Julio_Claudian_Essay

The emperor, Claudius, was a man with great integrity, individuality, common sense, patriotism and determination. He contributed a substantial amount of greatness in order to serve the Roman Empire well and as sources say, did so due to the influence of the Freedmen and Imperial Women. Though some believe that their influence was too strong and Claudius’ decisions were based directly on their manipulative power. Sources from both Tacitus and Suetonius provide us with information that allows us to look deeper into the decisions and influences of Claudius’ role as Emperor. One of the many influential people in Claudius’ life was an Imperial Woman by the name of Valeria Messalina. Messalina was a Roman Empress as the third wife and second cousin of Claudius. Messalina was seen as a very promiscuous woman, full of sexual power to influence the influential. Although that played a major part in the Emperor’s role of authority, she did give Claudius two children – Octavia (AD 39) and Britannicus (AD 41). The sources – Suetonius and Tacitus, provide us with information that allows us to look closely at Messalina’s reputation throughout Ancient Rome. Both Suetonius and Tacitus portray Messalina as extremely ‘lustful’, but also ‘insulting’, ‘disgraceful’, ‘cruel’, and ‘avaricious’; they claimed her negative qualities were a result of her inbreeding. Though stories of wild parties, intrigue and murder follow Messalina from the ancient sources, some modern scholars have painted her as a ‘wise’ player in the political world of the time. Messalina’s ability to seduce meant a great deal of power was placed into her hands. She could not only influence those around her, but Claudius too. Soon, Messalina became the most powerful woman in Rome. Claudius bestowed great honour’s in her name. Her face became familiar in public places, as statues of her were being erected in many various locations. Her birthday was also one to be celebrated officially, now that she had such an influential role in Rome. Messalina soon had enough power and influence to favour her friends and punish her enemies. She became jealous of female rivals and eliminated anyone that stood in her way of becoming more powerful. Messalina struck up a new love affair with the intelligent nobleman, Gaius Silius ‘along with many other crimes’ as Suetonius states. This was made no secret as she would allow the public to see a great deal of sexual affection. It was later declared that she was divorcing Claudius and marrying her new love, Gaius. Claudius had been in Ostia over this period of time and sources say that this ‘affair’ was committing ‘bigamy – the imperial household shuddered’. That may have been the turning point for Messalina’s influence as both Gaius Silius and Messalina were executed. Whether Claudius was oblivious to Messalina’s actions or chose to ignore it, her ability to influence his decisions lead to an extreme change in leadership. Messalina abused her power as Roman Empress and wife of Claudius and through information based on sources, it is shown that Messalina was unfair in her means of power and affected Claudius’ role in Rome to a great extent. Sources believe that Messalina’s ability to control Claudius’ decisions did not improve the wellbeing of Rome and selfishly suited Messalina alone, showing that such a strong influence played a major role in the politics and social duties of ruling Rome as he allowed her the power that should not be shared. Suetonius accuses Claudius of ‘cruelty’ and ‘stupidity’, assigning some of the blame to his wives and freedman, another to blame being Agrippina. With the death of Messalina, Agrippina – Claudius’ niece slotted herself right in, becoming Claudius’ fourth wife after much consideration. A collection of sources combined, state that Agrippina was ‘disreputable’, ‘violent’, ‘immoral’ and possessed ‘vicious habits’. Tacitus makes a portentous statement claiming “the vengeance on Messalina was just. But its consequences were grim”, which is seen to refer to Agrippina’s rise to power. It has been suggested that their marriage was pushed to ‘end the feud between the Julian and Claudian branches,’ but was also seen to cause controversy as the relationship was seen to be incestuous. Agrippina was seen to be clever in the way she made her way up the political ladder in order to allow her son to eventually rule Rome. Sources suggest ‘Agrippina had achieved this dominant position for her son and herself by a web of political alliances.’ Sources also imply that ‘As soon as Agrippina had come to live in the palace she gained complete control over Claudius,’ clearly showing the ability she had in order to influence Claudius’ role in Rome. Tacitus said that Narcissus, another influential secretary of Claudius, tried to warn others about Agrippina's plans: ‘There is nothing she will not sacrifice to imperial ambition-neither decency, nor honor, nor chastity.’ Writes Dio: "No one attempted in any way to check Agrippina; indeed, she had more power than Claudius himself." Tacitus remarks in outrage the way in which ‘…Complete obedience was accorded to a woman – a rigorous almost masculine despotism,’ which suggests that Claudius may have been failing at sustaining his role as Emperor, allowing Agrippina to take full control. Each source allows us to see how easily influenced Claudius is. It is almost implied that he is intrigued more by sexual power rather than political power as he is easily seduced and ‘passion’ persuades him, therefore allowing the Imperial Women to play an excessive influential role in his status. A definite answer as to what ‘extent’ Claudius was influenced by is impossible. Suetonius paints Claudius as a ridiculous figure, belittling many of his acts and attributing his good works to the influence of others. Thus the portrait of Claudius as the weak fool, controlled by those he supposedly ruled, was preserved for the ages, though modern day historians agree that he was generally a ‘good ruler’, based on military success and extensive public works. Both opinions can be greatly relied on, therefore making it difficult to provide a distinct answer as to the extent of the Imperial Women’s influence on his ruling. They influenced him greatly, usually for selfish reasons, therefore making some decisions bias and unreliable, however he did remain Emperor until his death (thought to be poisoned by Agrippina in order for Nero to be Emperor), showing that through each influential decision, he still overcame his obstacles with the use of his power. Although it seems Claudius was only influenced by the Imperial Women in his life, the freedmen, of whom he relied greatly on, played a major role in the influential process throughout his reign. Marcus Antonius Pallas, an important freedman and secretary throughout Claudius’ reign who rose to great heights in the imperial government. When Claudius found his power too overwhelming, he put complete trust into his freedmen making Pallas the ‘Secretary of Treasury’, allowing him to reward himself, resulting in him being one of the ‘richest men of the time’ – Pliny the Elder. This doesn’t show specifically how Pallas influenced Claudius however it does show that his role was flexible and shown to have many flaws in the way he allowed easy access to the financial branches. His high ranking position left sources proposing ideas of Pallas being able to control the emperor, though when it came down to Pallas using his ‘power’ as the Imperial Women did, he was denied the right to influence as he was unable to prevent his brother being banished from Rome, nor could he prevent the execution of his fellow freedman, showing that his influence was not all that superior. Claudius denied Pallas the right to influence purely by using his own power and over-ruling – traits of an Emperor. A senatorial decree of praise for Pallas was later inscribed on a monument – ‘For his fidelity and loyalty towards his patrons’. From this, he was not only recognised with great honour, but awarded ‘the insignia of praetorian rank together with 15 000 000 sesterces, of which he accepted the honour alone’. It is clear that Tacitus showed disapproval and contempt towards these Freedmen, referring to them simply as ‘Ex-Slaves’. Sources suggest however, that Claudius used his freedmen as tools to seek advice as he could not make independent decisions. Their opinions and individual decisions as a whole, would show a great extent of influence as the freedmen were loyal and efficient ministers, in which were capable of trusting. Another significant freedmen in Ancient Rome, goes by the name of Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, in charge of correspondence. Suetonius states that ‘his firmest devotion’ in regards to his freedman ‘was reserved for Narcissus’ along with Pallas. Suetonius also states that ‘Claudius fell so deeply under the influence of these freedmen… that he seemed to be their servant rather than their emperor’. As a freedman, Narcissus had the authority to articulate on behalf of the emperor. This was demonstrated when he addressed the troops in Claudius' stead before the conquest of Britain, using his cunning tactics. Tacitus described Narcissus’ influence to be greatly looked up to. ‘All throughout, Claudius preserved a strange silence; everything was under the freedman's control. By his order.. Claudius spoke to them a few words at the dictation of Narcissus.’ This shows how influential Narcissus truly was. His cunning and smooth ways of going about his duties allowed Claudius to confide in him and be strongly influenced. However the difference between Narcissus’ influence compared to many other Freedmen and Imperial Women is that his was of a genuine nature, without too much to gain. Sources do suggest that Claudius was not the independent type, which is shown clear in how strongly he relies on his Freedmen. Although the Freedmen and Imperial Women are shown to have a distinct role in influencing certain decisions as Emperor, there are also facts against great influence. We see that both Messalina and Agrippina play a rather substantial role in manipulating Claudius for selfish reasons, influencing him to make decisions that may not be for the wellbeing of others. It also suggests that Claudius is influenced by sexual power more than political power, which shows faults in his role as Emperor. As a whole, it is quite obvious that the Imperial Women play a very extensive role in influencing the Emperor’s decisions, however he should not be portrayed as ‘spineless’ too soon, as he hadn’t let Pallas influence him in personal decisions, showing initiative – proving that the extent of influence is not as great as sources may portray. From researching different sources – Tacitus and Suetonius, it is clear that Claudius was very easily influenced by both the Imperial Women and the Freedmen, and may have been more satisfied with sexual influence rather than the power his name entitles him to, showing a great amount of influence in the decisions he made as Emperor.