- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781846319648
- eISBN:
- 9781781387177
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9781846319648.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
The emperor Gaius (‘Caligula’) was assassinated in January AD 41. It seemed that the dynasty of the Caesars was over, and republican rule restored; but a military coup by the Praetorian Guard set ...
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The emperor Gaius (‘Caligula’) was assassinated in January AD 41. It seemed that the dynasty of the Caesars was over, and republican rule restored; but a military coup by the Praetorian Guard set up Gaius’ uncle Claudius as emperor. A detailed contemporary account of the plot and its aftermath was incorporated by the historian Josephus into his Antiquities of the Jews, as an example of the providence of God (if Gaius had lived, he would have desecrated the temple at Jerusalem). This book is a translation of that unjustly neglected narrative, one of the most important texts in Roman imperial history, with an introduction and historical commentary to bring out its full significance. Two appendices provide detailed discussion of (1) the scene of the events, the imperial residence on the Palatine, of which our understanding has been revolutionised in the last few years by new archaeological evidence, and (2) the Roman historian Cluvius Rufus, the likely author of the original account used by Josephus.Less
The emperor Gaius (‘Caligula’) was assassinated in January AD 41. It seemed that the dynasty of the Caesars was over, and republican rule restored; but a military coup by the Praetorian Guard set up Gaius’ uncle Claudius as emperor. A detailed contemporary account of the plot and its aftermath was incorporated by the historian Josephus into his Antiquities of the Jews, as an example of the providence of God (if Gaius had lived, he would have desecrated the temple at Jerusalem). This book is a translation of that unjustly neglected narrative, one of the most important texts in Roman imperial history, with an introduction and historical commentary to bring out its full significance. Two appendices provide detailed discussion of (1) the scene of the events, the imperial residence on the Palatine, of which our understanding has been revolutionised in the last few years by new archaeological evidence, and (2) the Roman historian Cluvius Rufus, the likely author of the original account used by Josephus.
T. P. Wiseman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781846319648
- eISBN:
- 9781781387177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9781846319648.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
Sections 158-200 of the translation: Josephus reports how the Senate try to take control of the situation, with a long speech from the consul SentiusSaturninus hailing the end of the ‘tyranny of the ...
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Sections 158-200 of the translation: Josephus reports how the Senate try to take control of the situation, with a long speech from the consul SentiusSaturninus hailing the end of the ‘tyranny of the Caesars’ and the resumption of a free republic. Meanwhile, the Praetorian Guard, who have nothing to gain from a republic, kidnap Claudius with the intention of making him emperor. The conspirators send one of their number to kill Gaius’ widow Caesonia and her little daughter.Less
Sections 158-200 of the translation: Josephus reports how the Senate try to take control of the situation, with a long speech from the consul SentiusSaturninus hailing the end of the ‘tyranny of the Caesars’ and the resumption of a free republic. Meanwhile, the Praetorian Guard, who have nothing to gain from a republic, kidnap Claudius with the intention of making him emperor. The conspirators send one of their number to kill Gaius’ widow Caesonia and her little daughter.
T. P. Wiseman
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- September 2014
- ISBN:
- 9781846319648
- eISBN:
- 9781781387177
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Liverpool University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5949/liverpool/9781846319648.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, Ancient History / Archaeology
Sections 212-273 of the translation: Josephus returns to the story of Claudius, who has hidden in terror after the killing. A Praetorian guardsman finds him and carries him off to the main body of ...
More
Sections 212-273 of the translation: Josephus returns to the story of Claudius, who has hidden in terror after the killing. A Praetorian guardsman finds him and carries him off to the main body of the Guard, who want him as emperor because of the popularity of his late brother Germanicus (Gaius’ father), and take him to their barracks. The Roman People are pleased, because they don't want a senatorial oligarchy in power. The Senate sends a threatening embassy to Claudius, who rejects it (advised by king Agrippa of Judaea); the ‘urban cohorts’, who had been under the Senate's command, change sides and go to the barracks to swear allegiance to Claudius. Claudius summons a meeting on the Palatine, and the first act of his principate is to have Chaerea and his colleagues executed. Sabinus is spared, but falls on his sword.Less
Sections 212-273 of the translation: Josephus returns to the story of Claudius, who has hidden in terror after the killing. A Praetorian guardsman finds him and carries him off to the main body of the Guard, who want him as emperor because of the popularity of his late brother Germanicus (Gaius’ father), and take him to their barracks. The Roman People are pleased, because they don't want a senatorial oligarchy in power. The Senate sends a threatening embassy to Claudius, who rejects it (advised by king Agrippa of Judaea); the ‘urban cohorts’, who had been under the Senate's command, change sides and go to the barracks to swear allegiance to Claudius. Claudius summons a meeting on the Palatine, and the first act of his principate is to have Chaerea and his colleagues executed. Sabinus is spared, but falls on his sword.
