
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- Originally, not stationed in Rome
- Sejanus convinced Tiberius to move the Guard into Rome and build the Castra Praetoria ->Meant entire guard was at disposal of the Emperor - Assisted the Emperors in various campaigns |
- Praetorian movement
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Praetorian Guard (Political Role)
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- Following death of Sejanus, Guard's political role increased
- For the right amount of money/plain will, Guard would assassinate emperors, bully their own prefects, or turn on the people of Rome |
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Praetorian Guard (Important Dates)
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- 41: Caligula killed by conspirators from senatorial class of the Guard; placed Claudius on the throne
- 69: Galba failed to provide donative, so the Guard transferred their alliance to Otho and killed the emperor - Vitellius disbanded the guard, and Vespasian relied on the disbanded members to gain control -> Apt. his son Titus as prefect as a safeguard |
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Praetorian Guard (Legacy)
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- Despite modern reputation, could be argued the guard was a positive force for Rome during the 1st 2 centuries
- Generally supported just and strong emperors and removed weak or cruel leaders - Gave the empire much needed stability -> made Pax Romana possible |
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