CC 302/347 INTRO TO ANCIENT ROME Outline for Lecture 30: Problems of Empire Julio-Claudian Dynasty - initiates the Pax Romana: peace and stability for many years - Augustus established the rule of one man via a facade - the big problem: succession - the next emperor ~ associated with the last emperor (real or adopted son) Nero (54 - 68) - Agrippina ruled through her son Nero; influence ended by 57 ~ Seneca and Burrus - Agrippina killed by Nero 56 AD in clever plot - up to 59, Nero ruled with generosity and clemency. - interest in theater & music becomes problematic - fire of Rome in 64 - alienated Italian middle class; rebellions stirred up everywhere - In 68 Nero was obliged to flee the city; then commit suicide 69 CE Year of the Four Emperors - secret of empire revealed: emperor could be made outside of Rome Galba (declared by Spanish legions) Otho (declared by Praetorian Guard) Vitellius (declared by legions in Germany) Vespasian (declared by eastern legions) - the realities of power now lay revealed - Lex De Imperio, backdated Vespasian's rule to his declaration by the troops Vespasian (69-79) -established the Flavian Dynasty - succeeded by sons Titus (79-81) and Domitian (81-96) - restored peace and stability to an empire in utter disarray Previous Outline Next Outline Course Index Syllabus