This passage references some of the legislation that Augustus enacted and the reactions towards them. These laws describe an encouragement towards marriage and, by extension, producing legitimate children, indicating that these were significant issues for Augustus to solve. David Potter mentions that one of these laws was to entice the upper class to produce more children with incentives. One of these was first choice at governorship of a province when it became available to a man of appropriate status . Accompanying this with the other legislation, it provides the view that Augustus was attempting to facilitate an increase in legitimate upper class children, to make up for the decrease in upper class citizens due to the civil wars . Another
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This passage comes before a section where Suetonius discusses about how the senate was “swelled by a low-born and ill-assorted rabble” and the steps in which Augustus made to change this . Thus, this passage can be viewed as Augustus’ way of ensuring proper legitimate citizens are born, which in the future would see worthy men in the senate rather than “rabble”, relating this passage to the sections that follow it in Suetonius’ text. Potter links these elements together with piety, describing how these laws are a response for the immorality of the Roman people and the anger that arises in the gods because of their actions and attitudes . This could be a pragmatic reason, using piety, which he was well known for, to inspire conformity to the laws to please the gods. This passage also tells us the extent to which Augustus promoted these laws, showing that he was firm in his belief of the necessity of the laws. He was willing to alleviate the penalties, enhance rewards, and make public demonstrations against the face of …show more content…
It highlights Messalina’s tendency towards adultery and how she manipulated Claudius to achieve her desires with other men. Cassius Dio puts Claudius into an unflattering light, making him appear compliant to Messalina’s wishes and gullible towards her. Dio appears to be critical of both Claudius and Messalina. He mentions another instance of Claudius being manipulated by Messalina by using a freedman, Narcissus, to warn Claudius of the dream he had in which Silanus had murdered Claudius . Messalina used Claudius to have Silanus killed because he refused to sleep with her . So, this passage becomes another example of Claudius being manipulated by Messalina, showing that that happened more than once. It also places Messalina under a negative light, making her appear petty in her whims. Though Dio wrote about history rather than bibliographies, this passage is an example of him delving into the aspects of the relationship between Claudius and Messalina. This could be due to the impact that Messalina had on Claudius’ rule was enough to distract from the events of the administration of Rome. It also provides insight into what type of ruler Claudius was, being susceptible to those close to him. Dio also provides examples of Claudius excessive interest in violence, describing violent gladiatorial contests . These elements help to create an image of what Claudius was like, which
This passage comes before a section where Suetonius discusses about how the senate was “swelled by a low-born and ill-assorted rabble” and the steps in which Augustus made to change this . Thus, this passage can be viewed as Augustus’ way of ensuring proper legitimate citizens are born, which in the future would see worthy men in the senate rather than “rabble”, relating this passage to the sections that follow it in Suetonius’ text. Potter links these elements together with piety, describing how these laws are a response for the immorality of the Roman people and the anger that arises in the gods because of their actions and attitudes . This could be a pragmatic reason, using piety, which he was well known for, to inspire conformity to the laws to please the gods. This passage also tells us the extent to which Augustus promoted these laws, showing that he was firm in his belief of the necessity of the laws. He was willing to alleviate the penalties, enhance rewards, and make public demonstrations against the face of …show more content…
It highlights Messalina’s tendency towards adultery and how she manipulated Claudius to achieve her desires with other men. Cassius Dio puts Claudius into an unflattering light, making him appear compliant to Messalina’s wishes and gullible towards her. Dio appears to be critical of both Claudius and Messalina. He mentions another instance of Claudius being manipulated by Messalina by using a freedman, Narcissus, to warn Claudius of the dream he had in which Silanus had murdered Claudius . Messalina used Claudius to have Silanus killed because he refused to sleep with her . So, this passage becomes another example of Claudius being manipulated by Messalina, showing that that happened more than once. It also places Messalina under a negative light, making her appear petty in her whims. Though Dio wrote about history rather than bibliographies, this passage is an example of him delving into the aspects of the relationship between Claudius and Messalina. This could be due to the impact that Messalina had on Claudius’ rule was enough to distract from the events of the administration of Rome. It also provides insight into what type of ruler Claudius was, being susceptible to those close to him. Dio also provides examples of Claudius excessive interest in violence, describing violent gladiatorial contests . These elements help to create an image of what Claudius was like, which