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HARVARD
COLLEGE
LIBRARY
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THE
HISTORY
EOMAN EMPERORS,
AUGUSTUS
DEATH OF MARCUS ANTONINUS.
BTYBSLATI
REY. ROBERT lYNAM, M.A.
or Tmuirnr ooixBai, cuamiooa;
BPITBO BT TMB
REV. JOHN T. WHITE, M.A.
or ooBm CHBitn oollboi, ozvobd,
<io«iOB vim MAiru or chbxvt*i hospital, lovdost.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOL. I.
LONDON:
FBlirrSD FOR SIMPKUr, MAMHALU k, 00.. WHrrTAKSR k, 00., HAMILTON, ADAMS,
ft CO., HATCHABD ft 80K, 8HAW ft 80K8, STByEKS ft KOBTOK, WALLEB ft SON.
CAXBBIDOE : J. DEIOHTON. OXFORD : J. H. PAEKEB. MANCHESTEB : C. MEREDITH.
BDIKBUROH : OLITEB ft BOTD. DUBUN : HODGES ft SMITH.
1850.
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--_-! — o ,f. ;■ r,'
-rTM>
AH *]^t8.sa CO
V
HAF.V/hD COLixCE LIBRARY
£«0« THE UBRARY OF OBIC BATES
AIAJU:H 26, 1838
Loiisov:
rilVtBD BT IHAW AtTD SONS,
rSTTBM LAVI.
, HARVARD ,
UNIVERSITY
' UBRARY '
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/' '^ "^ I T^ I
AH *]^t8.sc CO
/
H^nv/hD ooLixee library
*«0« THE UBRARY OF OBIC BATES
AIA'^H 26. 1838
LOIIBOV:
fUKtlD BT IHAW AlTD fOMS,
riTTBM LAVB.
HARVARD
lUNIVERSITYl
UBRAWr
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>n* '--c*: 4 *■- c-t' : ^- '* C-. V i^,, , u. ^ « .<« o.>
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TO
TH£ RIGHT HONOURABLE
GEORGE WILLIAM FREDERICK
EARL OF CARLISLE,
VISCOUlfT MORPETH,
Sec. &c. kc
A NOBLEMAN NO LESS DISTINGUISHED
FOR THE AMIABLE QUAUTIBS OF HIS HEART THAN FOR HIS
HIGH INTELLECTUAL ATTAINMENTS,
THIS HISTORY OF THE ROMAN EMPERORS
(with Hlft LORDSHIP'S PBRHIMIOK)
MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY HIS LORDSHIP*S OBEDIENT
AND FAITHFUL SERVANT,
THE EDITOR.
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PREFACE.
It has not been 4eft to the Editor of the present
History of the Roman Emperors to gather from the
internal evidence of its pages^ on what grounds it
was undertaken, or what is the object it professes
to accomplish. 'Hie views and intentions of its
author— the late Rev. Robert Lynam — will be found
in the following extract taken from his papers : —
" While Hooke and many other authors have written
upon the History of the Roman Republic, and while
Gibbon has appropriated to himself the Decline
and Fall of the Roman Empire, it is remarkable,
that the intervening period has been almost totally
neglected in English literature. The lives of the
early Roman Emperors, which have been written
in our language, may be considered as rapid
sketches, rather than regular and accurate histories.
The French have the voluminous works of Tillemont
aud Crevier upon this subject; and the latter of these
authors is not unknown to English readers. But his
work, if it had no other faults, is presented to us in
VOL. I. b
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VI PREFACE.
a translation^ occupies part of the period selected by
Gibbon^ and is exceedingly difiuse^ being* extended
to no less than ten volumes octavo. It is presumed^
therefoi'e^ that the Lives of the first Emperors^
written in English without prolixity, and carefully
digested from the original Latin and Greek authors,
may possess some claim to the attention of scholars,
and all readers of history.'' It appears, therefore,
that Mr. Lynam undertook the task, he has thus
achieved, on the ground, that there is not in the
English language any original work of sterling
merit, and acknowledged accuracy, treating of the
events occurring between the periods occupied by
Hooke and Gibbon respectively ; and with the object
of connecting the History of the Roman Republic
with the History of the Decline and Fall of the
Roman Empire. In the following pages, he has
filled up the gap existing between the two above-
named great Historians; — ^taking up the narrative
of events where the former leaves off, and leaving off
where the latter, ceasing to give merely a barren
outline of the occurrences of earlier ages, throws all
his powers of delineation into a vivid picture of the
times of which he treats.
The historical field thus left for Mr. Lynam to
occupy affords ample space for the exercise of talent,
and the display of taste. To use the language of
Tacitus, the Romans had experienced quid ultimum
in libertate esset ; but now the case was reveraed.
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PREFACE. Vll
and^* to again use the words of the same philoso-
phical writer, they were to find quid in servitute esset
ultimum. The Roman glory, indeed, at the period
here spoken of, was gradually advancing to its
height : the Roman armies went forth ^^ conquering,
and to conquer'': foreign nations submitted to the
yoke of the mighty mistress of the world, and foreign
potentates were oftentimes compelled to bow to the
dictation of even her subordinate officers. Abroad,
with but trifling exceptions, all was bright: the
Roman sun shone with meridian splendour, with
only here and there a swift-passing cloud momen*
taril}' to dim its rays ; but within the City itself, from
the death of Augustus to the accession of Nerva,
there was an almost*uninterrupted thick dark night,
shrouding her liberties, obscuring her free institu-
tions^ and penetrating into the very homes of her
children, so that men regarded freedom of action,
and even freedom of speech, as the pleasing reminis-
cences of a dream that had fled never to return.
The blood of slaughtered armies flowed in streams
in nearly every foreign land; but the blood of
Romans flowed also at home — ^in the streets of the
Imperial City itself — ^polluted their very hearths,
and defiled eren the temples of their gods. The
shout of victory was heard in the deep vallies, on
the lofty mountain-tops, and across the broad plains
of distant countries ; but in Rome there arose the
bitter wailing cry of human beings sacrificed to
A2
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ym PREFACE.
uncontrouled absolutism^ as victims to its revenge^
its avarice^ or even its thirst for human blood.
Law^ as such^ there was none. The will of the
Soldier abroad^ and the will of the Emperor at home^
were the sole acknowledged code of government.
And^ however much^ in other respects^ Rome and
foreign lands differed from each other^ in this they
were on an equality under most of the early Em-
perors— ^the sword was the only sceptre by which
they were ruled. There are^ indeed^ here and there
occasional bright spots in the records of those ages,
but they are few and trifling; so that their very
existence tends only to make the surrounding gloom
more palpable.
At the accession^ however^ of Nerva to the imperial
power^ the Romans imagined that they distinguished
the dawning of a brighter day. Nor were they
deceived. The arrival of peaceful^ ^^PPy^ times for
their long-miserable City^ proved a reality under the
sway of that Emperor and his two immediate suc-
cessors: while under the Antonines the Roman state
rose to the highest pitch of prosperity and happiness
that it was permitted to attain during the Empire.
To produce a work commensurate with the impor-
tance of such a subject aa the above required the
combined efforts of toil, perseverance, research, sound
judgment, and learning of no ordinary description.
Indeed, nothing short of a just union of these could
suffice to blend the grand political and public events
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PREFACE. ix
recorded by Tacitiis, and Bion CassiuS; with the
leading features of each Emperor's character drawn
from the biographies of Suetonius^ the Victors;
Spartian^ and Capitolinus^ or gathered from in-
cidental notices in the works of other writers — to
assign to each circumstance its proper chronological
order^ and its due amount of importance — to bring
it forward into the broad light as a main^ essential^
feature in the delineation of the great human drama
of the period; or to throw it back into the shade as
a mere adjunct required by taste^ hereby presenting
to the mind a grand historic picture^ magnificent
as a whole; correct in its detail; and harmonious in
all its parts.
Enough; it is hoped; has been said to show the
importance and the interesting nature of the present
work. The general reader is herein supplied with
information drawn from the original sources; care*
fully digested; and chronologically arranged; which
— ^if he has heretofore approached the subject — ^he
has had to glean from the difiuse translation of
Crevier. The student is furnished with a record
of the earlier history of Rome Imperial; concise
indeed; yet amply sufficient for all ordinary pur-
poses; while the references in the margin; veri-
fied; as they have beeu; with great care and labour;
afford him the ready means of gaining access to
much additional information not deemed of suffi-
cient importance to be embodied in the work itself;
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Z PREFACE.
and yet^ perhaps, useful for the elucidation of some
point connected with his studies. The politician may
here learn, how uncontrouled power, deposited in
the hands of one person, will, — ^if not invariably,
yet for the most part, — ^prove subversive of all
liberty, public and private alike, as he may further
gather, from other portions of History, that the un-
controuled power of the many is no less destructive
of true freedom ; and thus, from these two proved
realities, he may find reason to be deeply thankful to
the Giver of all Good for that adjusted balance of
power^ desired, though deemed visionary, by Tacitus,
and yet existing in our own land, where, from the
throne to the cottage all are free, because all are under
the guardianship of laws, which tolerate no aggfres-
sion on the clearly-defined rights of each. The
Christian will see abundant cause for heart-felt grati-
tude that his lot is cast in the bright days of Gospel
light, and not in the gross dark night of Heathenism ;
while the investigator of prophecy may behold the -
earlier portion of the prophetic vision* of the Apo-
calypse realized in the record of human events
depicted in the latter portion of this work — ^from
the closing years of Domitian's reign to the end of
the reign of Marcus Antoninus — and, thus, from the
fulfilment of the past in accordance with the Divine
word, will feel and confess the certainty of what he
is told in that same word " must be hereafter.''
* 8«e Elliott's Hora ApoealypHem^ part 1, chap. 1.
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PREFACE. Zl
^y ^^^ judgment pronounced upon this work^ Mr.
Lynam's character as an author must stand or fall.
It is the only one he has written : whenever his
name has heretofore heen attached to hooks^ it has
heen merely as an Editor. Certainly it will he
granted^ that he has supplied what has long been a
great desideratum in the literature of this country^
and has produced a work derived from authentic
records of the times of which he treats. Scholars,
however, must decide upon its merits, and pro-
nounce, whether it successfully delineates the varied
aspect of the Roman State under its early Em-
perors.
Christ'b HosprrAL,
Feb. 1850.
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CONTENTS
VOLUME I.
THE EMPEROR CJESAR OCTAVIANUS AUGUSTUS.
CHAPTER 1.
B.C. Plf«
31. Oetaviiu matter of tbe Roman Bmpire . .1
S9. Bnten Rome in trtamph .2
Temple of JannaihQt .3
OetoTioa reioWea not to reiign hto power . ib.
ReeeiTea the title of Emperor .4
Reriaea tbe Senate ....... 5
28.TliebeainEnrpt-deatroyed ...... 6
S7.0etaTiiiay by pretending to relinqniah hia anfhority, oonatralns the
Senate to oonflrm it . .8
Diyidea the provinoaa with them . ib.
The mode of goTemment which he adopta . 0
ReceiTeathenameof Angnatna .13
Thepower ofthe Emperora . . ib.
CHAPTER n.
B.C.
97. PacttTiua the tribune devotee himself to Aiiguatus . .15
The Emperor goea into Ganl .10
SCDeathofCorneUiiaQallQa . .17
Auguatoa goea into Spain . ib.
Rerolt of the SalaMiana, and the Cantabriana and Aatnriana . 18
S.*!. They are aabdned . . . ib.
Embaaay of the Indiana and Scythiana .10
Agrippa dedicatee the Pantheon . ib.
Jnlia married to Marcellna . . ib.
24. Angnatna exempted from obedience to the laws .20
The Cantabriana and Aatnriana again revolt .... ili.
Expedition into ArabU FelU . ib.
83. nineaaof Angnatoa . .21
Death of Marcellna . «> . .22
Angnatna abdieatea the eonralahip . . ib.
Distreai at Rome .23
VOL, I. A
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XIV CONTENTS. [Aitgustus.
22. Ancnutiu refliMi th0 dictetonhlp . .84
Conspincy agatnit Augnstus .85
Dedicationof th0t«mpl0 of Jupiter ToDAot . • . ib.
Th0 Cantibriani and AstnrUuiB agatn rerolt . ib.
Petronini defetti Qoeen Candace .90
Augustus goes into Sicily . ib.
21.TumultsatRome . . ib.
Julia married to Agrippa .27
20. Augustus goes into the East . . ib.
The Parthian standards restored . ib.
Second embassy of the Indians .29
CHAPTER III.
B.C.
19. Agrippa snbdues the Cantabrians .81
Death of YirgU 92
Id.Agrippainrested with the Tribunieian power .83
Augustus endeuTOurs to reform the senate . . ib.
Makes regulations respecting marriage .84
17. Ssecular games .86
Caius and Ludns adopted by him . ib.
16.AugustusleaTes Rome . ib.
War with the Sicambrians . .86
15. Rapacity of Lidnins . . .87
Drusus and Tiberius conquer the RhsBtians • ib.
Cruelty of YediusPollio 89
14.People of the Maritime Alps subdued . ib.
Disturbances in the Cimmerian Bosphorus . . ib.
13. Augustus returns to Rome, and Axes the time of military service • 41
Dedicates the theatre of Marcellus . . ib.
Compels the senators to retain their dignity . ib.
Becomes supreme pontiff on the death of Lepidus .42
Freedom of Antistius Labeo . . ib.
CHAPTER IV.
ac.
12. Agrippa dies, and is buried with great distinction by Augustus . 43
His character .44
The Emperor chooses Tiberius as his coaiyutor, who subdues the
Pannonians . . ib.
11. The success of Drusus in Qaul and Germany .45
Revolt of the Bessi 46
The AugustaUa instituted . .47
lO.Julia married to Tiberius . . . . . ib.
Revolt of the Dacians, Dalmatians, and Germans . .48
9. Drusus dies in Germany . . . . ib.
8. Tiberius carries on the war there . . . . .61
Extinction of the Sicambrians . . . . ib.
Tiberius receives the title of Imperator. . . . . ib.
The name of the month Sextilis changed . . ib.
8. Death of Maecenas . . . . . .62
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ArouCTCtf.] CONTENTS. XV
B.C. Pttfn
8. His ehaneter . . .62
I>eftthofHonee .63
TheiRoganoeofCaiiuand Ludns . . ib.
6. Tiberiiu iiiTMted with the TribanicUn power for five yeart . . 64
Betiret in diagnst to Rhodes . ib.
Aretas Kiog of Anbia .65
CHAPTER V.
B.C.
Cains receives the title of Prince of the Youth .66
The Christian Era . ib.
Death of Herod the Great, and the division of his territories . 67
Angustns becomes acquainted with the Ucentionsness of his daughter
Julia, and banbhes her to Pandataria . .68
Her marriage with Tiberius dissolved .60
Disturbances in Armenia tranquillized by Caius .60
2. Caius has an interview with the Parthian King
Tiberius returns to Rome
3. Death of Lucius and Caius
4. Disgrace of Agrippa and Julia
Tiberius adopted by Augustus
Augustus refuses to be called Lord
Pardons the conspiracy of Cinna
Vooones appointed King of the Parthiaas
6. A fund provided for the Roman troops
G. Famine at Rome
Nightly guards established .
. ib.
. 61
. ib.
61,62
. 62
. 63
. ib.
. 64
. 66
. 67
. ib.
CHAPTER VI.
A.D.
6. Arehelaus banished into Qaul, and Judiea made a Roman province 68
War in Dalmatia and Pannonia .60
0. Law against celibacy .72
The Dalmatians subdued .76
Yams and his legions destroyed in Germany .77
Banishment of Ovid . ib.
10. Tiberius keeps the Germans in check . .78
12. Is associated with Augustus in the government of the empire . 70
IS. Augustus permitted to transact all afiUrs by means of his council
alone ........ 80
CHAPTER VII.
A. 9.
14. Augustus dies at Nola
His burial
He is deified ....
His character as drawn by different writers .
The effect of his government upon the Romans
His person, accomplishments, and style of living
a2
81
84
ib.
ib.
89
(K)
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XVI CONTENTS. [Tibbbius.
THE EMPEROR TIBERIUS.
CHAPTER I.
A. D. Paf«
14. Parentage of 'nberins 99
Hii profound dtmimnlation . .95
Ordm Agiippa Postfanmns to be murdered .96
~ Pretends to decline the imperial power, but at length deeista firom
Usieftual 97
Jealous of hia mother ...... 09
- DepriTcs the people of all right in the election of the magistrates . lb.
Sedition among the troops in Pannonia appeased by Dmsus, in
conseqnenceof an eclipse of the moon. . 100
The German legions rerolt, and are with difficulty padfled by Ger-
manicua ....... 103
Death of Julia, the daughter of Augustus . .107
CHAPTER II.
A.D.
15. Germanicus carries on war against the Catti and the Cherusci . 108
Inters the remains of the legions of Varus .... 109
" Actions for treason and iibel .113
Disturbances at the theatre .113
10. Vottones is driven from the kingdom of Parthia, and afterwards
from that of Armenia ...... 114
Germanicus gains signal Tictories orer the Cherusci, but on his
return loses great part of his fleet by shipwreck . 1 15
Accusation and death of Drusus Libo .118
Astrologers expelled from Italy .119
The bold spirit of L. Piso ...... ib.
Clemens, the slave of Agrippa Posthumus, counterfeits his master 120
17. Triumph of Germanicus .121
Deathof Archelaus, KingofCappadocia . .122
Germanicus is sent into the east, and Cn. Piso is made goTemor of
Syria 123
Drusus sent into lUyrla . ib.
Dissensions between the Sueri and the Cherusci .124
Tumults excited in Africa by Taciarinas . ib.
TweWecitiesof Asia destroyed by an earthquake . .125
18. Germanicus crowns Zeno King of Armenia 126
Yonones is removed to Pompeiopolis . ib.
CHAPTER III.
A.D.
19. Maroboduus, King of the Suevi, expelled from his dominions 127
Dissensions in Thrace, betrreen Cotys and Rhescuporis .128
Death of Yonones . .130
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Tiberius.] CONTENTS- XVll
A. D. Page
10. Qermanicas visits Egypt, and afterwards dies at Antioch . .130
His character .182
Grief of the Romans at his death .183
Decrees against profligate women ..... 134
Punishment of the Jews, and of those addicted to the Egyptian
snperstitions . ih.
Death of Arminios . .186
80. Arrival of Agrippina at Rome, and funeral of Oermanicus . 137
Trial of Piso, and his death . ib.
Africa disturbed by Tacfiirinas .180
21. Commotion in Thrace ...... 140
Rebellion ezdted in Gaul by Julius Floras and Sacroyir, who are
defeated, and destroy themselves . . ib.
C. Lutorius Priscus put to death for a poem . 142
A respite of ten days granted to persons condemned by the senate . 143 -
22. Tiberius refuses to enact any new sumptuary laws . . . ib.
The Tribunician power conferred upon Drusus . .144
The asylums in the Grecian cities reformed . ib.
Tiberius returns to Rome on account of the illness of his mother . 145
Blaesus carries on the war against Tacfarinas • . 146
Death of Junia ....... ib.
CHAPTER IV.
A.D.
23. Character of Sejanus, and Iuh ambitious designs 148
He poisons Drusus ....... 148
Character of that prince ...... 150
The behaviour of Tiberius becomes more vicious after the death of
his son ....... 151
An account of his government up to that time, with the number
and station of the Roman legions .... 152-
S^anus persecutes Agrippina ..... !53
The cities of Asia erect a temple to Tiberius . 154
Actors expelled from Italy . . ib.
The malignity of Tiberius against a certain architect ib.
24.H]sjea]ottsy of Nero and Drusus .155
The war in Africa terminated by the death of Tacfarinas . . 156
A servile war suppressed in Italy . . ib.
Vibius Serenus accused by his own son .... 157
The informers protected by Tiberius .... 158
25.DeathofCremutiusCordus .. . .158
PeopleofCysieum deprived of their liberty . . 160
Tiberius will not allow a temple to be erected to him by the people
of Spain . . . . . . ib.
Scjanus, requesting permission to marry Livia, is refused • ib.
26. Poppaeus Sabinus subdues some mountaineers of Thrace • .161
Discord between Tiberius and Agrippina .... 163
The Emperor leaves Rome and is nearly killed by the £ill of a
grotto ........ 165
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XVIU CONTENTS. [Tibbbius.
CHAPTER V.
A.D. PiK«
27.The ftJl of an amphitheatre tt FldeniB .106
Coiiilagimtlon on Monnt CsbUos .167
Tlberina letirea to the island of Capree, and Agrippina and Nero
are placed under guarde ..... 168
88. Ui\jast condemnation of TitiuiSabhms . ib.
Deathof Joliaygrand-daoghterof Aogostus .170
Agrippina, daughter of Qermanicns, married to Cn. Domltius ib.
The Frisii rerolt, and defeat the Romans . . ib.
Tiberius and Sejanus allow themselves to be seen in Campania . 171
S9. Death and character of Uvia . ib.
Condemnation of Agrippina and her two sons . 174
90. The ambitions designs of S^anus discoyered by the Emperor ib.
Sl.They are appointed consuls together .175
Death of Xero, MmofOermanicus . .... 170
Tiberius writes to the Senate against Sejanus, who Is sent to prison
and ezeented on the same day . .178
His children put to death . .181
His wife, haying acquainted Tiberius with the murder of his son
Drusus, destroys herself . ib.
Tiberius becomes still more cruel ..... 18S
CHAPTER VI.
A.D.
9S. Tiberius visits the Tiber, and returns to CapresB .184
" Submissive conduct of the Senate . .185
'^Tiberius avows to them his wretchedness . .186
Prosecutions at Rome . ib.
M. Terentius acknowledges his friendship with Sejanui, and boldly
defends his conduct .187
Dearth at Rome .188
d3.Maniageof the daughters of Germanicus . . ib.
Distress on account of usury . ib.
Deaths of several persons . .190
Tiberius orders all the supposed friends of S^anus to be executed ib.
Deaths of Adnius Oallus, Drusus, Agrippina, Plancina, and
Cocceius Xerva .191
Marriage of Cains Ccetar, and his duplicity .108
Prediction concerning Galba ..... 194
Thrasyllus the astrologer . ib.
34. The appearance of a Phcsniz ..... 195
Deaths of Pomponius Labeo and Mamercus Scaums 196
Lentulus Oetulicus saves himself by his bold remonstrance ib.
35. Deaths of Falcinins Trio and others .197
Artabanus, King of Parthia, seises Armenia for his eldest son . 198
Is expelled from his dominions by the Romans and Iberians, but in
a short time recovers his kingdom .... 200
36. His hatred of Tiberius 203
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TiBBRius.] CONTENTS. xix
CHAPTER VII.
A.O. Pa«*
36.Th6re?oltoftheCUt8B S04
Vibal<iuu8 Agrippa poboxiB himself in the wmite . . ib.
Tigranes, grandson of Herod the Great, put to death . 205
His cousin Agrippa ca«t into prison . . ib.
Disgrace of Pontius PiUte, procurator of Judaea . .206
Fire on Mount Aventine . . ib.
37. Power of Macro, and his snbMrviency to Caius Caesar . 207
Tiberius deliberates concerning his successor • . ib.
Death of L. Arruntius, and of Sex. Papinius . . 200
Illnea of Tiberius, who continues his ordinary pleasures, but dies at
MIsenum . . SIO
Various accounts of his death . . .212
Joy of the people . . .213
Character and attainments of Tiberius . ib.
His exterior . . . .216
The chief authors of his reign . ib.
THE EMPEROR CAIUS JULIUS C^SAR GERMANICUS
CALIGULA.
CHAPTSB I.
A.D.
37. Birth and education of Caius . . .217
He obtains the imperial power to the exclusion of the young Tiberius 220
Performs many popular acta . ib.
Assumes the consulship, making his uncle Claudius his colleague '221
Honours conferred upon him ..... 223
Girea the kingdom of Commagene to Antiochns . ib.
Liberates Agrippa, and makes him king . ib.
Vitellius oondudea a faTOurable treaty with the Parthians . lb.
Caius attacked with illness, after which his conduct becomes altered 224
Orders the young Tiberius to be killed, and causes the death of
AntODia 226
38. Bestores to the people their right ofeleeting the magistrates . 226
His cruelty in the games . • ib.
Puts to death Macro, Bnnia, and Silanus .
The death of his sister DrusiUa, who is deified
Cains marries Paulina
Pretends to be a god, and claims dirine wonhip
Peneeution of the Jews at Alexandria, and banishment of Flaocus
the gOTemor ....... 231
ib.
228
229
230
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XX CONTENTS. [Caius.
CHAFTEB II.
A.D. Pif*
SU.Crnelty and extortion of C«iiii .834
Ills regwd for hi! hone Indtatus 935
JuitiflM Tlberlnt before the tenate, and revivea the actiona for
treaaon and Ubet ...... ib.
Builds a bridge orer the sea from Baias to Pateoli . .837
Orders the penonsy who were in banishment, to be put to death . 830
Pardons Domitins Aibr, and is Jealous of the eloquence of Seneca . 840
Worshipped as a god by L. Vitellius .841
Deprives the consuls of their office, and the people of the right of
election, and orders the commemoration of the battle of Actium
to be abolished ib.
His ridiculous expedition against the Germans, and his unjust
methods of enriching himself . .848
Puts to death Getulicna and others for an alleged conspiracy, and
banishes his sisters 846
Repudiates Ptalina and marries Csasonia ...... 847
Birthofadangbter, named Julia Drusilla . .848
The Germans repulsed by Qalba . ib.
CHAPTER in.
40. Caius receites new-year's gifts, and exhibits games at Lyons . 840
Rome without any consul . . . • .^ .. 850
Death of King Ptolemy . .851
The Emperor's pretended invasion of Britain . ib.
Wishes to slaughter part of his legions, and returns to Rome greatly
incensed ....... 858
Persists in his pretensions to divinity .... 854
Orders his statue to be placed in the temple of Jerusalem, but is
firmly resisted by the Jews ...... 855
King Agrippa intercedes for them ..... 856
Embassy of Philo 857
41.Ch«rea, Sabinusand others conspire against the Emperor, and
siisstsinate him as he returns from the theatre . 868
The burial of Caius .865
His person, and probable insanity ..... 866
His arrogance and luxury ...... 867
His style of dress and eloquence ..... 868
His fondness for singing and dancing, and his attachment to actors ib.
The works which he undertook or projected .. . 860
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xxii CONTENTS. [Claudius.
A. D. Fac«
44. Death of King Agrippa, in coaieqneoce of wbieh Cuspiita Fadns
ismadeprocaratorof JadflM ..... 207
45. Varioiu acts of Claodiiis ...... S98
40. Valarios Aiiaticiis resigns his consulship .... 200
M. Vinidos poisoned by Hessalina .lb.
Asinitts Gallos is banished for aspiring to be Emperor ib.
Intrigues of Hessalina with Mnester the dancer . dOO
Thrace becomes a Roman province .... SOI
CHAPTBR III.
A.D.
47. Censorship of Claudius ...... 302
Celebration of the sfBcular games ..... 903
Partiality of the people for the young Domitius . ib.
Claudius protects the deserted slaves .... 304
MessaUna effects the destruction of Valerius Asiaticus for the sake
of his gazdensy and causes Poppsea to put herself to death ib.
Advocates are restricted in their foes, on account of their venality
and treachery .... . . 306
Claudius introduces for a time three new letters into the Roman
language .907
Contests between GotKnea and Bardanes for the sovereignty of
Parthia ....... ib.
Mithridates recovers the kingdom of Armeoia . 308
Aulas Plautius is honoured with an ovation . 300
Italicus is chosen king of the Cherusd . ib.
Corbulo, having gained some successes over the Germans, is not
allowed to prosecute the war ..... 311
Some account of Gurtius Rufns . ib.
48. Claudius allows the Gauls to sit in the senate, and replenishes the
patrician fomUies . .312
Hessalina openly marries C. Silius, while her husband is at Ostia . 313
Xarcissns discloses her guilt to Claudius, and causes her to be put
to death ... .... 316
The insensibility of the emperor ..... 810
CHAPTER IV.
A..D.
48^ Claudius fixes his affections upon his niece Agrippina, who causes
the disgrace of Silanus, the Emperor's intended son-in-law . 322
40.Harriages between uncles and nieces are declared legal by the
Senate, and Claudius unites himself to Agrippina . 324
Silanus put to death ... , . 325
Agrippina recalls Seneca from exile, and causes Octavia to be be-
trothed to her son Domitius . ib.
50. Destroys her rival Lollia Paulina ..... 326
Claudius extends the circumference of the city, and expels the Jews
from Rome . ib.
Parthian ambassadors come to Rome to solicit Meherdates for their
king, who is defeated by Gotarzes .... 327
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Claudius.] CONTENTS. XXIU
A.D. Pape
50. Mitbrldfttesy having in vain attempted to recover his kingdom of the
Bosphonts, sorrenden himeelf to Bnnonee, and ia sent captive
to Rome ....... 8-29
51 . Agrippina's son is adopted by Claudius, and she herself receives the
title of Angnsta 331
She sends a colony to Cologne .lb.
The Catti repulsed by L. Pomponius . ib.
Vannins, King of the Snevi, expelled from his dominions . . 382
P. OstoriuB, the proprietor of Britain, defeats the loeni . . 333
Captores King Caractaeus, who is sent to Rome, and pardoned by
Claudius 385
The Britons gain some successes over the Romans . 337
Ostorius dies, and is succeeded by Didius .... 338
War between Cartismandua and her husband Venusius ib.
CHAPTBR V.
▲.D.
51. Nero assumes the manly gown, and Britannlcus is neglected and
persecuted ....... 880
Burriius made prsBtorian prsefect by the interest of Agrippina . 841
Famine at Rome . . . ib.
Rhadamistus invades Armenia, the kingdom of his nncle Mithri-
dates, whom he treacherously puts to death . . 34:1
Pelignus, the procurator of Cappadocia, encourages him to assume
the diadem 344
The Parthians expel him from Armenia . ib.
He recovers it, and is again expelled .... 345
The noble conduct of his wife Zenobia . ib.
5ii.8criboniaaus is banished ...... ib.
Extravagant honours paid by the senate to the freedmaa Pallas . 340
A naval spectacle is exhibited on Lake Fudnus . 347
Failure in the attempt to empty that lake . . ib.
Jodsea disturbed by the rivalry of Cumanus and Felix . 348
Cnmanas is deposed, and Felix made procurator . . ib.
Insurrections oftheClitsB in CiUcia . . .349
53. Nero is married to Octavia, and pleads in &vour of the T^ans .
Statilius Taurus destroyed by Agrippina .... 850
Immunities granted to the Coans . . ib.
ReUefgiven to the people of Bysantium - . . ib.
Alleged orade respecting the situation of that city . ; .. 351
Claodius exchanges the kingdom of Agrippa the younger . ib.
54. Prodigies portending his death ib.
Agrippina destroys Lepida, and poisons Claudius . . 353
His character ....... 353
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XXIV CONTENTS. [Nero.
THE EMPEROR NERO.
CHAPTER I.
▲.D. Ph«
54. Nero is nnlTenally acknowledged emperor 358
Clandius U deified lb.
Lineage and preceding lift of Nero .... 358
Silanos, proconsul of Asia, is poisoned by Agrippina, and Narcissus
compelled to die - . . 360
Bnrrhus and Seneca oppose the ambition of Agrippina . 361
64. Nero pronounces the panegyric of Claudius, and is censured for
his want of eloquence ...... 362
The Tirtuous beginning of his reign .... 363
The arrogance of Agrippina ..... 364
55. Vologeses, after inrading Armenia, is compelled to leaTe it, and
Domitius Corbulo is entrusted with its preservatioD . lb.
Nero forms an attachment to Acte, which Agrippina opposes so
▼ehemently, that she alienates his aflbction . 365
Pallas is removed ih>m the management of the finances . 366
Nero, alarmed by the threats of Agrippina, poisons Britannicns,
and causes his body to be burned the same night . 367
He depriTCS his mother of her guards, and remoTCS her from the
palace ... . 36U
She is deserted by her friends, and accused of a conspiracy ib.
She defends herself, and procures the punishment of her adversaries 370
Charge against Burrhus and Pallas . ib.
The arrogant declaration of the latter . ib.
Nero removes the guard ttom the theatres, and performs'the lus-
tration of the city .371
CHAPTER II.
A.D.
66. Nero creates riots in the streets of Rome, and in the theatre . 372
Compels a senator, who had beaten him, to put himself to death 373
The actors banished from Italy . ib.
A proposal to punish ungrateftil freedmen rejected . . ib.
Various salutary regulations . . ' . . 374
57. Pomponia Grssdna accused of foreign superstition, and acquitted 375
58. Liberality of Nero to Messala and others . . ib.
P. Suilius inveiglis against Seneca, and is banished . 376
Octavius Sagitta, the tribune, murders Pontia, and his freedman
declares himself guilty of the crime .... 877
Nero becomes enamoured of Poppoa Sabina, and gets rid of her
husband Otho, by appointing him lieutenant of Lusitania . 378
Cornelius Sylla banished to Marseilles .879
Xero meditates a total repeal of the customf, but is di»6uaded by
the senators . ib.
The fig-tree ButNinalis withera and revives . 380
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Nkro ] CONTENTS. XXV
A. D. P»e*
68. Tha wir in ArmeniA eondacted by Corbulo, who, after esUblitthint:
rtrlct ditdpline In his armr, takes the fortified places, and
boms the capital Artazata ..... 3^0
. 34»
. 384
. ib.
. 385
. 380
Transaetioiis in German j
The Frldi expelled from the lands near the Rhine
The Ansibarii dertroyed
Contest between the Catti and Hermandnri
Fires issoe from the earth among the Jahones
CHAPTER III.
A.D.
fiO. Kero, instigated bj the reproaches of Poppssa, resoWes to kill his
mother 387
50. Deliberates In what way he shall eflbct the crime, and adopts the
proposal of Anicetns to drown her .... 388
Pretends to desire a reconciliation with her, and InTites her to
Bala 380
She escapes from the Tcssel which was to destroy her, and Acer-
ronia is killed in her stead 391
Nero eoDsnlts wHh Bnrrhos and Seneca, and gives Anieetas antho*
rity to asmssinate his mother 392
Her death and character ...... 393
Nero, writing to the senate, accuses her of Tarioos crimes . . 395
He Is flattered in his gnllt by nearly all persons except Thrasea
Pvtos 390
Enters Rome in a Und of triumph, bat is tormented by his con-'
sdence ....... 397
KnishlsanitDomltia 398
Begins to drive chariots, and play the harp in pablic, and compels
the most illustrious dtliens to Join in his rices and amnse*
ments ib.
Institutes the «fiin0iui/Mi, and enrols the it tt^ifs^ani . 899
Quarrel between the people of Noeeria and Pompeii . 400
Complaints of the Cyrenlans .lb.
60. Nero institutes new games at Rome .401
Alarmed by the rumours of the people, he banishes Rubellins
Plautns ........ ib.
Cortmlo marches against Tigranocerta, and takes it . 409
Repulses TIrldates, in whose place Tigranes Is appointed King of
Armenia .403
Earthquake at Laodlcea ...... Ib.
Vsteians are sent to Tarentum and Antlum, but reftise to settle
then ib.
CHAPTER IV.
A.D.
61. Sueloolua defeats the Britons in the Isle of Anglesey, and bums
thelrgroves .400
Boadicsa instigates the Iceni and Trinobantes to take up arms . 407
Storming of Cemalodunum, and deleat of a Roman legion ib.
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XXVI CONTENTS. [Nkro.
A. D. Pa^
(U. Maflsaere of the people of London and Venilamiuin . 408
Boadicea poUons herself on the defeat of her forces . 410
Cruelty of Suetonius . . . . . ib.
Polycletus sent Into Britain, and Petronius Turpili»nus appointed
lieutenant . .411
Eminent persons at Rome condemned for forging a will . ib.
TheprsefeetofRomekilledby one ofhissIaTes . 413
DeaUi of Memmius Regulus . ib.
G9.Antist]ns accused of libel .413
Saved from death by the firmness of Thrasea . ib.
Death of Bnrrhus . .414
RuAis and Tigellinns succeed him . . ib.
Seneca requests permission to retire from court . 415
Plautus and SyllA put to death in their exile .416
08. OctoTia divorced and banished . .417
Recalled, to the great Joy of the people .... 418
Agahi banished to the island of Pandatarim, and there Ulled . 419
Death of Doryphorus and Pallas ..... 490
Law against pretended adoptions, and against testimonials granted
to govemors of provinces . ib.
CHAPTER V.
A.D.
02. Yologeses wages war with the Romans
His forces repulsed from Tigranocerta
Truce with Corbulo
Renewal of the war in Armenia
Pietus invested in his camp
Corbulo hastens to his succour
Pietus capitulates before his arrival
Subsequent truce between the Romans and Parthlans
69. Corbulo ordered to carry on the war
Tiridates agrees to go to Rome
Lays his diadem before Nero's statue
Earthquake at Pompeii
Poppsea bears a daughter, which shortly dies
04. Nero appears on the stage at Naples
Present at a show of gladiators at Beneventam
Puts Torquatus SUanus to death
Discouraged from visiting the East
Burning of Rome ....
Nero deemed the cause of the conflagration
Rebuilding of the city and the golden palace
Persecution of the Christians
Remarks of Tacitus and Suetonius on the Christians
Depredations and sacrilege of Nero
Nero's cruelty to Seneca, and alarm at the appearance of a comet
423
ib.
424
ib.
426
ib.
ib.
426
427
428
ib.
ib.
429
ib.
430
ib.
ib.
431
433
434
436
ib.
438
ib.
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Nrro.] contents. xxvii
CHAPTER VI.
A. D. Ph|^
65. A dtngerous oonspiracy is formed against Nero by Piso, Fenias
Rnfas, and others ...... 439
Epieharis rereak it to Procnlos, and is betrayed by him . .441
The conspirators resoWe to execate their plan at the Circensian
games ........ 442
Are discovered by the imprudence of Soevinns . 443
Epieharis, being put to the tortorei refuses to confess, and at last
strangles herself ...... 444
Duplicity of Fenius Ruftts ...... 445
Death of Piso and Lateranus . ib.
Rnfiis is discovered ...... 44C
Sub. Flavins and Snip. Asper boldly reproach Nero for his
wickedness . . .lb.
Yestinus, though not involved in the plot, is put to death by Nero 447
Death and character of Lucan the poet .... 447
8eneca the philosopher commanded to die .... 449
Consoles his friends . ib.
He and his wife Panllina open their veins at the same time . 4^)0
The life of Paullina laved by the orders of Nero . . ib.
Seneca expires after great torture . .451
Supposed to have been destined for the imperial dignity by some
of the conspirators . . . . ib.
The attacks made by Dion upon his moral character . 452
His merit as a writer ...... 453
The feigned Joy of the people of Rome, upon the disclosure of the
conspiracy ....... 454
Idolatrous worship offered to Nero .... 455
CHAPTER VII.
▲.D.
65. BasBus deludes Nero .450
Nero's conduct at the games ..... 457
Nero kills Poppma accidentally, puts Antonia to death, and marries
StatUia Messalina 458
C. Longinus banished, and J. Silanus murdered . 459
L. Vetns, his mother-in-law, and daughter, all kill themselves at
the same time ....... ib.
Names ofsomeofihe months changed .... 460
Hurricanes in Campania, and a plague at Rome . 401
Nero relieves the Lyonnese . .lb.
Reduces Pontus Polemoniacus and the Cottian Alps to Roman
provinces ....... ib.
66.DeathofC. Petronius .402
Accusation of Thrasea, Soranus, and others . 404
Defence of Servllia 405
Death of Thrasea .400
Thidates receives the diadem firom Nero's hands . 409
Nero visits Greece . .470
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XXviii CONTENTS. [Xkro.
A.D.
67. Perfbrmi in wfenl games ....
Attempt* to cut through the Uthmus x>f Corinth
Deftths of Scrib. Rnftu, S<!rib. Procnlue, and Corbnlo
Xero icareelj prevailed on to leave Greece
Declares the whole province free
Enters Naples and Rome in a triompha! manner «
471
ib.
.472
473
474
ib.
CHAPTER VIIL
B.Jnliiisyhidez instigates the Gauls to revolt .476
Writes to Galba, the governor of Spain, who seconds his projects,
and declares hhnself Lieutenant of the Senate . 476
Nero at first disregards the insurrection in Gaul . 477
Is terrified, andmturns to Rome, but adopts no effective precautions 478
Deposes the two Consuls, and prepares for an expedition into Gaul 479
Verginius Rnfus having taken up arms in defence of Nero, his
troops rout those of Vindex, who kills himself in despair . 480
Verginius reftises the imperial dignity which is ofibred to him b j
his soldiers 481
Galba in great difileultj and consternation . 482
Nymphidins persuades the praetorian guards to forsake Nero ib.
The Emperor files from Rome, and secretes himself . 484
Being declared an enemy by the Senate, he, after much irresolution,
puts himself to death . .486
Is buried in the tomb of the Domitii . ib.
ThelastoftheCsBsars . .487
His exterior, character, and superstition « . ib.
The Romans exult at his death, but some continue to honour his
memory ....... 488
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HISTORY
OF THB
KOMAN EMPERORS.
THE EMPEROR
C^SAR OCTAVIANUS AUGUSTUS.
CHAPTER I.
Octavius master of the Roman Empire. — Enters
Borne in triumph. — Temple of Janus shut. —
Octavius resolves not to resign his power. —
Receives the title of Emperor. — Revises the
Senate. — TJiebes in Egypt destroyed. — Octavius j
by pretending to relinquish his atithorityy con--
strahis the Senate to confirm it. — Divides the
provinces with them. — The mode of govemm^ent
which he adopts. — Receives the name of Au--
gustus. — The power of the Emperors.
After the battle of Actium and the death of
Mark Antony^ there was no competitor formidable
enough^ either by his talents or power^ to contend
with Octavius for the sovereignty of Rome^ and the
government of the civilized world. Pompey and
Julius Ceesar^ Brutus^ Cassius^ and Antony^ had
all perished in their projects for overturning* or
defending^ the republic ; and thoug'h Lepidus was
allowed to live, he owed his presentation to nothing*
VOL. I. B
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2 HISTORY OF
but the contempt which was entertained for his
abilities. Of all the ambitious chiefs^ Octavius
alone was destined to reap any permanent advan-
tage from the long* struggles^ which had devastated
the Roman empire with anarchy and bloodshed.
Suet ii. 9, 4, 7. He was descended from an ancient equestrian
Dioo. xivi. family^ in which his father C. Octavius was the
first who bore the senatorian rank. His mother
Accia was the daughter of M. Accius BalbuS; and
of Julia the sister of Julius Caesar. His adoption
by his great uncle was the beginning of his extra-
ordinary fortune^ and induced him to assume the
name of C. Julius Ceesar Octavianus. The first
AnorsTus, year of his sway^ as emperor^ is reckoned by some
,.c.*ai. chronologers from the 1st of January preceding
the battle of Actium^ in the year of Rome 723^
and before the Christian era 31 } and as this
computation appears the most simple^ it will be
adopted in the following histor}\
Augustus, Octavius in his fifth Consulship* returned fi'om
fi.c.'s9. Asia to Rome^ and celebrated a series of triumphs^
which continued three days. The first was for his
Dion.u. successes over the Pannonians^ Dalmatians^ and
others: the second for his naval victory at Actium:
and the third for the conquest of Eg}'pt. Of these
the last was the most splendid. The proud Cleo-
Hor.od.i.37. patra^ whose unbending spirit preferred death to
the ignominy of a captive's lot, was compelled to
contribute in some degree to the splendour of the
conqueror's triumph ; for an effig}', representing
Dion. u. her death, was carried on a couch, and swelled the
procession, in which her son and daughter were
conducted alive. Her ornaments also were depo-
sited in the temples, and a golden image of her
was placed in the temple of Venus.
* For th« Hut of the consuls ses the end of the volume.
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THE BOMAN EMPEHOBS. 3
The senate^ before the return of Octavius to acoustus^
I^pme^ had ordered the temple of Janus to be shut^ B.c/39.
as if the empire had been in possession of profound dj^j^'^JJ^^
peace. The tranquillity was not quite universal; sueL u. ss.
as there were commotions among the Spaniards,
Grauls^ and Germans; but they were not consi-
dered important enough to disturb the pleasing
picture of a general cessation from aims. This
occurrence was particularly gratifying to Octavius,
and was one which the Romans had but seldom
witnessed ; for it had happened but twice before,
since the foundation of their city; first in the reign
of Numa, and again in the period between the
first and second Punic wars.
He dedicated the Julian Curia, which had been
erected in honour of Julius Ceesar, and placed in
it the statue of Victory, which had been brought *
from Tarentum to Rome. After performing these
and many other acts in commemoration of his suc-
cesses^ he began seriously to deliberate on the most
efiectaal method of securing the immense power,
which he had acquired. As he was but little more
than thirty years old, he was of a fit age to con-
emve and to execute the most extensive schemes of
ambition. The fate, however, of his uncle would
naturally be present to his imagination, and
admonish him that he must conduct his plans with
dexterity and caution. He is said to have revolved nion. \\i
in his mind the expediency of laying down his arms,
and of restoring the management of public affairs
to the senate and people. Upon this subject he
resorted to the advice of Agrippa and Maecenas,
who partook of all his secrets,, and wer^ his faith-
fill counsellors in questions of difficulty. Agrippa
exhorted him to resign his power; Meecenas to
retain it. The advice of the latter was more agree-
B3
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4 HISTORY OF
▲uocsTus, able to Octavius ; and the whole policy of his life
B.c/29. was directed to the means of carrying it safely into
^""""^ execution.
Tbe. Ann. L s. He casily attached the military to his cause by
ju?.8«Lx.8o. ujjgpij donatives. The people also were captivated
by his bounty ; and they^ who formerly had the
power of bestowing the richest offices and the
highest commands^ began to be contented^ if they
received bread for their support^ and games for
their entertainment. The tranquillity^ which at-
tended his sway^ procured him the acquiescence
of those who had been afflicted with the miseries
and tumults of civil discord. There was scarcely
any one to resist his designs, as the most resolute
of the citizens had perished in battle, or by pro-
scription: the surviving nobility were ensnared
into submission by the wealth and honours, which
were heaped upon them; and those, who had
aggrandiaced themselves by the revolutions in the
state, were unwilling to endanger their prosperity
by an attachment to ancient freedom. The pro-
vinces were not averse to his rule^ as the repub-
lican government had become odious to them by
the contests of the nobles, and the avarice of the
magistrates ; and little protection was to be ex-^
pected from the laws, when all rights were con-
founded by corruption and violence.
Octavius had laid aside the name of triumvir,
Tae. Ann. 1. s. and been satisfied with that of consul; but he
xm received this year the title of imperator or emperor.
This appellation properly signified nothing more
than commander, and was bestowed upon generals
after any remarkable success in the field. It was
given to Julius Caesar in a much wider sense, as
denoting a real and extensive power. In the same
latitude it was conferred upon Octavius; and he
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. S
and his successors^ who could not without extreme Augustus,
peril have received the odious title of king*^ exer- b.c.'2».
cised absolute sway with impunity, while they ^*^^^*^
disguised their power under the familiar name of
imperatar. The term autocrat*, by which the
Greek historians translate it, gives us a correct
idea of the unlimited authority which accom-
panied it.
In the office of censor, which he held in con- Dion. m.
junction with Agrippa, he made a scrutiny of the
senate ; for during the civil wars many unworthy
persons had gained admission into this body, and
increased its members to the number of one thou-
sand. He used no violence for the removal of
these persons ; but, having recommended that they
themselves should pass a candid judgment upon
their own qualifications, he first induced fifty of
them to retire, and then a hundred and forty more.
He inflicted no disgi'ace upon them, except that he
published the names of the latter class, because
they had not obeyed so promptly as the others.
He created some new senators, and filled up the
patrician families, many of which had been extin-
guished during the war. He ventured upon some
arbitrarj' acts ; for he excluded Q. Statilius from
the tribuneship to which he had been elected, and
ordered that no senator should leave Italy without
procuring the permission of the senatef. This
prohibition was still in force in the time of Dion,
which was 250 years afterwards; except that
senators who had possessions in Sicily and Gallia
Narbonensis might go there freely, these provinces
f Dkm mj9, withoat permiMion of the emperor. But from book Ix. of
his hkUnrjy and from Snei. t. 23, it appeers thai the em'peror's leave was
not reqnlrad nntil the reign of Claadins. It in certain, however, that the
I would always be guided by the inclination? of th« prince.
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6 HISTOBY OF
▲uovsTva, being too near and too tranquil to excite any
B.0.S9. alarm*
^^^'^^ Observing that many senators and other par-
tisans of JUitony viewed him with distrust; and
being afraid that they might enter into some
machinations against him^ Octavius endeavoured
to disarm them by declaring that he had burnt
all the letters of Antony. Some of them were
indeed destroyed; but the greater part he care-
fully preserved; and was perfidious enough after-
wards to make use of them.
He summoned Antiochus king of CommagenC;
because he had treacherously killed an ambas-
sador w ho had been sent to Rome by his brother^
with whom he was at variance. The guilty prince
was conducted before the senate^ and being con-
demned was put to death.
AUGUSTUS, In the next year Octavius completed the census^
a.c^88. tuid found the number of the Roman citizens to
u.h„. amount to four millions and sixty-three thousand.
DioD. liii. gg dedicated the temple of Apollo in the Pala-
tium; and finished the libraries. He exhibited,
in conjunction with Agrippa, the games which
had been decreed on account of the victory of
Actium, and which were afterwards celebrated
every five years. He distributed to the people four
times as much corn as was usual, and assisted
some of the senators with money, many of them
being too poor to bear the expense of the eedile-
Tae. Ann. iii. ship. Af^er thesc and other popular acts, he
found himself so secure in his authority, that by a
single edict he annulled all the severe laws which
he had made in his triumvirate, and appointed his
sixth consulship, which he was now holding, as the
period for their repeal.
The renowned city of Thebes in Egypt, which
88.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 7
had formerly been burned and plundered by Cam- au«i7«tu«,
bysee^ was this year entirely destroyed by the b.c/28.'
Romans on account of its revolt. Homer speaks ^^^^^^^
of its hundred gates ; and Tacitus alludes to the u. ix.'383.
magnificence of those ruins^ which even in the pre- 00!^
sent day excite the amazement of travellers.
As Octavius felt his power more firmly estab- Augustus,
lished^ he began to usurp all the ofiices of the b.c.'27.
senate and the magistrates^ and all the functions tsc Ann. i. 3.
of the laws. In this year his authority was so com-
pletely acknowledged; that it was reckoned by the
Romans as the beginning of his dynasty. Being Dion. iw.
assured that his rule was essential to the tranquil-
lity of the empire^ and having communicated his
real designs to the senators who were most friendly
to his cause^ he entered the senate house^ and read
an oration expressing sentiments and wishes the
most opposite to those which he actually enter-
tained. He declared that he voluntarily resigned
to them his whole authority^ the command of the
armies^ the administration of the laws^ and the
government of the provinces^ in order that his
countrymen might be convinced that he had never
aspired to this power, but had no other aim than
to avenge the death of his murdered father*, and
rescue the city from overwhelming calamities. The
senators, excepting the few who were in his confi-
dence, were amazed at this extraordinary annun-
ciation : they who >vished, and they who were
afraid, that he was sincere, were equally con-
founded, but all deemed it the safest policy to
beseech him to retain his power. Their arguments,
concurring with the wishes of his mind, were of
course effectual j and for the better protection of
his person it was immediately decreed that the pay
* Aller his adoption by Julius Caesar, Oclavius called himself his son.
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8 HISTORY OF
AueiJSTu*, of his guards should be twice as much as that of
* B.c.'«7. the other troops.
^'•'^^~^ By this artifice Octavius, while he pretended to
relinquish his authority^ procured the confirmation
of it from the senate and people. As he still how-
ever maintained a great semblance of moderation^
he refused to undertake the government of all the
provinces. He resigned the most tranquil ones
to the senate^ and retained such as were turbulent
and warlike^ under pretence that the senate might
enjoy all the pleasures of command^ while he sus-
tained the burden and the danger; but his renl
motive was that he himself should possess the con-
trol of the troops^ and leave all the other powers
of the state weak and defenceless, llie provinces
assigned to the senate and people were Airica^*
Asia/ Greece and Epirus^ Dalmatia^ Macedonia^
Sicily, Crete, Libya Cyrenaica, Bith^-nia and
Pontus, Sardinia and Hispania Beetica. Octavius
kept the rest of Spain, including TaiTaconensis and
Lusitania, all the provinces of Gaul Narbonensis,
Lugdunensis, Aquitania and Belgica, with Upper
Bnd Lower Germany on the west bank of the Rhine ;
also Ccele Syria, Phoenicia, Cilicia, C^-prus, and
-'^fiTP^* ^"^^ division was not considered unalte-
rable, as the emperor and the senate afterwards
made an exchange of some of their provinces ; but
if any new countries were subjugated, they were
always placed under the dominion of the emperors.
DioQ. liii. In order to allay the fears of the Bomans, and
make them less suspicious of his design of aspiring
to absolute power, Octavius declared that he under-
took the management of his provinces for only ten
* Africa propria and Aaia propria are signified ; the former compre-
hending the Carthaginian empire, the other Mysia, Phrygia, and some parts
a<yacent.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 0
years, and that he would resign them even sooner, avovstub,
if they could he reduced to a state of tranquillity. B.c/27.
Persons of senatorian rank were appointed over ^"^^-^^
the provinces of the people, and all of these, whe-
ther they had home the consular dignity or not,
were called indiscriminately proconsuls. Their
office was annual, and they were chosen hy lot,
except those who enjoyed any privilege on account
of the number of their children, or marriage. They
were attended with as many lictors as were allowed
in the city, and assumed the ensigns of command
as soon as they left the walls, and did not lay them
down until their return. They were not however
permitted to wear the military dress, nor the sword,
which was considered the emblem of authority over
the soldiers ; but they had the power of death over
other classes, though not over the troops. Africa
and Asia were of such eminence that they were
reserved for those who had been consuls: the rest
of the provinces for the pnstors. They were not
however given to any one, until five years after
he had borne his magistracy in the city ; so that
all who survived succeeded in obtaining the com-
mand. Subsequently, when the candidates ap-
peared incompetent for the office, the emperors
nominated as many persons as there were provinces,
to cast lots for them : they sometimes sent men of
their own selection, prolonged their authority
beyond a twelvemonth, and even appointed knights
instead of senators.
Octavius chose the rulera for his own provinces,
but bestowed on them no higher title than his
Ueotenants or propraetors, even though they were
men of consular rank. Their command was not
annual, but continued as long as he pleased ; and
thev wore the military dress and the sword, jis
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10 HISTORY OP
kvQvnvu, their jurisdiction was extended over the soldiers.
B.o.'s7. They were allowed but six lictors^ did not assume
^"'^•^^ the ensigns of office until they arrived in their
province, and relinquished them directly their
command expired. Both the proconsuls and pro-
prietors were forbidden to make any levy of troops
in their provinces^ or to raise any money beyond
the sum which was appointed^ without the command
of the senate or emperor. As soon also as their
successor arrived, they were to leave the province,
and return to Bome within the space of three
months. They received the emperor's instructions
before they entered upon their government ; and
he allowed them a certain salary proportioned
to their exigencies. But in ancient times they
who undertook a public office, defrayed their own
expenses.
If there was more than one Boman legion in any
of the emperor's provinces, he entrusted the care of
the troops to a particular commander, appointed by
himself*, who was generally of preetorian, and some-
times of inferior rank. He had likewise in all the
provinces officers called procurators, whose duty
seems to have been to execute his private commands,
and to superintend the collection and disbursement
of the revenue. They were knights, and sometimes
only freedmen ; by degrees, however, their power
was so much extended, that they acted with the
authority of governors, like Pontius Pilate, the
well known procurator of Judeea.
Dion. li. liii. ^gyp^) ^^ account of the load of suspicion under
Tac, Ann. ii. ^jji^jj [^ labourcd, was governed by a person of no
higher rank than a knight. The great population
* M. TiUemont thinks that this refers to the time of Dion rather than of
Aiignstus, hecanse under the early emperors the proprvtors of Syrin and
other provinces often commanded several legions.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 11
and fickleness of the inhabitants, the wealth of the auouhtus,
country and the supplies of com which it sent to b.c.'27.
Italy^ together with its advantageous situation, ^— v— ^
which would enable a skilful leader long to defy
the attacks of the Bomans, not only deterred
OctaTius from entrusting it to the rule of a senator,
but even from suffering any one to reside there
without his special permission. So offensive were
the Egyptians to him, that he prohibited them from
holding the rank of senators at Home, nor would
he allow a senate at Alexandria, as there was in
other cities of the empire. These restrictions
contiiiued in force until the time of Severus, who
granted the Alexandrians the privilege of having a
senate. His son Caracalla extended the favour,
and admitted them into the senate at Home.
While the authority of the emperor was thus
felt in all the provinces, his power was absolute
at home. The ancient form of government by con- tic. abo. i. 3.
suls, preetors, ediles, and quaestors, was nominally ^^;i!|"4o.
preserved; but they who bore these offices were
entirely subservient to the emperor, and merely
relieved him of so much of the burden of the state
as he was unwilling to bear. Octavius enjoys the
reputation of having restored the popular right of
election, which had been infringed by Julius Caesar
and the triumvirs. But nothing was done in the
assemblies of the people except by his dictation or
permission : he nominated some of the magistrates
himself, and allowed the people to choose the rest,
provided they were fit candidates, and had not been
guilty of combination and bribery.
The dignity of the consulship was greatly im- Dion. xum.
paired by being conferred for a less period than a
year. Two were appointed as usual at the period
of election ; but, instead of holding the office for the
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12 HI8T0BY OF
Aoou»Tu», whole twelvemonth, others were arbitrai*ily. sub-
». c.'s?. stituted in their place^ and called minor consuls*
^~'''*^ These last were scarcely known beyond Italj-.
Thus the office which republican jealousy had
ordained to be annual, was rendered contemptible
by the policy of the emperors, who bestowed it
merely for months or days. Cleander, the minion
of Commodus, is said to have appointed twenty-five
consuls in one year ; but Dion declares this number
to be greater than was known before or afterwards.
Octavius had the command not only of all the
x>km. liij. troops, but also of the public revenues ; for though
they were professedly distinct from his own, yet
they were equally^ at his disposal. His absolute
power was renewed to him from time to time : the
ten years for which he assumed it being expired, he
continued receiving it for five or ten years longer,
until the end of his days. This induced his suc-
cessors, though the imperial dignity was bestowed
upon them for life, to celebrate a feast every ten
years, as if for the renew al of their power.
Af);er Octavius had gone through the ceremony
of resigning his authority, it was decreed that
laurels should be placed before his house, and an
oaken crown suspended over them, as symbols of
his victories, and of his •preservation of the lives
of the citizens. It became customary also that
the emperor's residence, wherever it happened to
be, should be called Palatiuntj or palace ; because
Octavius dwelt in Mount Palatine, and the fame
of Bomulus had bestowed a certain majesty upon
that spot. Octavius was actuated by a strong but
puerile desire of receiving the name of Romulus,
but was afraid that it would expose him to the
suspicion of aspiring to kingly power. As it was
thought necessary, however, to give him sonip
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 13
peculiar appellation^ flattery at last invented that AuoctTta,
of AvffustuSy which appeared to surround his cha- b.c.'27.
racter with a certain degree of veneration and ^"-v*^
sanctity*. It continued to be given by the
Bomans to all those who were in possession of
the imperial power^ while the name of Ctesar indi-
cated the family from which they pretended to trace
their descents
Thus the entire power of the senate and the oion. im.
people became centred in one ruler^ and the
Roman government became an absolute monarchy
in everj'thing but in name. All the titles which
had been used in the days of the republic^ and all
the privileges attached to them^ were usurped by
the emperors^ with the exception of the dictator-
ship. . They made themselves consuls whenever
they pleased ; and when they left Bome they en-
joyed the authority of proconsuls. They possessed
the right of levying armies, of raising money, of
declaring war and making peace, and had such
conunand over the lives of the citizens, that they
could put knights and senators to death within the
walls as well as without. Under the title of censors
they exercised a scrutiny into the conduct and
manners of the people, and could admit into the
equestrian and senatorian orders, and remove from
them^ whomsoever they pleased. By holding the
rank of chief pontiffs, and by electing others into
the priesthoods, they had the command of religious
affairs as well as political. The office of tribunes
of the people was considered derogatory to them
as patricians ; but, that they might not lose the
influence connected with it, they were invested
with the tribunician power ^1; which enabled them
* TIm Qreeks, therefore, on Dion obdeiTes, translate it etPaeroQ,
t THbanida poteetas.
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14 HISTORY OF
to forbid all measures that were displeasing to
them^ and to protect themselves from insult by
putting* to deaths even without trial^ any one
whose language had occasioned them the smallest
offence. As this tribunician power was renewed
to them every twelvemonth^ the years of their
reign were computed by it. Their authority in a
short time was acknowledged to be above all con-
trol; as they were declared to be superior to the
laws^ and to be bound by no written enactment.
This despotic licence was not conceded to Augustus
till a few years subsequent; but he had already
received the title of Father of his countr}'^ which
in the servile state of the Bomans conferred
little honour upon him^ although it was the most
jaT. Sat Tiii. glorious of' all appellations when it was freely
bestowed upon his betrayed friend Cicero*
In the exercise of his exorbitant power Augus-
tus was not guided by his own judgment alone ;
but he professed a desire to receive suggestions
from any other persons^ and sometimes adopted
their opinions. He appointed a certain number of
the magistrates^ and fifteen senators chosen by lot,
to serve as a kind of council for six months. He
sometimes referred business to the whole senate ;
. but in most affairs of importance he thought it
better to consult at leisure with a few advisers. The
senate gave answers to the ambassadors of kings
and nations, and preserved so much of theii* ancient
rights, as would give sanction to the acts of the
emperor, without infringing his authority.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 15
CHAPTER !!•
Pacuvius tlie Tribune devotes hwiself to Augns--
tus. — The Emperor goes into Gaul. — Death of
Cornelius Gallus. — Augustus goes into Spain. —
JRewlt of the Salassians, aiid the Cantahrians
and Asturians. — They are subdued. — Embassy of
the Indians and Scythians. — Agrippa dedicates
the Pantheon. — Julia married to Marcellus* —
Augustus exempted from obedience to the laws. —
The Cantabrians and Asturians again revolt.
— Expedition into Arabia Felix. — Illness of
Augustus. — Death of Mareellus. — Augustus
abdicates the consulship. — Distress at Home. —
Augustus refuses the dictatorship. — Conspiracy
against Augustus.— Dedication of the temple of
Jupiter Tonans. — The Cantabrians and Asturians
again revolt. — Petronius defeats Queen Candace.
— Augustus goes into Sicily. — Tumults at Home.
' — Julia married to Agrippa. — Augustus goes
into the East. — The Parthian standards restored.
— Second embassy of the Indians.
The night after the emperor received the title of Auau^Trs,
Augustus, an occurrence happened, which to the , c%7.
superstitious minds of the Romans appeared a. pro- ^~>^
digy of* considerahle importance. The Tiber
overflowed its banks, so that all the level parts of
Rome were inundated ; and this by an easy inter-
pretation was supposed to' predict the increasing
power of Augustus. . While others were paying
their extravagfant flatteries to him, Sextus Pacuvius
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16 HISTORY OF
the tribune of the people surpassed them all;
for in imitation of a custom of the Spaniards^ he
engaged to devote himself* to Augustus^ and urg^d
others to follow his example. When the emperor
showed reluctance^ he went among the people and
constrained them to imitate his servility^ and de-
clare that they devoted themselves to Augustus :
from which the custom originated for men in ad-
dressing the emperors to profess their devotion to
them. Pacuvius caused a general sacrifice to be
made^ and avowed his intention of making Caesar
his heir on equal terms with his son^ although he
had nothing to bequeath. His object was to be
recompensed for his base adulation^ and in this he
was not disappointed.
Augustus having established his power at Rome^
set out with an intention of carrying his arms into
Britain ; but the Britons having resolved to send
ambassadors to him^ he discontinued his progress^
and remained some time in Gaul. As the civil
wars had broken out immediately after the subju*
gation of this latter country^ its affairs were in a
state of confusion^ and Augustus employed himself
in making a census of the inhabitants^ and in regu-
lating their manners and government.
AUGUSTUS, In the following year Agrippa dedicated the
building in the Campus Martins called Septa^ ivhich
had been erected by Lepidus^ and surroimded with
porticoes for the purpose of holding the comitia
tributa. Agrippa adorned it with stone tablets and
paintings^ and gave it the name of Julian in honour
of Aug^tus. By the practice of such self-denial
he not only escaped the attacks of jealousy^ but
greatly exalted himself in the favour of the empe*
ror and all the Romans. For though he advised
and assisted Augfustus in his most useful and
6.
B. c. 96.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 17
glorious undertakings^ he never arrogated any avuu^tv,
praise to himself: nor did he employ the honours B.0^'26.
which were bestowed upon him for his own aggran* ^— v— ^
dizement^ but for the interest of Augustus and his
fellow citizens. Cornelius Gallus^ the governor of
Egypt, pursued quite an opposite conduct : for being
elated with his power he indulged in vain abuse
against Augustus, erected his own statues over all
^ypt, and inscribed his exploits upon the pyra-
mids. Being accused by ^Uus* Largus, his com-
panion and friend, he was disgraced and forbidden
to reside within the emperor's provinces. ya.rious
charges were brought against him by other persons,
in consequence of which the senate decreed that he
should be condemned to banishment, and his pro-
perty confiscated to Augustus. He had not the
fortitude to submit to his fate, but put himself to
death. He is celebrated for his poetical abilities,
and his unfortunate love is the subject of Virgil's
tenth eclogue. The perfidy of Largus exposed
him to some practical satires ; for Proculeius having
met him one day, held his hand before his nose and
mouth, intimating that it was not safe even to
breathe in his presence. Another person, who was
a stranger to Largfus, came to him with a certain
number of witnesses and asked if he knew him ;
and when he replied in the negative, he made a
note of his denial, as if to secure himself against
his calumnies.
Augustus had passed from Gaul into Spain, and
bad commenced both his eighth and ninth consul- suet 11.20.
ships at Tarragona. He had not come to any
agreement with the Britons, but was still medi-
tating an invasion of them, when he was divei*ted diod. mi.
from his project by an insurrection of the Salas-
* H« it eftOed Valarioi by Dion in thU pitce, but afterwards iEllus.
VOL. I. C
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7.
B.C.S5.
18 HISTOBY OP
AirousTus, sians^ a people of Piedmont^ and of the Cantabrians
B.^'96. and Asturians in Spain. Terentius Yarro being
^~v— ^ sent against the Salassians easily overcame them,
by attacking them in yarious points at once, and
preventing them from concentrating their forces.
He ordered them to pay a certain sum of money,
which was considered to be the whole of their pun-
AUGUSTUS, ishment ; but having dispersed his troops to collect
it he seized all the inhabitants who were of military
age, and sold them on condition that they should
not be liberated for a period of twenty years. The
best portion of their lands was given to the preeto-
rian guards^ and a city founded with the name
of Augusta Preetoria.
The emperor himself attacked the Asturians and
Cantabrians, who neither surrendered, nor came to
a general engagement on account oiP the inferiority
of their forces ; but they harassed him continually
by occupying the heights, and laying ambushes in
the thickets of the valleys. From fatigue and
anxiety he fell ill, and retired to Tarragona-, leav-
ing the management of the war to Caius Antistius.
This commander was more successful, because the
barbaidans being less afraid of him ventured upon
a battle and were defeated. Many of their to.wn8
were taken, and Lancia, the greatest city of the
Asturians, was found deserted. The war being
finished, Augustus disbanded his veteran soldiers,
and founded for them the city of Augusta Emerita*
in Lusitania. Triumphs, which he refused, were
decreed for the success of his arms, and a trophy
erected to him in the Alps, and permission given
him to wear a crown and triumphal dress on the first
day of every year. He also shut the temple of Janus,
which had been opened in consequence of the wars.
• MericUu
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 10
In exchange for Numidia he gave King Juba acoustus,
some parts of Gsetulia, and t^e kingdoms of 9.c'.f6.
Bocchns and Bogud which were comprehended in «Jt^ «
Mauritania. Upon the death of Am3mtas king of Dion. m.
Galatia, he did not bestow his dominions upon his
children^ but reduced them to a province^ and sub-
jected Galatia and Lycaonia to a Boman magis-
trate. The parts of Pamphylia, which had been
g^yen to Amyntas^ were restored to their former
goyemment.
The fame of his yirtue and moderation was so8aetu.2i.
widely disseminated^ that the Indians and Scythians
were yoluntarily induced to send ambassadors to
solicit the friendship of himself and the Roman
people.
In the mean time Agrippa at Rome was adorn- Dion. im.
ing the city at his own expense. He built the
portico of Neptune in commemoration of the nayal
yictoriea which had been gained^ and also finished
the Pantheon. This celebrated buildings accord-
ing to the opinion of Dion^ was not named from
the number of the statues of the gods which it
contained; but from the resemblance which it bore
to the heayens in the construction of its dome.
Agrippa wished to erect the statue of Augustus in
it; and to ascribe the work to him ; but when he
declined these offers he placed the statue of Julius
Ceesar in the temple^ and his own and that of Au-
gustus in the yestibule. He also superintended
the marriage of Julia, the daughter of Augustus,
with his nephew Marcellus, the emperor being still
in Spain, and not yet recoyered from his sickness.
In his tenth consulship the senate confirmed the Augustus,
acts of Augustus by oath. When it was an- b.c.24.
nounced that he was on his return to the city, and
had promised a donatiye to the people, proyided it
c«
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no HISTORY OF
AuavsTutf, should be agreeable to the senate^ it was declared
A.C.W that he was exempt from all obligation to obey the
^•^^^^ laws^ and might act by his own unrestrained will.
Upon his entering the city^ other flattering decrees
were passed^* and it was permitted Marcellus to
TacAnn. L3. take his placc in the senate among the praetorians^
Dion. iiiL ^^^ ^ y^ candidate for the consulship ten years
before the ordinary time: Tiberius the step-son
of the emperor was allowed to bear all the magis-
tracies five years before the stated age : the former
was immediately appointed curule cedile^ the latter
quaestor.
Dion. IiiL As soon as AugiLStus departed from Spain, the
Cantabrians . and Asturians revolted against lu
^milius; who had been left there as commander.
They sent messengers to him declaring their readi-
ness to bestow com and other necessaries for the
army ; and when they had procured an escort of
the Bomans under pretence of conveying these
•presents, they led them into an ambush and mas-
sacred them. But their perfidious triumph did not
continue long: for their lands being devastated
and their cities burned, they were again brought
into subjection.
: JSlius Largus, the gfovemor of Egypt, undertook
an expedition into Arabia Felix, of which Sabos
was then king. For a time there was no enemy to
encounter the Romans : but the desolate nature of
the country, the heat of the sun, and the unwhole-
9omeness of the water, proved such formidable ad-
versaries, that the greater part of the army died.
A violent disorder attacked their heads, and killed
many of them immediately: in those that were
* To this occHdon must be referred Horace's Uth Ode, Book lii.
Cmmt Hispena repetit Penates.
Victor ab ora.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 21
more hardy^ it made its progfress through the whole Augustus,
body to the feet. There was no effectual remedy B.c/24.
but to drink oil mixed with wine, and anoint them- ^— v-^
selves with the same; and this was a mode of cure
to which very few could resort. In the midst of
their sufferings they were attacked by the barba-*
nans, who at first were defeated and lost some of
their towns ; but as the sickness of the Bomans
continued to aid them, they finally recovered their
possessions, and drove the invaders from the coun-
try. They were the first of the Bomans, and in
the opinion of Dion the only ones, who ever car-
ried hostilities so far into Arabia. Their progress
extended to Athlula, a place of some eminence.
In his eleventh consulship, in which Calpumius Augustus,
Piso was his colleague, Augustus was attacked B.c\'i8.
widi so severe an illness, that all hopes of his re-
covery were abandoned. Having prepared for his
death, and convoked the magistrates, and chief
men among the senators and knights, he forbore
to appoint any one his successor, though it was
generally expected that Marcellus would enjoy
that distinction ; but when he had conversed on
public affairs, he gave Piso a written account of
the forces and revenue of the empire, and pre-
sented his ring to Agrippa. He was, however,
unexpectedly restored to health by Antonius Musa,
who employed cold baths and cold drinks; and
for this cure he was enriched by Augustus and
the senate, allowed the use of a golden ring (though
he was a freedman), and himself and all his pro-
fession were in future exempted from taxes.
Upon his recovery Augustus carried the will
which he had made into the senate, and wished by
the perusal of it to show that he had not presumed
to appoint any one his successor ; but none of the
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22 HISTORY OF
Auou0Tut, senators would allow him to read it. It excited.
8.0/29^ however^ general surprise^ that though he was
""•^^"^ attached and so nearly related to Marcellus^ and
had bestowed upon him so many marks of distinc-
tion^ yet he had not declared him worthy of the
sovereignty^ but had given the preference to
Agrippa. It appeared as if he did not place suffi-
cient confidence in the inexperience of Marcellus ;
but either wished the people to regain their liberty^
or to choose Agrippa as their prince^ whom he
could not venture to nominate by his sole authority.
Jealousy was kindled in the breast of MarcelluB ;
and that no disagreeable collision might arise^
Agrippa was ordered by the emperor into Syria.
He immediately left the city, but having sent his
lieutenants into Syria he himself remained in
Lesbos. His rival Marcellus soon after expired
under the same physician and the same mode of
treatment that had lately saved the emperor. He
was deeply regretted, and highly honoured by the
Roman people; though the most imperishable record
of his fame is contained in the pathetic eulogy of
virg. ^D. vi. Yirgil. His death was imputed to livia, the wife
of Augustus, as she was supposed to be jealous of
his exaltation above her own sons Tiberius and
Drusus, whom she had borne to her first husband.
The suspicion is less credible, as the year in
which he died, and also the following one, were
remarkably unhealthy.
DiiMi. lui. Augustus appointed but ten prcetors, which he
considered to be sufficient^ and this number con-
tinued for some years. He afterwards left the dty,
and abdicated the consulship which he had borne
for several years successively, being now desirous
that others e^ould enjoy the dignity. The person he
selected for his successor was L. Sestius, a zealous
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 23
partisan of Brutus^ who had served with him auoubtm,
in all his wars^ and still cherished and eulogized B.c.'2d.
his memory; but so far was his fidelity from being '^^ v—'
displeasing to Augustus^ that he honoured and
rewarded it. The senate^ in consequence^ decreed
that Augustus should enjoy the tribunician power
for his life; that though he was not consul^ he
should conduct whatever afiairs he pleased in
the senate; that he should always possess the pro-
consular authority without laying it aside in the
city^ and assuming it again; and that in the
provinces his power should be superior to that of
the respective governor.
In tie following year, when M. Claudius Mar- Augustus,
cellus and L. Arruntius were consuls, the city was b.c. its.
inundated by the Tibery and there were storms of Dion. uv.
lightning, which, besides doing other injury, struck
the statues in the Pantheon, and dashed the spear
from the hand of Augustus. There was a pesti-
lence in Italy which prevented the lands from being
tilled^ and the same evil probably extended to other
countries. The superstitious Romans, imagining
that they were afflicted with so many misfortunes
because Augustus had ceased to be consul, were
desirous that he should assume the dictatorship;
and they compelled the senators to pass a decree
to this efiect, threatening to bum the chamber in
which they had shut them, if they refused com-
pliance. They then carried the twent}'-four fasces
to Augustus, beseeching him to suffer himself to
be appointed dictator, and superintendent of pro-
visions, as Pompey had formerly been. He under-
took the latter office by constraint, and ordered
two persons who had discharged the preetorship
five years before, to be chosen every twelvemonth
for the distribution of com. The dictatorship he
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24 HISTORY OF
AuousTUB, absolutely refused^ rending his garments to con-^
B.C. k. vince the people of his abhorrence of it ; and doubt-
^'->^~' less, when he possessed a higher power than the
dictatorial, it would have been imprudent to bur-
den himself with an arbitrary title. Neither would
he accept the censorship which was offered him for
his life; but he bestowed the office on Paulus
^milius Lepidus and L, Munatius Plancus, who
were the last private persons that ever held it to-
gether. He did not scruple, however, to exercise
the censorial power in many instances : and as it
was the custom for knights and illustrious women
to dance in the theatres, he prohibited all who were
descended from senators, or were of the equestrian
rank, to disgfrace themselves by such perfor-
mances.* The sons of senators had been before
interdicted.
Suet u. 66. In the height of his power Augustus conde-
scended to appear in behalf of his fnends on their
trials, and as a witness allowed himself to be in-
terrogated with the greatest freedom. M. Primus,
governor of Macedonia, having been accused of
making war upon the Odrysce, alleged that he had
acted by the orders of the emperor ; but Augustus,
having voluntarily appeared in court, contradicted
his assertion. Upon this Murena, the advocate of
Primus, began to treat him with very little cere-
mony, and asked him what business he had there,
and who sent for him : to which he merely replied.
The State. By the wise he was commended for
this moderation, and received an additional mark
of public confidence by being allowed to assemble
the senate whenever he pleased. His enemies,
* Tlie opinloot of the Romane nspeetiDg daneing miut baTe greatly
altered in a ibort time : for Cicero (pro L. Munena) aajR, Nemo mim fire
taltat sobriuSf ninfortk ifwani/,— (scarcely any sober person dancM onlen
he ia mad).
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 2o
however^ not only gttve their votes for the acqidttal Augustus,
of Primus^ but resolved to overturn the power of b.c.'«.
Augustus. Fannius Caepio was at the head of ^~>^— ^
this conspiracy^ and Murena^ on account of hia
unbridled freedom of speech^ was considered as one
of the accomplices. They did not appear on the day
of their trials but were condemned by default^ and
soon after executed. Some of the judges having
ventured to acquit them^ Augustus ordered that if
a criminal did not stand his trial^ he should be
returned guilty by the votes of all. At this time
he surrendered Cyprus and Gallia Narbonensis to
the people^ considering that they no longer re*
quired the protection of his arms. These provinces
therefore were placed under the government of pro*
consuls. He also dedicated the temple of Jupiter *
Tonans^ which attracted so many worshippers
from Jupiter Capitolinus^ that this latter god up-
braided Uie emperor in a dream with the infringe-
ment of his privileges. Augustus replied that he suet u.ui.
intended the Thundering god to be merely the door* ^
keeper and gfuard of Capitolinus; and the next
morning he confirmed the declaration which he had
made in his dream, by suspending a bell at the
temple of the new divinity. Such was the religion
of the conquerors of the world.
The Asturians commenced fresh hostilities on
account of the arrogance and cruelty of Carisius ;
and they were joined by the Cantabrians, who en*
tertained a contempt for their governor C. Fumiua,
because he had lately arrived^ and was supposed
to be ignorant of their affairs. He soon proved
thdr opinion to be unfounded^ as he not only
avenged his own cause^ but carried ai^sistance to
Carisius, and subdued both nations. The greatest
part of the Cantubrians perished ; for when they
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26 HI8T0BY OF
▲u«u»Tu», had lost all hopes of liberty^ some settings fire to
B.o.^tt. their fortifications slew themselves; others ended
^— V— ' their lives in the conflagration^ or by poison. The
Asturians having* been repulsed from the siege of
a certain town^ and afterwards conquered in battle^
offered no further resistance.
About the same time^ the Ethiopians^ under the
conduct of Queen Candace^ made incursions into
Eg3rpt as far as Elephantina^ devastating all the
country before them. When they heard that
C. Petronius^ the governor of Egypt^ was advancing
against them^ they endeavoured to escape, but
were overtaken in their march, defeated, and pur-
sued into their own territory. Petronius con-
tinuing his successes, took several of their cities,
and also Tanape, the residence of the queen, which
he destroyed. As he could not march further on
account of the heat and the sand, nor remain con-
veniently with all his troops, he retreated with
the greater part of them, leaving the rest in gar-
rison. Hearing that these were attacked by the
Ethiopians, he returned and rescued them, com-
pelling Candace to accede to a treaty.
Augustus had gone into Sicily with the intention
of arranging the affairs of this and all the provinces
as far as Syria. During his absence Bome was
agitated with tumults, on account of the election of
AUOU8TU8, consuls. In the beginning of the year M. Lollius
B.C. 91. held one of the consulships, the other being reserved
for Augustus y but when he declined it, Q. Lepidus
and L. Silanus canvassed for it, and by their fac-
tions involved the city in conf\ision. Augustus
did not think it necessary to return to Rome ; but
having sent for the candidates, he dismissed them
with reproofs, and ordered them to be absent at the
time of election. The disturbances, however, con-
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 87
tinned^ till at last Lepidus gained the contested Augustus,
honour. To prevent the recurrence of these tu- b.c.8i.
mults^ Augfustus resolved to bestow still higher '^—v—^
dignity upon Agrippa^ and entrust him with the
government of the city. He therefore sent for
him, and having compelled him to divorce his wife
(who was the niece of Augustus) he ordered him to
marry his daughter Julia, the widow of Marcellus,
and to go to Rome to celebrate his nuptials and
assume his new office. Maecenas is said to have
advised this measure, declaring that the emperor
had 80 elevated him, that he must either make him
his son*in-law, or put him to death. The city was
restored to tranquillity by the prudence of Agrippa.
Having regulated the affairs of Sicily, Augustus
went into Greece, where he showed some marks of
distinction to the Lacedaemonians, because his wife
livia had resided with them, when she fled from
Italy with her husband and son. He deprived
the Athenians of JBgina and Eretrea, for having
&voured the cause of Antony, and prohibited them
to admit any one to the freedom of their city by
purchase.
Having wintered in Samos, he passed in the en- AnonsTus,
suing spring into Asia, where, as in the other b. 0.^20.
places, he established what regulations he pleased, diod. iit.
without making any distinction between his own
provinces and those of the people. He deprived
the Cyzicenes of their liberty, for having scourged
and Idlled some Roman citizens in a tumult ; and
when he arrived in Syria he inflicted the same
punishment upon the Tyrians and Sidonians, on
account of some seditions. Phraates the Parthian
king, being apprehensive that an attack was medi-
tated upon his dominions, endeavoured to avert it
by sending to Augustus the Roman standards and
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28 HISTORY OF
Augustus, captives that had been taken from Crassufi and An-
B.C.20. tony* This present was received with the greatest
Ho^TodTw J^y^ ^^^ ^^ always extolled as one of the most
16-7. glorious events of the emperor's reign. It was
^' ' cominemorated by sacrifices^ and by the erection
of a temple in the Capitol to Mars the Avenger^ in
which the standai*ds were deposited. Augustus
also (after his return to Rome) was honoured with
an ovation^ and with a triumphal arch.
Dion. hv. In the government of the conquered provinces
he abided by ancient institutions^ while in his inter-
course with the states that were in alliance with
the Romans^ he respected their rights, and strictly
forbore from aggrandizing himself at their expense.
He gtive to Jamblichus his paternal dominions in
Arabia ; and to Tarcondimotus the territory which
his father had possessed in Cilicia, with the excep-
tion of some of the maritime parts. These he be-
stowed upon Archelaus, together with the kingdom
of Armenia Minor, which was vacant by the death
of Medus. Mithridates, though only a boy, was
put in possession of Commagene, the king of this
country having murdered his father.
Dioo.]i?. The people of Armenia Major being dissatisfied
with their king Artabazes,* and desiring to be
ruled by his brother Tigranes, who was then at
Rome, Tiberius was sent by Augustus to comply
with their wishes and place Tigranes upon the
throne. But before his arrival Artabazes was
treacherously murdered by his relations, and no-
thing remained for Tiberius but to perform the
empty ceremony of conducting Tigranes into the
kingdom. He is said, however, to have been ele-
vated by this easy success, especially when sacri-
fices were decreed in consequence of it.
^ Called by Tacilit*, Artaxiss.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 20
Augustus returned to Samos to spend the winter AnousTus,
there^ and rewarded the inhabitants with their b.c.8o.
freedom in commemoration of his residence among* j^^^^^^
them* He received embassies from many people^
and a second one from the Indians^ who made a
treaty with him^ and among other presents gave
him some tigers^ which Dion thinks were the first
seen by the Bomans^ and even by the Greeks.
They also gave him a youth without shoulders^ but
who is said to have used his feet with the same
dexterity as others do their hands^ drawing a bow
with them^ shooting arrows^ and holding a trumpet
One of the Indians^ from ostentation or fiilse pUlo^
sophy^ burned himself alive at Athens in the pre-*
sence of Augustus^ after having been initiated in
the mysteries.
Augustus having been entrusted with the care
of the roads around Rome^ erected a golden pillar*
in the forum for the computation of .miles^ and ap-
pointed persons of proetorian rank to take care of
the public ways^ allowing them the use of two
lictors.
His daughter Julia was delivered of a son^ who
was called Caius^ and it was decreed that a sacri-
fice should always be offered on his birth-day.
In the following year C. Sentius was elected to Augustus,
one of the consulships^ and the other was preserved b.c. lo.
for Augustus; but when he refused it^ seditions
again broke out in the city^ and murders were
committed. The senate decreed a guard to Sen-
tius^ and when he was unwilling to use it^ they sent
delegfates to Augustus^ each with two lictors. The
emperor^ finding that his former forbearance had
been ineffectual^ appointed Q. Lucretius^ one of the
delegfates^ to the vacant consulship^ while he him-
*MiUiarium aureum. It was found in the year 1823.
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80 HISTORY OP
AUOU8TU8, self hastened to Borne. He entered the city by
B.0/19. night, and declined most of the honours that had
^'^'^^^^^ been decreed to him ; but allowed an altar to be
erected to Fortuna Redux j and the day of his re*
turn to be enrolled among the holidays^ under the
name of Augustalia. On the next day the preeto-
rian honours were voted to Tiberius^ and his brother
Drusus was permitted to be candidate for the
magistracies five years before the usual time. The
emperor^ on account of the tranquillity which his
presence had restored to the ci^^ was appointed
Magister Morum for five years^ with the authority
of censor for the same period^ and the consular
power as long. as he lived: he was always to be
preceded by twelve lictors^ and to sit between the
consuls in a curule chair. After these decrees
were passed^ the servile senate besought him to
make such alterations^ and to establish such laws
as he pleased : to his laws they gave the title of
Augustan^ and proffered their oaths that they would
abide by them. He accepted aU that he considered
necessary^ but dispensed with their oaths^ supposing
that they would observe his decrees without this
ceremony^ if they sincerely approved them, but
that otherwise^ the strongest adjurations would not
bind them.
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THE BOMA.N EMPERORS. 31
CHAPTER III.
Agrippa subdues the Cantahrians. — Death of Virgil.
— Agrippa invested with the TVihunidan power. —
Augustus endeavours to reform the senate. — Makes
regulations respecting Marriage.— Sacular Games.
— Caius and Lucius adopted by him. — Augustus
leaves Home. — War nnth the Sicambrians. —
Rapacity of Licinius. — Drusus and Tiberius
conquer the Bhatians. — Cruelty of Vedius
PoUio. — People of the Maritime Alps subdued.
— Disturbances in the Cimmerian Bosphorus. —
Augustus returns to RomCy and fixes the time of
military service. — Dedicates the theatre of Mar^^
cellus. — Compels the Senators to retain their
dignity. — Becomes Supreme Pontiff on the death
of L^pidus. — Freedom ofAntistivs Labeo.
As the presence of Agrippa was no longer necessary Augustus,
in the city, he was sent into Gaul, where the in- ,.cfi9.
habitants were at variance one wilii another, and
were also harassed by the Germans. Having com- '
posed their tumults, he went into Spain, to quell
another insurection of the Cantahrians. For these
unconquerable foes, having killed the masters to
whom they had been sold for captives, returned
home, excited a fresh revolt, and seizing and forti-
fying some strong places, began to direct their
attacks against the Roman garrisons. In his con-
flicts with them Agrippa had to encounter no small
difficulty with his own troops ] for many of them
being old soldiers, wearied with incessant warfare,
and daunted by the pertinacious valour of the Can-
ib^GoQ^Ic
Dion. liy.
82 HISTORY OP
AuousTus, tabrians^ exhibited a refractory spirit against their
B.c/]9. commander. Having* reduced them to obedience^
'^'""^'^^ partly by threats^ partly by persuasion^ he was still
unsuccessful against the enemy^ who had increased
their skill by an intercourse with the Bomans, and
could entertain no further hope of their mercy-
After he had lost many of his troops^ and disgraced
many on account of their defeats^ he at length nearly
destroyed all the Cantabrians who were of militar^^
age^ disarmed the rest^ and compelled them to de*
scend from their fortified places into the plains.
With his usual moderation he forbore to send any
account of his exploits to the senate^ or to accept
the triumph decreed to him by order of Augustus.
Others who had performed much less exploits^
merely subduing robbers or suppressing tumults^
obtained triumphs from the emperor^ who at first
was too easily induced to grant this honour^ as well
as that of public burial.
Yii^l died this year at Brundusium^ being one
of the brightest ornaments of the Augustan age^
and the gfreatest epic poet of his country. He en-
joyed the favour both of Msecenas and Augustus;
and in the friendship of the three he doubtless con-
ferred as much honour as he received.
Agrippa furnished the city with a considerable
supply of water at his own expense^ and with his
customary courtesy gave it the name of Augustan.
The emperor was not unmindful of this act ; so that
when murmurs arose in the city on account of a
scarcity of wine^ he observed that Agrippa had
taken sufficient care that no one should die of thirst.
He thought it expedient to aggrandize his son-in-
law^ in order more efiectually to secure his own
safety* For as he felt how much his life was ex-
posed to attacks^ in consequence of which he often
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 33
wore a breast-plate under his dress^'even ingt)!!!^ Augustus,
to the senate^ he first procured the renewal of his b«c/i8.
own authority for five years, and then obtained the '"^^^-^
tribunician power for Agrippa for an equal period,
with other privileges nearly ike same as he enjoyed
himself.
Afler this he attempted to reform the senate,
although that body had shown the most unbounded
deference to his wUl. He wished to reduce them to
the ancient number of three hundred, considering
that it would be fortunate if he found even so many
worthy of the dignity : but as by this arrangement
more would have been expelled than retained in the
senate, so great a clamour was excited that he was
obliged to extend the number to six hundred. Even
thus^ however, it was impossible to satisfy the ex*
pectations of all. licinius Begfulus being indignant
at his own exclusion, while his son and others,
whom he thought inferior to himself, were admitted,
rent his clothes in the senate, and giving an enume-
ration of his campaigns, stripped his body to show
the wounds which he had received. Articuleius
Petos having been elected, requested with filial
humility that he might resign his place to his father,
who had been less fortunate. Augustus, therefore^
was induced to make a fresh scrutiny, and to give
the place of some of the members to others who ap-
peared more worthy. But as several of the ejected
seemed to allege with truth that they had been
treated unjustly, he allowed them the privilege of
sitting among the senators at the feasts and games,
of wearing the same dress, and ofiering themselves
for the magistracies. Most of them were in time
restored to their seats in the senate.
Augustus ordered that some persons who were
guilty of bribery in canvassing for the magistracies
VOL. I. D
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84 HISTORY OF
Bhould be excluded from them for five years. He
also inflicted heavier penalties upon unmarried men
and women> and conferred privileges upon such as
were married and had large families. And since the
males of honourable extraction were much more nu-
merous than the females (though such a fact appears
remarkable after the ravages of the civil wars); he
allowed all but the senators to marry fireed-women^
and their children to be reckoned legitimate. He
endeavoured to check a fraudulent practice of the
BomanS; who entered into contracts of marriage
with female infants and enjoyed their properly^
without afterwards, solemnizing the nuptials. He
ordered therefore that all contracts should be void^
unless marriage followed in the space of two years^
that iS; unless the betrothed was ten years old;
the marriageable age for girls being at the com-
pletion of their twelfth year^ according to the
Roman law. The senate urged him to make some
laws to repress the licentiousness of the two sexes ;
but his own conduct in this respect was too flagrant
for him to undertake the task^ and he was obliged
to evade as well as he could the sarcasms which
were directed against him. The severity of many
of his laws inflamed the ill will of the less virtuous
portion of the citizens : but he recovered his popu-
larity by bestowing gifts on meritorious persons in
order to raise their fortunes to the income required
from senators^ and by allowing the praetors (if they
pleased) to expend upon the games thrice as much
money as they received from the treasury. The
recal also of Pylades^ a famous dancer^ who had
been driven from the city by some faction^ was
gratii^ang to the people. This man when he was re-
proved by Augustus for quarrelling with Bathyllus^
who exercised the same art as himself^ and was a
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THE ROMAN. EMPERORS. Q5
relatioii of Maecenas^ is said to have replied : ^^ It is avoitbtus,
to your interest^ 0 Caesar, that the attention of the b.c. 'i8.
pnhlic should be absorbed in our affairs/' ^— v— >'
As the Sibylline books were beginning* to be
obliterated by age, Augustus ordered the priests
to transcribe them with their own hands, in
order that no one else might have an opportunity
of perusing them.
In the following year, which was the 787tb from augcbtus,
the foundation of the city, the saecular gttmes were ,. c?']?.
celebrated for the fifth time. '
Another son, who was called Lucius, was bom
fo Agrippa and Julia, and Augustus immediately
adopted him and his brother Caius as heirs to the
empire, considering that they would be a protec-
tion to him against conspiracies. They were in
consequence styled Caesars.
He prohibited advocates to accept any fee for
their pleadings ; and those who were convicted of
doing so, were to forfeit four times the sum which
they had received. Judges also were not allowed
by him to visit in the house of any one, during the
year in which they held their office.
In the following year he went into Gaul, under auoustus,
pretence of composing the war which had been b.c/i6.
excited there. His long residence at Rome had
become disagreeable to himself and others, as he
was obliged either to be engaged in the offensive
task of punishing those who transgressed his laws,
or tacitly to submit to the infringement of his own
enactments; he resolved therefore, like Solon, to
indulge in a temporary absence from his country.
Some however attributed his departure to Terentia,
the wife of Maecenas, who was so much the object
of his attachment, that she ventured to contend
with Livia for the palm of beauty. As their in-
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36 HISTORY OF
AUOU8TVS, trigues were the topic of conversation at Borne, it
B.c.'i6. was alleged that they left the city in order to be
'^^^'^^ less disturbed by the voice of public censure.
Before he set out, he dedicated the temple of
Quirinus, which, had been rebuilt; and as he
happened to adorn it with seventy-six pillars, which
was the number of years that he lived, the credu-
lous people believed that the circumstance resulted
from design, as if he really knew the extent of his
future life. He entrusted the government of the
city and of Italy to Statilius Taurus, with the title
of preefect of Bome ; for Agrippa had been sent
into Syria, and Meecenas had declined in favour
Tte. Ann. vL ou accouut of Tercutia. But Taurus, though an
ijton. Ut. ^S^ ™^"; ^^^^ ^^® duties of the station with great
renown. Tiberius^ who was the praetor, accom«
panied Augustus, leaving his office to be bome by
his brother Drusus.
There were commotions at this time in many
parts of the Boman empire, in Pannonia, Dal-
matia, Thrace, and other places ; but they were all
soon appeased. The most formidable foes appeared
to be the Sicambrians and other German tribes,
who had crucified some Bomans whom they had
found in their territory. They then passed the
Bhine, plundering the country before them } they
laid a successful ambush for the Boman cavalry
which was coming against them ; and in pursuit
of the fugitives they unexpectedly encountered
LoUius, and defeated him also. Augustus, being
informed of their successes, led an army against
them; but when they heard that he was advancing,
and Lollius was preparing his forces, they retreated
into their own country, and having given hostages
were admitted to terms of peace.
The warlike operations of Augustus being
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 37
arrested^ he employed this and the following' year AnausTUB,
in Temoving* the disorders .which had been intro- b.c?*i6.
duced not only by the ravo^s of the Germans, '"— v— ^
but also by the rapacity of Licinius,* This man
was a Gaul by birth, who having been captured by
the Ilomans became the slave of Julius Ceesar,
who gave him his freedom. Beings appointed pro-
curator of Gaul by Augustus, he overthrew all who
were distinguished for eminence or power, and
practised the most unbounded extortion upon the
wretched inhabitants. As they had certain monthly
contributions to pay, he alleged that there were
fourteen months in the year, and that December
was properly the tenth; he added therefore two
others, and exacted a proportionate sum of money.
Augustus was greatly mortified upon hearing these
charges against his procurator: he affected an
incredulity, and appeared desirous of concealing
them, as he was ashamed of having employed so
unprincipled a servant. When Licinius whs afraid
of the storm which was gathering against him, he
led Augustus into his house, and having showed
him an accumulation of silver sind gold, and other
treasures, he delared: ^^AU these I have dili-
gently collected for the sake of you and the Roman
people, lest the Gauls relpng upon their wealth
should venture to revolt ; and as they have been
preserved for you, I now offer them for your
acceptance.'' Augustus pretended to believe this
flattering excuse, and spared the life of the
culprit.
Drusus and Tiberius in the mean time were Dion. iiv.
engaged in subduing the Rheetians. This people, f7^i^*^'^
who lived between Noricum and Gaul, in the
* Okm gnmHj hilbrmf m that he eonaiden these thingi to hare been
predicted by the appeeitmce of a tea monster which came on shore, and was
twenty feet broad, sixty long, and, excepting its head, resembled a woman.
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38 HISTOBY OF
AUQU8TUS, country which is now comprehended in Suabia
B.c/i5. and the Orisons^ frequently over-ran the neigh-
^~>^*^ bouring lands of the Gauls; carried their ravages
into Italy also^ and ill-treated the Romans and
their allies who travelled through their territory*
These injuries they were in the habit of inflicting
upon all who were not in. alliance with them ; and
they murdered every male tiiat they caught^ even
the unborn children^ whose sex they pretended by
certain divinations to discover. Drusus was first
sent against them with an army^ and having
encountered them near the Tridentine Alps^ he
gained an easy victory over them^ for which he was
rewarded with praetorian honours. Though they
were repulsed from Italy^ they turned their arms
against Gaul^ so that Tiberius also was sent to take
a part in the war. The two brothers and their
lieutenants, entering the country at various points,
created a dismay among the Bheetians, and easfly
overcame their detached troops. As, however, the
inhabitants were numerous and turbident, the
greatest part of them were led away captives, only
such a portion being left as were sufficient to
inhabit the country without danger of kindling
rebellion. The achievements of Drusus and
Tiberius are celebrated by Horace.
Augustus sent many colonies into Gaul and
Spain. He restored their freedom to the Cyzi-
cenes; and bestowed money upon the Paphians,
who had been afflicted by an earthquake, and
allowed them by a decree of the senate to call their
city Augusta. Such titles as this, when conferred
by the senate, were at first considered marks of
distinction; but in time they were assumed by
various cities at their own option.
Dion. uv. Yedius Pollio died this year, a freedman who had
acquired an infamous notoriety by his wealth and
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 30
cnielty. He is said to have accustomed -the fishes*; Augustus,
which he kept in his pouds^ to feed on human b.c.'i5.
fleshy and to have doomed the wretched slaves who ^'"">^~'
offended him to he devoured as their prey. One
day when he was entertaining* Augustus^ a shive
had the misfortune to hreak a cr3'stalline cup^ when^
without respect to his illustrious visitor^ he ordered
him to he thrown to the fishes. The hoy fell at
the feet of Augustus^ beseeching him to save him
from so unnatural a death, llie emperor inter-
ceded, but in vain ; till at length, provoked by the
pertinacity of his host, he requested him to bring
out all the precious cups which he had in his pos«
session, and when they appeared, he ordered them
to be broken. PoUio though deeply mortified was
obliged to suppress his indignation, and could not
punish his slave for an offence which was com-
mitted in so much higher a degree by the emperor.
When this man died, he left Augustus a gi*eat
part of his property, \nth an injunction that he
should build some splendid work for the people.
Under pretence of fulfilling this bequest, but with
the real intention that no memorial of him should
exist in the city, he pulled down his house, and
erected a colonnade which he designated by the
name of Livia and not of PoUio.
In the following year the Paunonians having Augustus,
revolted were subdued. The Ligurians, who had ^ ^^\ ^
hitherto inhabited the maritime Alps in a state of
freedom, were reduced to slavery. Disturbances
were excited in the Cimmerian Bosphorus by a
pretender called Scribonius, who, having alleged
that he was the grandson of Mithridates the Great,
and that he had received the kingdom from
Augustus, married Dynamis the wife of the late
monarch, and got possession of her dominions.
• MrpaiVac*
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40 HISTOBT OF
AxToosTut, Agrippa^ hearing of his usurpation^ sent Polemon
.B.G.'i4. king of Pontus to wage war against him. In the
^—v— ^ mean time the inhabitants of the Bosphorus had
discovered the fraud of Scribonius^ and had put
him to death; but they offered opposition to
PolemoU; under the apprehension that he intended
to make himself their sovereign. They were con-
quered by him in battle^ but did not submit^ till
Agrippa had arrived at Sinope^ with the view of
attacking them. They then laid down their arms^
and were surrendered to Polemon^ who married
Dynamis. For this success sacrifices were offered
in the name of Agrippa^ although he wrote no
account of the affair to the senate^ nor accepted the
triumph which was decreed to him. His conduct
was subsequently imitated by all private indivi-
duals; who were afraid of exciting the jealousy of
soflt. u. 38. the emperors^ and were obliged to be satisfied with
^'®' the inferior distinction^ which was invented by
Augustus^ and called triumphal honours^.
. Having settled the affairs of Gaul^ Germany^
and Spain^ according to his pleasure^ Augustus
returned to Rome^ leaving Drusus in Germany.
He declined the honours which the adulation of the
AneusTus, senate offered him^ and entered the city by nighty
1. a 18. a practice which he usually observed in order to
prevent trouble. On the next day he received the
salutations of the citizens in the Palatium^ and
ascending to the Capitol^ took the laurel from his
fasces^ and placed it at the feet of Jupiter; he
granted also some innocent luxuriesf to the people.
Having afterwards convened the senate^ he ordered
the qusestor (for he himself was hoarse) to read an
* Trimnphalia ornsmenta. Suet ; IwivUvn rtnai^ Dion.
t Theie w«re the gntuitoua use of btthB, tnd the nenrice of hnrben tor
thftt diy; rif iiifi^f wpoUa r^ rt \ovrpd cat rove icovplac n)v nfUpaw
iKtimiv irapctfxi. Dion.
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 41
account of his exploits^ and the regulations which Augustus,
he had made respecting the length of military b.c. 13.
service^ and the money which was to be paid to the ^— V
discharged soldiers instead of the lands which they
always demanded. The time fixed for the pneto-
rian troops was twelve years; for the others
sixteen: the former also received greater pay.
These arrangements^ which neither fully gratified
nor completely disappointed the expectations of the
military^ were received by them with indifference ;
while lliey held out a hope to the peaceable citizen
that he would not; as in the disorders of the civil
wars^ be again ejected from his estates.
After thiS; Augustus dedicated the theatre of
MarcelluS; and among the amusements which were
exhibited on the occasion^ the game of Traj/y which
is beautifully described by Virgil, was performed by virg. isn. v.
Caius and other noble youths. Six hundred wild ***' **•
beasts from Libya, were slaughtered. The sena-
torial office had become so little an object of
competition, that many persons, from poverty or
other motives, voluntarily resigned it. Some
decrees had been passed by the senate in the
absence of Augustus to remedy this evil; and on
his return he made a scrutiny of the whole body.
He forbore to interfere with such as were above
the age of thirty-five; but he compelled all the
rest, if they had the proper income, and were not
maimed, to preserve their dignity. He himself
examined their persons, and obliged them to give
an account of their property upon oath, and to
explain the reasons of their difficulties. His
authority, however, in the senate was not so abso-
lute, that he was never doomed to hear offensive
truths. One day Cornelius Sisentius, being
accused on account of the conduct of his wife.
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43 HISTORY OP
AuonsTUB, declared that he had married her with the know-
B.C.13. ledge and advice of Augustus. The emperor^
^""^'"^ greatly provoked by the charge^ left the senate
for a short time until his anger had subsided^
thinking it better (as he afterwards explained to
his friends) thus to offend gainst decorum^ than
to be guilty of more violent behaviour.
8a«tuL8i. Lepidus the triumvir having died this year,
Augustus assumed the office of supreme pontiff,
and in this capacity burned two thousand volumes
of Greek and Latin predictions. He made a
selection of the Sibylline books, and deposited
them in two golden cases under the statue of the
Palatine Apollo. Although he had constantly
reftised to take the pontificate during the life of
Lepidus; yet his conduct towards him in other
respects was not correspondent to this generosity.
He used to summon him from the country into the
city, and expose him in the public assemblies to
the scorn of the vulgar at his change of fortune,
and oblige him to give his opinion last among
the men of consular rank. He accused Autilstius
Labeo of peijury, and threatened to punish him
for putting Lepidus in the list of those who were
destined to be senators; but Labeo boldly asked
what injury he had done by retaining in the
senate a man whom Augustus himself allowed to
continue pontiff. The same Labeo, when it was
proposed that the senators should watch in turns
for the protection of Augustus, said, ^^I am
given to snoring, and should make but a bad
watchman.'' Horace, in flattery perhaps to the
emperor, calls him mad*; but his mad freedom
was more honourable to him than the calculating
servility of his fellow-citizens.
• Labeooeliuanior. Hor. Sat. i. 9. 82.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS* 43
CHAPTER IV-
Agrippa dieSj atui is buried with great disthictian
by Augustus. — His character. — The Emperor
chooses Tiberius as his coadjutor^ who subdues
the Pannonians. — The success of Drusus in Gaul
and Germany. — Revolt of the Bessi. — The Augus*
taiia instituted. — Julia married to Tiberius. —
Revolt of the JDacianSf Dalmatians^ a^nd Germaiis.
— Drusus dies in Germany. — Tiberius carries on
the war there. — Extinction of the Sicambrians. —
Tiberius receives the title of Imperator. — The
name of the month Sextilis changed. — Death of
Macenas. — His character. — Death of Horace. —
The arrogance of Caius and Luciiis. — Tiberius
invested with the tribunician power for fve
years. — Retires in disgust to Rhodes. — Aretas
King of Arabia.
Agbippa^ haying returned from Syria^ received AueusTvs,
the tribunician power for another five years^ and b.c/i3.
was sent into Pannonia^ (where a war was appre- ^~>^— ^
hended^) with greater authority than any other ^**^°' "^*
commander possessed out of Italy. The Panno-
nians; hearing of his approach^ desisted from their
hostile projects; and after his retuim he was
attacked iidth illness in Campania. As soon as
Augustus was apprized of it^ he left the city^ and
having found him dead^ conducted his body to
Bome^ placed it in the forum, and pronounced a
luneral oration over it, extending a veO between
himself and the corpse, for some superstitious
reason, which^ Dion says, he is unable to explain.
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44 HISTORY OF
AceuBTvs, After paying him these honours he honed him in
B.c?'i9. l^is own sepidchre.
^^— V— ^ Agrippa, without douht^ possessed eminent abi-
lities^ and he so exactly accommodated himself to
the times in which he lived^ that Augxistus could
not have desired a more unassuming subject
While he dedicated his wisdom and valour to the
sole service of the emperor^ he appeared studiously
to renounce all the honour accruing from them;
and when his virtue and forbearance procured him
the highest favour from Aug^stus^ he employed
it in promoting the welfare of his countiymen.
By this prudent conduct he escaped both the
jealousy of the emperor^ and the envy of the
people: the one confided in him as the firmest
support of his government^ and the others revered
him as the warmest advocate of their interests.
At his death^ he bequeathed gardens and baths
for the gratuitous use of the people^ and Augustus
distributed to them a sum of money also^ as if by
desire of the deceased; for he inherited most
of his property^ and among thd rest the Thracian
Chersonese^ though it is unknown how this country
came into the possession of Agrippa. A son^ who
was bom after his death; received the name of
Agrippa Posthumus.
As it was necessary for Augustus to have some
assistance in the administration of public affairs^
and his g^randchildren were yet in their boyhood,
he resolved to employ Tiberius for this purpose,
although the choice was not made without reluc-
tance. He sent him against the Pannonians, who,
having submitted for a time through fear of
Agrippa, revolted after his death. By the assis-
tance of a neighbouring people called the Scordisci,
Tiberius devastated their lands with great fury;
and after he had subdued the inhabitants he
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 45
Stripped them of their anns^ and sold most of their auovstus,
youth to be carried as captives into forei^ coun- b.c.i9.
tries: for these achievements the senate decreed ''^^^^
him a triumph: Augustus^ however^ would not
allow him to celebrate it^ but gave him the
triumphal honours instead.
The Sicambrians and their allies considered the
absence of Augustus as a favourable oppoutimity
for exciting disturbances in Graul. Drusus^ how*
ever^ frustrated their attempts by summoning the
Gallic chie& to the dedication of an altar^ which
was erected to Augustus at Lyons^ and which was
a detestable monument of impious adulation
offered to a mortal prince. He then carried his
anna beyond the Rhine^ and devastated the terri-
tory of the Sicambrians. Descending the river
he made an alliance with the Frisians^ and
encountered great danger in entering the countiy
of the Chauci; as his vessels were left on dry
ground by the reflux of the sea. He was rescued^
however^ by the Frisians^ who accompanied him
with some land forces ; and as it was the winter Augustus,
season^ he returned to Rome^ where he was made b.c.'ii.
city prsBtor.
Benewing the war in the following springy he
passed the Bhine; and subdued the Usipetes.
Having thrown a bridge over the river Lyppe^ he
marched through the country of the Sicambrians
into the Cheruscan territory as far as the Weser :
nor was his progress impeded by the Sicambrians^
as all their forces were engaged in an expedition
against the Catti^ who had refused to enter into an
alliance with them. Drusus would have passed
the Weser^ if he had not been deterred by the
want of provisions^ and the approach of winter.*
* Dion adds thit a iwann of Imm appeared in his camp ; which was a
dftttdftil portent to a brare commander.
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46 . HISTOBY OF
AueusTirs, On his return he experienced great danger from
B.C. u. the ambushes of the 6nemy^ and on one occasion
^"—^^"^ his army was surrounded| and mig'ht have been
entirely destroyed^ if they had not attacked it in a
precipitate and disorderly manner. After this
escape he was less molested by the barbarians^ and
was enabled to build forts on the Lyppe and the
Bhine. For these exploits he was rewarded with
the triumphal honours and other distinctions.
/Hberius was engaged in hostilities with the
Dalmatians and Pannonians. He subdued them
both ; and Dalmatia was afterwards transferred to
the provinces of the emperor.
About the same time Yologeses^ priest of
BacchuS; having gained a party by the influence
of superstition^ excited a rebellion among the Bessi^
a people of Thrace. He vanquished and killed
Rhescuporis*^ the son of the late king Cotys^ and
without any engagement expelled Bhoemetalces the
uncle and guardian of this prince^ and pursued
him into the Chersonese. The Sialetae also com-
mitted devastations in Macedonia. L. Piso^ who
was governor of Pamphylia^ was ordered to make
war upon these insurgents. The Bessi^ upon the
intelligence of his approach^ retreated into their
own country, where at first they defeated him : he
was afterwards more successful, and ravaged both
their territory, and that of the neighbouring people
who had joined in the revolt. Some of them volun-
tarily surrendered, and the rest were subdued
partly by arms, partly by intimidation.
It had been customary every year for the
praetors, without any specific order, to commemo-
rate the birth-day of Augustus with games. But
* This prinoe'i nAine tnd his ancle'i are written in Tarious ways. I ha?e
folbwed the orthography which I flnd in Tacitii9. Ann. ii. 64.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 47
this year the Augustalia were established by u Augustus,
decree of the senate. b. cf *i6.
In the census- which Augustus made^ he regis- ^— v— ^
tered his own propert}^^ as if he had been but a
private individual. As he found that the attend-
ance in the senate was not always sufficiently
numerous^ he ordered that decrees might be passed
by less than four hundred senators^ which was the
number formerly necessary for their ratification.
The money; which the senate and people contri-
buted for the erection of statues to him^ was
applied by him not to this purpose^ but to raising
statues to Public Safety^ Concord^ and Peace.
The presents which were made to him on the
first day of the year were not given in a private
manner; but each person brought to him as much
as he thought fit^ and Augustus returned it with
the addition of an equal or even greater sum. It siwt u.oi.
is related that on a certain day in every year, he ^'^°* "^'
used to hold out his hand like a beggar, and
receive money from those who met him. This was
done in compliance with one of his dreams, of
which in general he was a scrupulous obsen-er.
As he seemed to consider it indispensable that his snet u. 63.
daughter Julia, who had survived two husbands, j^; u^.
shoidd again be married, he deliberated for some
time on whom he should bestow her. He at
last gave her to Tiberius, whom he compelled
to separate from his wife Agrippina, who was the
daughter of Agrippa, and had borne one son
named Drusus, and was pregnant with a second
child. Tiberius, though he must have seen how
&voorable the alliance was to his ambitious hopes,
is said to have submitted to it with the greatest
reluctance, both on account of his attachment to
Agrippina, and his dislike of the character of Julia.
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48 HISTORY OF
AcouBTus^ Augfustus buried this year his sister Octavia^
B.O.10. the mother of Mai'cellus^ and pronounced her
^"^'^^ funeral oration*
The custody of the decrees of the senate was
given to the qusestors; as the tribunes of the
people and ediles^ who formerly possessed it^ had
negligently discharged the duty by means of
subordinate officers. It was ordered that the
temple of Janus should be shut ; but the decree
was frustrated by the Dacians^ who having passed
the Danube while it was frozen, carried off booty
from Pannonia. The Dalmatians also revolted^
on account of the exaction of tribute. Tiberius^
who had gone into Gaul with Augustus^ was sent
against these enemies^ and reduced them to sub-
mission. Drusus was ordered to quell some
disturbances which had aiisen among the Catti
and the Sicambrians; and the two princes^ after
their successes^ returned to Home with Augustus.
AuausTus, In the following year Drusus again invaded
1. c!'9. ^^ Catti, and advanced as far as Suevia, though
not without considerable difficulty and bloodshed.
Having failed in his attempt to pass the Elbe^*
he erected trophies and retreated; but before he
mon. It. reached the Bhine, he was taken ill, and expired.
sSSl^fib?^ He was exceedingly popular with his countrj-men^
▼• 1* both on account of his warlike qualities and of
his supposed intention to re-establish the ancient
form of government^ if he ever obtained the
sovereignty. He is said to have written a letter
to Tiberius on the subject of compelling Augustus
to restore the republic, and that his brother per-
fidiously showed it to the emperor. These cir-
cumstances probably gave rise to the report^
* Both Dion and Saetonlna relate that he was accosted by a woman of
more than earthly stature, who forbade him to make any ftirtfaer progress.
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 49
that Augustus; distrusting his designs^ recalled -^^g^stus,
him from Germany^ and when he delayed his b.c.'d.
return^ ordered him to be destroyed by poison. ^""""^ '
Suetonius totally disbelieved this charge against
the emperor; and Tacitus says that he was never t*c. Ann. i. e.
cruel enough to put any of his relations to death*
When he heard of his illness^ he sent his brother suat r. i.
Tiberius to him, who found him still alive, and ^***''* '^'
after his death conducted his body to Rome.
Tiberius pronounced his eulogy in the forum,
and Augustus in the Flaminian circus; the latter
declaring that he hoped he himself might meet
an equally honourable death, and that all the
CsBsars might be like him. He had him buried
in his own tomb in the Campus Martius, wrote
his epitaph in verse, and composed memoirs of
his life in prose. The senate decreed statues and
a triumplutl arch to him, and ordered that he
and his children should bear the name of Germa-
nicus. Statues were erected to Livia, in order
to assuage her maternal grief, and she was
enrolled among those who had been thrice
mothers. This singular distinction was conferred
first by the senate, and afterwards by the emperors,
on persons who had not really had three children;
and it exempted them from the penalties inflicted
upon the childless, and entitled them to nearly
all the privileges of those who possessed a
numerous offspring. Drusus had many children
by his wife Antonia, but only three survived him,
Germanicus, livilla, and Claudius, who was
subsequently emperor.
Aug^tus experienced considerable difficulty in
arranging the business of the senate, and in
compelling the attendance of the members. He
increased the fine for absence^ and as the offenders
VOL I. E
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50 HISTORY OP
AuouMus, ^gj,^ qI^^jj protected by their multitude^ he ordered
^c^ that lots should be cast, and every fifth person
be punished. It was his endeavour to make
himself easy of access, and open to reproof.
When he was requested to advocate the cause
of one of his former companions in war, and on
account of his occupations had ordered a friend
to undertake the office in his stead; the man
upbraided him by saying: ^^When you wanted
my assistance, I did not send another in my place,
but always hazarded my own life in your behalf.'^
Augustus acknowledged the justice of the reproof,
and going into court, performed the service which
was required of him. He offcen allowed great
freedom of speech from his enemies; but he did
not forbear to punish those who were accused
of plotting against him.
AnousTus, When he returned to the city, from which he had
B. c.'8. absented himself on account of the death of Drusus,
he carried a laurel branch to the temple of Jupiter
Feretrius. He himself did not observe any festival,
as he considered his late successes to be more than
counter-balanced by the loss of Drusus; but the
consuls conducted the exhibitions which were usual
on occasions of victory. The magistrates having
been accused of obtaining their dignities by bribery,
he ordered that all candidates for office should de-
posit a certain sum of money before the election,
and this was to be forfeited if they were guilty of
corruption. As it was not legal to compel slaves
by torture to give evidence against their master, he
made a law that they should be sold, if it appeared
necessary, to the commonwealth or to himself, in
order that they might be subjected to examination.
Some condemned this as an evasion of the ancient
law : others deemed it necessary^ on account of the
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 51
plots concerted by persons who relied upon the auwu'^tus,
privilege of their slaves. b. c' 8.
As another ten years had expired^ Augustus re- jyi^^Zu^
snmed his authority over the state^ though not
without some pretended reluctance. Tiberius was
appointed to conduct the war in Germany^ and
when he had passed the Bhine^ all the people except
the Sicambrians* sent messengers to sue for peace*
Augustus refused to g^rant it until the Sicambrians
had joined the embassy : and even when they had
offered this submission^ they were not successful.
Part of the Germans were eompelled to retire be- 8u«t. 11.21.
yond the Elbe; and the Suevi and Sicambrians^ ^^'^*
who surrendered themselves^ were transported into
Gaul. These amounted to forty thousand^ and they
were placed in lands allotted to them near the banks
of the Rhine. The Sicambrians^ however^ who were
both numerous and renowned^ were so indignant at
this transportation^ that they resolved to destroy
themselves rather than endure the disgrace ; and tbc. Ann. xu.
accordingly Tacitus speaks of their nation as being ^
entirely extinct.
These successes were considered so important, diod. w.
that Augustus granted the title of Imperator to
Tiberius, and assumed it himself for the fourteenth
time. Tiberius was also honoured with a triumph ;
and it was ordered that the birth-day of the emperor
should always be celebrated with equestrian games.
The month which had hitherto been called Sextilisy
received the name, which it still retains, of Avgust.
This honour seemed rather due to September, being
the month in which the emperor was born ; but he
* In the Greek text of Dion, we read Cantabrians, wlilch it obviously
■B error. Leanekflac ooqjeetime that the people were the Caituari^
eMwagh he edoiowledgei that the Sieamhrians ere named in the manu-
•eripta of SylbuTgioa. I hare adopted thia last reading apou the authority
of the learned Tlllemont*
E2
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63 HISTORY OF
Av<iVB7v»r entertained a predilection for Sextilia, in which he
B.c.'8. was first elected consul^ and in which he had
"^^ gained many great victories.
Dion. 1y. In this year he was deprived of the counsel and
Tic. Ann. vi. g^jryi^^g ^f Mseccnas. TWs celehrated Roman had
heen the early friend of Augustus^ and during the
civil wars had been entrusted with the government
of Rome and all Italy. Although he enjoyed the
highest influence withi the emperor, yet he never
used it for his own aggrandizement| but, while he
procured honours and offices for others, was satis*
fied himself with the^rank of a knight. He is
said to have had great command over the temper of
Augustus, and always to have swayed it to gentle-
ness and clemency. Once when liie emperor was
administering justice, and was about to condemn a
great many persons to death, Maecenas, who coidd
not come near him on account of the crowd, wrote
the following sharp reproof^ and cast it into his
bosom : Arisey Executioner. Augustus obeyed the
' injunction, and arose without putting any one
to death ; and so far was he from being displeased
with such freedom, that he rejoiced in having friends,
who dared to correct that irascibility to which he
was inclined, botib by his natural temper and the
tm. Ann.m. urgcucy of business. Although Maecenas had
Dion. w. latterly experienced a coldness in the regard of
Augustus, and had just reason to be offended on
account of Terentia his wife, yet he left him heir to
nearly all his property. He was the first who
provided at Rome a warm swimming-bath, and this
may be considered an instance of that luxury of
which he has been accused. Seneca says, that he
Ben. Ep. 19. was a man of genius, and would have been a great
example of Roman eloquence, if he had not been
weakened, and even emasculated, by prosperity.
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THE BOMAN EMPEKORS. S3
Some attribute to him the iuvention of short-hand, auouhtcs,
ihougfh others ascribe it to Tiro^ the freedman of n.c'6.
Cicero. But his greatest distinction is, that he was """"^"^
the warm and generous patron of literature. Both
Virgil and Horace enjoyed his friendship and par-
took of his bounty; and they have requited his
favours by imparting to his name the imperishable
lustre which surrounds their writings. The inter-
course between Horace and Maecenas, as it is
described in the works of the former, fUmishes a
most engaging picture of the characters both of
the poet and his patron. Horace had solemnly nor. od.y.17.
declared that he would never survive his friend *^*^'
and as he really expired a short time after him in
this year, it remains uncertain to what cause we
should ascribe his death.
Tiberius, who was consul with Cn. Piso, entered Augustus,
the city in triumph on the first of January. He b,c/7.
soon after departed into Germany, where some Dion. iv.
commotions were excited ; but nothing memorable
occurred this year either at Rome or abroad.
Augustus could not observe without consider- Augustus,
able displeasure the behaviour of his grandsons ,.0.6.
Caius and Lucius, who, educated in the indulgences
of prosperity, were unable to restrain the exuber-
ance of a luxurious and arrogant spirit. Lucius
having entered the theatre one day, was so elated
with the applause which he received there, that he
ventured to ask the consulship for his brother Caius,
who was a mere youth. Augustus replied that he
hoped the times would never come, in which there
would be a necessity to give the consulship to one
who had not * yet ' reached his twentieth year.
When they continued their solicitations^ he
obser\ed that no one should undertake such an
office, until he knew how to guard himself from
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54 HISTOBY OF
^^•^v; error^ and to resist the passions of the people. He
afterwards guve Caius a certain priesthood^ with
the privilege of entering the senate^ and of viewing
the games and feasting with the senators. In
order^ however^ to repress the arrogance of him
and his hrother^ he hestowed the tribunician power
upon Tiberius for five years^ and sent him to
compose the disturbances^ with which Armenia was
agitated. But this measure only exasperated the
difierences in his family; for the young princes
considered themselves treated with neglect^ and
Tiberius resolved to abandon public affairs^ and to
]>km. It. bury himself in retirement. The causes assigned
SMt lit 10, £^j. ^jg determination are, that he feared the ang^r
and jealousy of the young princes, and considered
it prudent to yield to them, as Agrippa had done
to Marcellus; or that he thought the Romans
would be more sensible of his services after a tem-*
porary absence; or that he was weary of the
society of his wife Julia, and was afraid either to
divorce her, or to complain of her licentious
conduct. Whatever his real motive was, he was so
fixed in his resolution that neither the entreaties of
his mother, nor the complaints of Augustus in the
senate, could induce him to abandon it. Leaving
his wife and son at Rome, he went to Ostia, and^
after staying a little while on the coast of Cam-
pania, sailed to Rhodes, being attracted by the
beauty and salubrity of that island. In this spot
he resided for seven or eight years, in the condition
of a private citizen, without any pomp or osten-*
tation.
jo^^Ant. xTi. Obodas, king of the Nabatheean Arabians, being
dead, the government was assumed by Eneas, who
changed his name to Aretas, which had become
the established appellation of the kings of Arabia.
0,10.
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 55
He sent a letter and costly presents to Augustus^ auo wun,
who refused^ however^ to accept them^ as he was B.0.0.
displeased with Aretas for taking the kingdom ^"^^^"^
wiUiout giving him due intimation. Afterwards^
however^ he admitted his ambassadors^ and^ having
reproved him for his precipitation^ confirmed him
in his authority. About the same time also, he
was angry with Herod, and threatened him by
letter, that though he had formerly treated him as
a friend, he would now treat him as a subject.
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5C HISTORY OF
CHAPTER V.
Cuius receives the title of Prince of the Youth. —
The Christian Era. — Death of Herod the Great j
and the division of his territories. — Augustus
becomes acquainted mth the licentiousness of his
daughter Jkiliay and banishes her to Pandataria. —
Her marriage Tvith Tiberius dissolved. — J9m-
turbances in Armenia tranquillized by Caiu^. —
Caius has an interview with the Parthian King.
— Tiberius returns to Pome. — Death of Lucius
and Caius. — Disgrace of Agrippa and Julia. —
Tiberius adopted by Augustus. — Atigustus re-
fuses to be called Lord. — Pardons the conspi-
racy of Cinna. — Vonones appointed King of the
Parthians. — A fund jfrovided for the Boman
troops. — Famine at Ronu. — Nightly guards
established.
Augustus, Caius Cw£SAR, who was in his fifteenth year,
received a portion of those honours of which he
was so ambitious, being denominated Prince of the
Youth,* (a title not unknown in the days of the
republic,) and was elected to hold the consulship
after a period of five years. The mutilation of the
history of Dion leaves a considerable chasm ih the
affairs of the Romans at this time. But the most
important event in ecclesiastical history may pro-
bably be referred to this year ; for it is the opinion
of many learned men that Christ was bom in the
3,999th year from the creation of the world, and
* PrincepsJttTentatis.
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Uihsr.
THE BOMAN EMPEROKS. 57
the 749th from the building of Rome. Of all the auovhtv*,
branches of human knowledge none is surrounded ^^^J^
with greater uncertainty than ancient chronolog}' ;
as it was the fate of mankind to live many ages
upon earthy before they were able to compute the
length of the solar year^ or to preserve any accu-
rate memorial of their most important transactions.
From the perplexity which obscures other events^
the Christian era is not exempt; and as it is impos-
sible now to remove it; we shall adopt that mode
of computation which has become most familiar by
long custom^ and instead of placing the beginning
of Christianity in the present year, shall assume it
in our dates to be four years later.
The death of Herod the Great^ king of Judeea, Augustus^
occurred most probably in the year after the birth *'
of that Saviour, whom he had ineffectually
attempted to destroy. This sanguinary tjrrant, jm. Ant. xvii.
being afficted with a loathsome and incurable ^»;/^JV. •is.
disorder, was tormented with the reflection, that his
death would be received by his subjects with exul-
tation rather than grief. He therefore summoned
the chief men of the Jews to Jericho, and, having
shut them up in the hippodrome, charged his
sister Salome and her husband Alexis that all
these persons should be slain as soon as he died,
in order that every family in Judaea might be over-
whelmed with grief. This barbarous injunction was
fortunately disobeyed. By his last will he left the
kingdom to Archelaus, appointing Antipas to be
tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, and bestoi^-ing
Gaolonitis, Trachonitis, and Paneas, upon Philip.
This division of his dominions was after some deli-
beration confirmed by Augustus; but Archelaus,
who received half of his father's kingdom, was
allowed to take the name of ethnarch only, with a
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58 HISTOBY OF
AUOU8TU*, promise that he should afterwards be exalted tothe
regal dignity^ if he deserved it
Lucius Caesar having now attained his fifteenth
year^ was admitted to the same honours as his
brother Caius enjoyed.
Dion. It. The uumber of the people who received gratui*
ties of com having become unlimited^ Augustus
restricted it to two hundred thousand^ leaving
even thus an immense number of claimants upon
the bounty of the state. He also appointed two
praefects of the praetorian guards^ whose office in a
short time became one of the most important in
the empire. In some games which he exhibited^
water was introduced into the Flaminian circus^
and thirty-six crocodiles were slain.
Dkm.iT. The licentiousness of his daucfhter Julia, who
iji.li/ disgraced herself by open adultery, and even by
nocturnal revels in the foi*um, was at lengfth made
known to Augustus, after it had been a subject of
notoriety to every one else. He was so over-
whelmed with shame, that for a long time he
debarred himself from all intercourse with men;
but he gave publicity to his own dishonour by
formally announcing it to the senate. One of his
daughter's paramours, Julius Antonius, who had
been instig^ated by the ambitious hope of obtaining
the sovereignty, suffered death : others experienced
the same fate, or were banished into various
islands. Julia was sent to Pandataria, an island
on the coast of Campania; and Scribonia, who had
been long divorced from Augustus, followed her
degraded daughter. She was denied the use of
wine, and every luxury ; and no free person nor
slave was to approach her without the ^[)ermission
of the emperor. After five years she was removed
to the ccmtinent and treated with gi*euter iudul-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 50
gence; but nothing could induce her father to auo^tus,
recall her irom banishment; and when the people v^-v^
(perhaps fi-om flattery) interceded for her, he
prayed that they themselves might possess such
daughters and wives. He did not disguise that
her death would be more tolerable to him than
such disgrace ; for when he heard that Phoebe, her
freedwoman and accomplice in guilt, had hanged
herself, he declared that he would rather have been
the father of Phoebe than of Julia. Whenever her
name was mentioned he used to sigh, and apply to
himself a line of Homer^* signifying that he
wished he had never been a husband nor a father.
He dissolved her marriage with Tiberius, who,
thoug^h he was pleased with the intelligence,
thougfht it incimibent upon him to write several
letters to him, in which he endeavoured to appease
his resentment against her. Though nothing
could be more criminal than her conduct, nor more
derogatory to her exalted station, yet we cannot
but observe that the manner in which she was
hastily bestowed upon three husbands, Marcellus,
Agrippa, and Tiberius, was ill calculated to inspire
her with notions of delicacy and honour.
Armenia had been for some years in an unquiet TBc.Anii.ii. 3.
Veil Pat il
state. Artavasdes, whom Augustus had appointed 100.'
to the sovereignty of that country, had beenu"^*';
expelled^ nor had the Romans who supported
him escaped without loss. The Armenians had
elevated a certain Tigi*anes in his place, and they
were readily assisted by the Parthians in their
project of opposing the interference of the Romans.
These disturbances occasioned considerable uneasi-
ness to Augustus, who was too old to undertake
the war himself, and was at a loss to find a leader
* Jdff JffXtc T dyovot r l/tcrm, ayafiSc r AiroXiaBau — II. ili. 40.
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60 HISTORY OF
Au«wu», to whom he might safely confide it. Distrust o(
v^v^ more experienced commanders obliged him to
commit the management of the affairs of the
East to C. Caesar, although he was only in his
Augustus, nineteenth year. The dignity of his name alone
^^' seems to have terrified the barbarians; for the
Parthians sued for peace, which was granted
on condition that they left Armenia; andTigranes
finding himself deserted, besought Augfustus to
bestow upon him the crown, which was now
vacant by the death of Artavasdes. He was
commanded to go and meet Caius in Syria ; and
from the imperfect accounts which we possess, it
seems most probable, that hostilities were for a
time suspended.
Augustus, In the following year, (which was the first
A.^%. A^i* the birth of Christ, according to the usual
mode of computation,) Caius was invested with
the consulship, and was canying on warfare in
the East, though nothing certain is known of his
operations. He wished to penetrate into Arabia
Felix, a country at that time almost unknown to
the Romans, but he did not succeed.
Augustus, He had au interview with the Parthian monarch
A.D.%. on an island in the Euphrates, each of them
veu.p&i.ii. being attended by an equal number of troops.
Paterculus, who was present, declares it to have
been a memorable sight to see the armies and
the leaders of two great empires arrayed in
opposite directions. Phraates was first enter-
tained with a banquet on the western side of the
river, and afterwards entertained Caius on the
opposite bank. -He informed the Roman prince
of the perfidy of M. Lollius, who had been
appointed by Augustus as a kind of guardian to
him and director. Lollius died a few duys after-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 61
wards either accidentally or -by his own hand; augustu*.
and the removal of this treacherous friend made a.d.'2.
Caius more willing to enter into a reconciliation
with Tiberius^ who was now weary of his retire-
ment at Rhodes. Augustus was determined not
to allow him to return^ unless Caius gave his snet m. 13.
permission; this however being granted^ he was
suffered to come back to Rome on condition of
not taking any part in the management of public
afiairs*
Jj. Ceesar^ the grandson of the emperor^ died
at Marseilles on his way into Spain. His brother
Caiiis was not destined to survive him long.
Being sent to adjust the affairs of Armenia^ he Augustus,
was successful in his arrangements^ and appointed a. d.'s.
Ariobarzanes king; who^ though he was a MedeTie.Aiui.ii.4.
by descent^ was favourably received by the people ^^' '***• *^'
on account of his admirable qualities both of
body and mind. But Caius^ having imprudently
tmsted himself in a certain conference^ received
a severe wound^ which so impaired all his energies^
that business became irksome to him^ and he
wished to end his days in an obscure comer of
the globe^ rather than return to Rome. Having
consented however^ though reluctantly^ to attempt
the journey into Italy^ he died at Limyra in Augustus,
Lycia at the beginning of the following year, j^^;^^
Thus^ in the space of a few months^ Augustus
lost the only two princes^ directly descended from
him^ who were fit to inherit his immense power.
Their brother Agrippa Posthumus was adopted Tac. Ann. i. 3.
by him on the 27th of June; but on account of veu'^Pa^ii^*
lus ignorant and antractable disposition he was^^'^^^*
banished first to Surrentum^ and afterwards to the
island of Planasia^ in which a decree of the
senate doomed him to suffer perpetual exile.
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62 HISTORY OF
AUGUSTUS, Julia^ the granddaughter of the emperor^ added
A.D.'4. a fresh pang to his domestic griefs. She was
''— ^^~^ married to L. Paulus^ but disgraced herself with
the infamous crimes of her mother Julia^ for
Tsc. Ann. iT. which shc was sent to the island of Trimerum
^^* on the Apulian coast^ where she lived in banish-
ment for twenty years. Augustus is said to
Suet u. 64. have been strictly attentive to the education of
his daughter and two granddaughters^ having
inured them to spinnings and carefully excluded
them from all intercourse with strangers. The
celebrated Agrippiua was the only one whose
virtues added lustre to her eminent birth. The
Julias and Agrippa were so odious to him^ that
he used to call them his three cancers.
His wife Livia was universally suspected of
having accelerated the death of Caius and Lucius^
and procured the banishment of Agrippa^ in
order to make way for her own son to obtain the
sovereignty. By her persuasion Augustus had
snet ill. 15. adopted Tiberius on the same day that he adopted
Agrippa : he also made him his colleague in the
tribunician power, and took every opportunity
of augmenting his dignity and influence. To
give greater stability to the empire, he required
that he in his turn should adopt his nephew
Germanicus, although he had a son named Drusus.
Veil. Pat ii. Shortly aflterwards he sent him into Germany,
where, according to Paterculus, a gi*eat war
had broken out three years before, in which
M. Yinicius earned the triumphal honours.
DUm. It. Augustus, whosc sway as emperor had always
been sufficiently mild, became still more distin-
guished for clemency as he advanced in years, and
was exceedingly cautious of offending any of the
senators, or of injuring his popularity. He resisted
104.
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THE ROMAN EMPEHOBS. QH
with great warmth an attempt that was made to Augustus,
give him the title of Lord^* which modem courtesy a.o! 4.
has bestowed upon thousands^ who possess but the ^"^^"^
most inconsiderable portion of his power. An actor
having occasion to utter the following exclamation,
^ Ojvst and gracums Lardy^-f all the people in the suet ii. 53.
theatre applied the words to Augustus 3 but he was
so far from being gratified with the compliment,
that he endeavoured to check them at the time by
his gesture and countenance, and on the following
day published an edict in reprehension of their
conduct ; nor would he ever allow the appellation
to be given to him even by his children.
His pardon of Cn. (Domelius Cinna, who was Dion. !▼.
the grandson of Pompey the Great, and had cie!^.'i. 9.
formed a conspiracy against his life, gave still
greater lustre to the forbearance and magnanimity
of his character. Grieved at the wretched neces-
sity which his station imposed upon him, of being
constantly assailed by the plots, and obliged to
shed the blood, of the most illustrious citizens, he
passed the night in disquietude, unable to devise
any method of extricating himself from his painful
perplexity. Livia perceiving his distress, at length
asked hka, ^^ Will you receive the advice of a
woman ? Act like the physicians, who when their
remedies do not succeed, try an opposite course.
You have hitherto gained nothing by severity, but
one conspiracy has followed another ; try now what
clemency will avail. Pardon Cinna, who, as his
plot is discovered, cannot endanger your life, but
may serve to aggrandize your fame.'' Pleased
widi Livia's suggestion Augustus sent for Cinna,
and thus addressed him : ^^ I formerly saved your
« Domlnui.
t O Dominnm sqamn et bonixm.
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04 HISTORY OF
Auau<iTi», life ^hen I found you in the camp of my eneniies^
A. p. 4. with whom the ties of kindred had leagued you. I
^*'*''~' also preserved your estate^ and granted you honours
in preference to others^ whose parents had heen my
companions in war* After receiving such benefits
you have conspired to kill me. But I again grant
you your life. From this day let friendship be
cemented between us^ and let us strive which of us
can show the more honourable spirit^ I in sparing
your life^ or you in acknowledging the favour."
After this free acquittal he elected him to the
consulship^ and Cinna requited his generosity by
the most faithful attachments and by leaving him
sole heir to all his property. All other enemies
were at the same time vanquished by the emperor's
clemency^ as no conspiracy was ever afterwards
formed against him.
uaiwr. As it is recordcd that the Parthians solicited a
TM.ADn.ii.' king from Augustus^ and there was an embassy of
jM^'iUt xTtii. ^^^ people at this time at Rome^ it is supposed by
^ chronologers that he appointed Yonones to be their
monarch about the present period. Although
Phraates had been able to repulse the attacks of
the Roman armies^ yet he offered such external
submission to Augustus as to send part of his
children as hostages to Rome. His object^ how*
ever^ seems to have been not so much to show any
deference to the Romans^ as to guard against the
treachery of his subjects^ and prevent them from
inciting his children to rebellion. According to
Josephus^ he acted by the instigfation of Thesmusa^
an Italian concubine^ who had by him a son named
Phraataces^ and who wished his other offspring to
be removed out of the kingdom^ in order to raise
her own to the sovereignty. Phraataces^ who was
accused of incest with his mother^ stained himself
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 65
with the hlood of his father, for whose natural Augustus,
decease he was too impatient to wait. Disgusted a.d.'4.
by his atrocious crimes, the Parthians drove him ^— v-^'
from the country, and he died. They then bestowed
the crown upon Orodes, who was known to be of a
violent and cruel disposition, but who had the
merit of being of the royal blood of the Arsacidse.
They soon, however, grew dissatisfied with him, and
killed him, either at one of their festivals or in the
chase. After this they sent ambassadora to Rome
to solicit a new sovereign from among the children
of Phraates, and the choice fell upon Y onones, who
was -die eldest. This election of a Parthian mon-
arch at Rome was considered by Augustus as one
of the most splendid events in his reign.
The year in which Cinna, the pardoned con- Augustus,
spirator, held the consulship with Valerius Messala, a. ^Vi.
was remarkable for great earthquakes: the city Dion. iv.
was overflowed by the Tiber, and the miseries of
the people were aggravated by famine. Agrippa
assumed the toga virilisj but without obtaining any
of those distinctions which had been granted to his .
brothers. Augustus increased the number, and
added to the privileges, of the sacerdotal orders, suetu. 31.
and especially of the Vestal virgins. But the
condition of these last appeared so unenviable to the
Romans, that the most noble persons were unwilling
that their daughters should submit to it, and a law
was passed allowing the children of freedmen to be
admitted to the office.
As the soldiers were dissatisfied with the small- Dion. iv.
ness of their pay, and none of them were willing to
remain in the army after the stipulated time, it was
enacted that the praetorian guards should receive
five thousand denarii* after sixteen years' service,
* TIm dmarhts is reekoned at about sevenpence three-fluthings.
VOL. I. F
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60 HISTOBT OP
AvousTut, and the other troops three thousand after twenty
A.^5. years' service* Dion estimates the Roman legions
^~^~^ at this time to have heen ahout twenty-three or
twenty-five^ besides which there were ten thousand
men for the emperor's guards and six thousand for
Tac.Ann.iT.5. the protectiou of the city. The troops furnished
by the allies were considered nearly equal to those
of the Romans; but their numbers varied at
different times. Among* them the Batavians were
distinguished for the excellence of their cavaby.
Dion. ziT. It. Augfustus had also a body of men called Evoeatiy
who were veterans that had served their time
under Julius Csesar, but had been induced by the
offer of great rewards to re-enter the army;
and they continued to be kept up as a distinct
and privileged corps. Among* his guards he had
Suet u. 49. preserved a body of Spaniards^ from Calagnris^
until the defeat of Antony ; and some Germans)
who performed the same office^ were disbanded
Tu. Ann. 1. 84. after the slaughter of Yarus^ but were afterwards
enlisted agtiin by him or his successor.
T^Axui.i.78. For the support of the army a tax of a hun-
^^' ^^' dredth part upon all vendibles had been imposed
after the civil wars ; but as the funds were inade-
quate^ Augfustus proposed to the senate to devise
some permanent mode of furnishing pay and
AUGUSTUS, g^tuities to the soldiers. In behalf of himself
j^^\ Q, and Tiberius he deposited a sum of money in the
military treasury^ which was to be superintended
by three persons of praetorian rank, to be chosen
by lot for a term of three years, but who were
forwards appointed by the emperors. He
engaged to pay the same sum every year, and
accepted the promised assistance of some of the
allied kings and people, but declined the offers of
private persons, though they declared them to be
quite voluntary. As these resources were by no
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. • 67
means sufficient^ he ordered each senator to give avgubtvs,
him his opinion in writing, concerning the hest A.^DJe.
mode of establishing a competent fund; and his ^~^~^
motive was not so much to profit by their schemes,
as to induce them to acquiesce in his own. For
without regarding any of their suggestions, he
decreed that a twentieth part of all inheritances
and legacies should be paid into the military treas-
ury, exceptions being made in favour of those who
were very near relations of the deceased, or in a
state of poverty.
This tax was displeasing to the Eomans, who Dion. w.
were labouring under the pressure of a grievous ^^^' "' *^'
fiimine. On account of the scarcity, gladiators,
slaves, and all foreigners, excepting physicians
and preceptors, were removed more than eighty
miles from the city. Augustus and others sent
away the greater part of their households, and
senators were allowed to go where they pleased,
those who remained having full power to pass all
necessary decrees. Augustus is said to have had
a desire of abolishing the public distributions of
com, which he considered encouraged idleness,
and the neglect of agriculture; but he did not
carry the plan into effect, because he was per-
suaded the practice would be renewed by some
ambitious person, and he himself would sustain all
the odium of its omission.
As many parts of the city had been destroyed nion. iv.
by fire, he appointed a body of freedmen in seven
divisions, and under the command of a knight, for
the prevention of such accidents. They were found
so useful, that, contrar}' to his first intention, he
continued their services ; and in subsequent times,
they were composed of other soldiers as well as
freedmen, had forts in the city, and received pay
from the state.
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03 . HISTORY OF
CHAPTER VI.
Archelaus hanisJied into Gauly aiid Judaa made a
Roman province. — War in Dalmatia and Pan-
nonia. — Law against celibacy. — The Dalmatians
subdued. — Varus and his legions destroyed in
Oermany. — Banishment of Ovid. — Tiberius keeps
the Germans in cJieck. — Is associated tvith
Augusttis in the government of the empire. —
Augustus permitted to transact all chairs hy
m^eans of his council alone.
AcousTus, Abchelaus the ethnarch of Judaaa^ having been
A.D.'e. accused by the chief men among the Samaritans
jo^^j^TxYii ^^^ Jews of exercising a tyrannical sway over
18; xvui. 1. them^ was summoned to Rome^ and, after being
7,8.' ' heard by Augustus, was banished to Vienne in
Dion. iv. Gaul, and his property was confiscated. Dion, who
calls him Herod of Palestine, says that he was
accused by his brothers. Aft;er his condemnation,
Judaea was united to the province of Syria ; it waa
governed, however, by its own procurator, and the
first that bore the office was Coponius, a man of
equestrian rank, who was invested with supreme
authority over the Jews. Thus the sceptre had
Geo. xiix. 10. entirely departed from Judah, and it became all,
who were attentive to their ancient prophecies, to
watch for the appearance of the Messiah.
Dion. w. There were disturbances at this time in Sardinia,
Isauria, and other parts of the Roman empire.
The Oeetulians, being dissatisfied with the sove*
reignty of king Juba, whom Augustus had set over
them, excited a rebellion against him ; but after they
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 69
had plundered the neighbouring country^ and slain Augustus,
many of the Romans^ they were subdued by a. d.'6.
Cornelius Cossus, who received the triumphal ^^^^^'^
honours on account of his victory, together with
the surname of Geetulicus. Tiberius carried on
hostilities in Germany, where nothing memorable
occurred; but the most formidable insurrections
were excited in Dalmatia and . Pannonia. Pro-
voked at the pecuniary exactions which they
suffered, the Dalmatians had paid a reluctant
submission to their oppressors; but when they
found that Tiberius was engaged with the Germans,
and that Valerius Messalinus, the governor of their
province, had departed with a great portion of the
army, they determined to seize so favourable an
opportunity for throwing off the Koman yoke.
The leader of the insurgents was Bato; and
though at first their numbers were small, yet after
they had defeated the Romans who came against
them, they were joined by the rest of their coun-
trymen. The Breuci, a Pannonian people, placed
themselves under the guidance of another chieftain,
also called Bato, and advanced against Sirmium,
which was occupied by a Roman garrison; but
their progress was arrested by Ceecina Severus, the
governor of Moesia, who, having heard of their
revolt, attacked them near the river Drave, and
defeated them. The barbarians, who had slain
many of the Romans, were not discouraged, but
endeavoured to repair their losses by succours from
their allies. In the mean time the Dalmatian
Bato having led his army to Salona, was disabled
by a wound from a stone ; but he dispatched his
troops, who ravaged the sea coast as fiir as
Apollouia, and, though at first defeated by th^
Romans, were successful in a second encounter.
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70 HISTORY OF
When Tiberius heard of these insurrectioiis he
marched from Germany^ sending Messalinus before
hun^ while he himself followed with the greater
part of the army. Bato^ though he was not
recovered from his wound^ advanced to meet Mes-
salinus^ and after defeating him in battle was
overcome by an ambuscade. He then joined his
arms to those of the Pannonian Bato^ and the tuo
chiefs took possession of Mount Almus^ where they
suffered a slight defeat from the Thracian king
Rhoemetalces^ whom Severus had sent against them.
They repulsed, however, the attacks of Severus
himself; and when he was obliged to return into
Moesia, in order to defend that province, and
Tiberius and Messalinus delayed at Siscia, they
made incursions against the allies of the Romans,
and induced many of them to join their standard.
When Tiberius advanced against them, they for-
bore to come to an engagement, but continued
their desultory mode of warfare, which was the
most suitable to them on account of the lightness
of their arms, and their knowledge of the countr}%
On the approach of winter they extended their
ravages, and having invaded Macedonia were
encountered by Rhoemetalces, and his brother Rhes-
cuporis: although the inhabitants in general
retreated from their desolated fields, and fled to
their fortified places, from which they made occa-
sional descents.
Augustus, Augustus, imagining that the enemy might be
subdued with much less difficulty, began to suspect
Tiberius of purposely protracting the war; he
therefore sent out Germanicus, who was then
qusestor, with some troops, of which part were
manumitted slaves. The Romans divided their
forces, in order to overrun the country of the
38.
A. D. 7.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 71
enemy in various directions; but nothing import- auoustus,
ant occurred^ except that Geimanicus defeated a.d/7.
and inflicted considerable loss on the Mazeei^ a ^"— ^^^ ^
people of Dalmatia.
In the following year both the Dalmatians and Augustus,
Pannonians began to be desirous of peace^ as they a. ^.'s.
were afflicted with famine, and afterwards with sick-
ness^ arising irom the strange roots and herbs which
they were forced to eat : they were prevented, how-
ever, from sending ambassadors to the Romans by
a party among them, who considered that they had
lost all hope of obtaining mercy from the victors.
But necessity at length prevailed, and Dalmatia
returned under the Roman yoke, partly by force,
p&rtly by capitulation. The struggle is said to suat m. i6.
have been the severest one in which the Romans
had been engaged since the Punic wars: fifteen
legions, and an equal number of auxiliaries, were
employed in it, and they had to encounter want of
provisions, and every species of distress. When
the Dalmatian Bato, in an interview which he had
with Tiberius, was asked by him, what had urged oion. iv.
him to undertake and to persist in such a revolt ;
"You yourselves,'* he replied, "were the cause,
as ye send wolves, instead of dogs and shepherds,
to take charge of your flocks."
The Pannonian Bato, it appears, had been
guilty of treachery, and had been rewarded for
his baseness with the sovereignty over the Breuci;
but being attacked by the other Bato, and falling
into the hands of that chief, he was condemned to
death. Upon this many of the Pannonians en-
gaged in a fresh rebellion, but were easily jsubdued
by Silvanus, while Bato was compelled to retire
into Dalmatia.
Augustus, who was doubtless beginning to feel
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72 HISTOBT OF
AuousTus, the infirmities of age^ allowed the senate to trans-
A.o.'s. act the chief part of affairs without him^ and
^"•^^^^ abstained from appearing before the people. In
the former year^ on account of some tumult^ he
had himself nominated all the magistrates ; hut in
this and the following years^ he merely recommended
by letter such candidates as he wished to be
elected. He was so anxious respecting the pro-
gress of the Dalmatian war^ that he went to
Ariminum^ in order that he might be nearer the
scene of action^ and more ready to direct the
operations. Vows were made in the city upon
his departure; and when he returned^ sacrifices
were offered up as if he had arrived from a
hostile country.
AuousTvs, As the knights were anxious that the law against
a!S',9. celibacy shoidd be annulled^ he assembled all the
Dion-ivi married and all the unmarried citizens in the
forum^ and was grieved to find that the latter were
far more numerous. After separate harangues to
the two classes^ in which he commended the mar-
ried^ and warmly inveighed against the othei-s,
he increased the privileges of those who had chil-
dren^ and inflicted fines upon the unmarried^ from
which, however, they were to be exempt if they
changed their condition within a twelvemonth.
The law, which he passed, took its name from
Pappius and Poppeeus, who were consuls at this
time, and were both of them unmarried men.
The war had again broken out in Dalmatia, and
the Romans, under Germanicus, were unsuccessful
in their attack upon the city of Rhaetinum. The
Dalmatians, unable to resist their numbers, retired
into the citadel, having first set fire to the walls
and the adjoining buildings, in such a way that
the flames should not immediately burst forth.
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 73
The Romans^ rushing into the city with the certain Augustus,
expectation of victory, did not discover the strat* a.d*9.
agem until they were surrounded with flames: ^""^^^^
if they advanced they were assailed with the darts
of the enemy, and if they reti'eated they must pass
through the midst of the fire. Most of them
perished hy one or other of these modes of de^
struction: a few escaped by casting the dead
bodies of their companions into the flames, and
using them as a kind of bridge to pass over. The
fire was so powerful, that even the enemy could
not remain in the citadel, but were obliged to leave
it at night, and hide themselves in the subterra-
nean buildings.
Seretium and some other places were reduced; Dion. wi.
but when the war was protracted, and was the
cause of a famine in Italy, Tiberius was again
sent into Dalmatia. Finding the troops impatient
for action, and fearing that they might kindle a
sedition if they continued together, he divided
them into three detachments, giving one to Silanus,
and another to M. Lepidus, while himself and
Germanicus marched with the thii*d against Bato.
Silanus and Lepidus conquered their antagonists
without much difficulty; but Tiberius traversed
nearly the whole country in pursuit of Bato, whom
at last he besieged in the fortress of Anderium
near Salona. This was a strong place, erected on
a rock which was difficult of access, and surrounded
with deep valleys and torrents: the Dalmatians
had stored it with provisions, and were so sue*
cessfiil in intercepting the supplies of Tiberius, that
they placed him in the situation of a besieged
rather than a besieging enemy. Perplexed in
his counsels, but ashamed to retreat, the Boman
general remained in a state of inactivity; until
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74 HISTORY OF
JLVGVTVB, Bato^ considering that it was impossible to main-
▲.0.9. tain the siege^ solicited for peace; and when his
^— ^^^^ comitxymen refused to capitulate, he deserted
them. After his departure Tiberius, thinking the
place might be captured without bloodshed, began
the attack; but the enemy, part of whom had
stationed themselves on the heights without the
fortress, received him with a most furious assault
of stones, and aU kinds of missiles. The Romans
were nearly overpowered by the dilBculties of the
ground^ and the pertinacity of the foe; but at
lengthy by the aid of fresh supplies^ and by con«-
ducting another attack in a different quarter^ they
compelled the Dalmatians to throw down their
arms, and flee over the mountains. Most of the
fugitives were slaughtered without mercy in the
woods, and those who held the foi'tress were
obliged to surrender.
Germanicus was sent to subdue the Dalmatians
who continued in arms, and who by the influence
of a great number of deserters were prevented
from accepting terms of peace. Although his
troops were much more numerous, he was unable
to capture Arduba, on account of the strength of
its situation, until the deserters were overpowered
in a violent contest with the inhabitants. The
women, with an enthusiastic love of liberty^ took
part with the deserters, and when they found their
efforts were fruitless, some threw their children
into the fire, and others into the river. The
neighbouring places having submitted, Germanicus
returned to Tiberius^ and Posthumius finished the
conquest of the country. About the same time
Bato, having sent his son to Tiberius, engaged to
surrender himself and all his companions, if he
could obtain impunity. Having received the
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 75
aasorances which he required^ he went to the camp auouatus,
of the Roman general^ from whom he besought a. 0/9.
no &vour for himself^ even offering his head to ^'-^~'
be cut off^ but made a long defence in behalf of
his countrymen. When he was asked what had
instigated him to rebellion, he made the same reply
as before, that the oppression of the Bomans was
the cause. In this way the Dalmatian war ended,
after the victors had suffered a great loss in men,
and still greater in money, as they had to support
many troops, and grained very little plunder.
The news of this conquest had scarcely reached veii. Pat 11.
Rome, when it was saddened with the dismal oion. ivi.
intelligence of the destruction of Quinctilius Varus
and his legions in Germany. This commander,
having enriched himself in the government of
Syria, was transferred to that of Germany; but
he seems to have formed a very false estimate of
the character of the people, and to have been
deficient both in vigour and discernment for
governing a race of fierce and artful barbarians.
The Germans, even while the changes introduced
by their conquerors were slow and imperceptible,
had not been able to forget their ancient liberty
and prowess in arms; but when Varus was more
rapid in his innovations, exacted money from them,
and treated them as a subject nation, both the
nobles and the people were anxious to liberate
themselves from their servile condition. As there
were many Roman troops on the Rhine and in
Germany, they did not venture to excite an open
rebellion; but by professions of obedience they
aUured Varus into the interior of the country,
when their feigned submission lulled him into
such security, that he began to think they might
be governed without military terror. Instead
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76 HISTOBY OP
Augustus, therefore of keeping his troops concentrated^ he
A.D.'9. dispersed them for such reasons as his enemies
^""^'^^ invented^ either to protect towns^ destroy robbers,
or convoy provisions. Arminius, who was the son
of Segimerus, a German chief, and was living in
the closest intimacy with Yams, persuaded his
countrymen that the Romans might be easily
overpowered in their present state of security.
The plot was disclosed to Varus by Segestes an
eminent German; but the Roman commander
disbelieved it, and reproved those who entertained
any suspicions of the fidelity of the natives.
While he was in this state of infatuated confi*
dence, some of the more distant Germans com-
menced an insurrection, according to the plan
which had been concerted. Varus, as had been
expected, prepared to march against them, and at
his departure was assured by Arminius and the
other chiefs that they would soon follow him with
a body of auxiliaries. His army was embarrassed
with much baggage, and with a large company of
women and children, as if they were marching
through the country of friends: but when they
arrived at a place, where their way was obsti-ucted
with marshes and thick woods, they found that their
treacherous allies intended to become their merci*
less assailants. They were suddenly attacked on
all sides by the GermanSi who at first shot at them
from a distance, but soon came to a closer engage-
ment, when they found that their enemies had no
power to resist them. For the Romans, enclosed
in a narrow space, obstructed by their own
waggons and disorderly ranks, impeded by the
trees and thickets, harassed by the Mond and rain,
and stumbling upon the wet and slippery ground,
had little resource either in their miUtaiT skill or
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 77
their natural courage. As the numbers of the bar- Augustus,
barians increased^ Varus and the most eminent of a.d.'9.
the Romans^ having been wounded^ turned their ^~^^~^
swords against their own bosoms^ rather than fall
into the hands of the victors. Many others
followed their example^ or allowed themselves to be
massacred without resistance ; nor could any have
escaped death or capture^ if the attention of the
barbarians had not been too much engrossed by the
booty. Three legions^ distinguished for their suot. ii. 33.
bravery and experience in war, were destroyed
by this treacherous attack, together with all the
auxiliary forces. The head of Varus, after his
body had been lacerated by the barbarians, was
sent to Augustus, and honoured with burial.
The emperor heard of the slaughter of his troops Dion. ivi.
with the deepest grief and consternation. He is ®"®*' "' ^*
said to have rent his clothes, to have allowed his
hair and beard to grow for several months, and at
times, beating his head against the doors, to have
exclaimed ^^ Varus, restore me my legions.'' The
anniversary also of the calamity was observed by
him with mourning. Apprehensive that the
Grermans and Gauls would make a descent into
Italy, he commenced fresh levies of troops; and
when the citizens appeared unwilling to enlist, he
punished them with the loss of their property, and
even with death. He removed all Gauls and
Germans from the city, continued the governors in
the command of their provinces in order to prevent
the rebellion of the allies, and vowed great games
to Jupiter in case the republic should be delivered
from its imminent danger. Tiberius was sent in
the following year to take the command of the
troops in Germany.
Ovid, the celebrated poet, was banished this year
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78 HISTOBY OF
AUOV8TU8, for some unknown offence to Tomos in Scythia^
where he continued till the end of his days.
The fear of an invasion from the Germans was
41,48. ' groundless^ as Tiberius not only kept the barba-
veir pI? " ™^^ ™ check, but penetrating into their country
180.' burned their houses and • devastated their lands,
while they abstained from meeting him in a gene*
ral engagement.
At Rome Augustus permitted sixteen praetors
to be elected, because there were so many candi-
dates for the ofBce, and he was unwilling to reject
any of them in the delicate posture of his affairs.
In the following year, however, the number was
reduced to twelve. He prohibited the provinces
from giving any testimonies of approbation to their
governors, either during the period of their office^
or within sixty days after their departure, as the
practice had been attended with crimes and abuses.
The corruption of the ancient Roman spirit was
indicated by the permission which was given to
knights to fight publicly as gladiators. When it
was found that mere disgrace was not sufficient to
deter them froni such exhibitions of their prowess,
it was considered best to grant them the privilege
which they so much desired, as they might esteem
it less when it was allowed them, or might be dis-
couraged by the prospect of encountering death
in the arena. Their combats, however, were not
discontinued, especially as they were viewed with
great interest by the citizens of Rome.
AUOU8TUS, Tiberius, having averted all danger from the
^ ^\p attacks of the Germans and Gauls, returned to
▲• D. 18. • ^ ^ ^
Veil. Pat. u. Rome to celebrate the triumph which was due to
SMt.m. so, ^^ ^^ account of his victories in Pannonia and
SI. Dalmatia. He was admitted to still more sub-
stantial honours bv a decree of the senate and the
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 70
people^ which bestowed upon him the same autho- Augustus,
.rity as the emperor himself possessed^ over all the a.d/i3.
proviiices and armies. This power was granted ^~>^~^
him by the request of Augustus^ whose associate
in the empire he now became.
Germanicus^ who was consul^ was recommended Dion. wt.
by the emperor to the senate^ while the senate itself
was recommended by him to Tiberius. Under
pretence of being* occupied with the German war,
but more probably from the infirmities of ag*e, he
requested that the senators would abstain from
offering their respects to him at home, and would
excuse him from any longer feasting with them.
He instituted a search after some libellous books
which had been written, and ordered them to be
burned, and some of the authors to be punished.
As many of the exiles did not confine themselves
to the places allotted to them, and others indulged
in a luxurious mode of living, he ordered that no
banished persons should reside on the continent,
nor in an island which was not distant fifty miles
from the continent, with the exception of Cos,
Rhodes, Sardinia, and Lesbos ; and he also made
regulations with respect to the number of their
slaves, and the amount of their property.
Augustus for the fifth time accepted the govern- auoustus,
ment of the state for a period of ten years, and a. d!'i8.
again bestowed the tribunician power upon Tiberius.
As he very rarely visited the senate, on account of oion. wi.
his 1^, he requested that he might be allowed a
council of twenty, to be chosen every year,
although previously he possessed a council of
fifteen chosen for six months. It was in conse*
quence decreed, that whatever he should deter-
mine in conjunction with these councillors, with
the consuls and consuls elect, with his children,
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80 HISTORY OF
AUOU8TUS, and with others whom he might hereafter choose;
A.D.'id. should have the same force as if it had been.
^~^^"*^ enacted by the whole senate. This decree^ though he
virtually possessed the power before^ allowed him
to direct the most important affairs of the empire
without leaving his chamber ; and it is said that he
sometimes transacted business while lying down.
His successors appear to have had a similar
council^ who from their constant attendance upon
the emperor were called Camites, or Companions
of CcBsar.*
* Tillemont, HUtaire dei Empenwrg,
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THE BOHAN SMPEBORS. 81
CHAPTER VII.
Augustus dies at Nola. — His burial. — He is
defied. — His character as drawn by different
writers. — The ^ect of his government upon the
Bomans. — His person^ accomplishments, and
style of living.
The death of Augustus^ which occurred this avoustus,
year, is said to have been predicted by various tl^^
portents. One of these^ which is recorded both by som. il 97.
Suetonius and Dion^ will serve to show upon what ^^^^ ^^
frivolous superstitions the Romans rested their
knowledge of futurity. The statue of Augustus in
the Capitol being struck with lightning, die letter
C. was effaced from the beginning of the word
Ceesar : upon which the soothsayers declared that
he would be deified in the space of a hundred
dayS| because the letter C. denoted a hundred, and
the remainder of his name^ €esar, sigfnified a god
in the Tuscan language. He left Rome with
Tiberius, who was going into lUyricum, and whom
he accompanied as far as Beneventum. He was veiL Ptt u.
present at the athletic g^ames, which were exhibited 8^11.07,1^
in honour of him by the Neapolitans; before which ^^^^ *^
he had visited the coasts of Campania and the
neighbouring islands, indulging himself in all
kinds of relaxation, and behaving with the greatest
courtesy to his companions. His health in the
meantime had begun to decline, and a flux of the
bowels terminated his life at Nola on the 10th
of August^ the day of the year in which he had
entered upon his first consulship. Before his snet u. 99.
decease, having several times enquired if there '^^"^ '^*'
VOL. L o
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82 HISTOBY OF
AuoirsTus, was any public anxiety displayed concerning^ him,
^1^^ he sent for a mirror, and ordered his hair to be
arranged, and the appearance of his fallen cheeks
to be improved as much as possible. He boasted to
his friends, that though he had found Rome built of
bricks, he lefl it of marble : which Dion considers
as an allusion not so much to the splendour of his
edifices, as to the stability of his government. He
also asked them if he had performed his part well
in the farce of life, and then, in conformity with
the practice of actors, besought their applause.*
He expired at last in the embraces of livia,
bidding her farewell, and charging her to cherish
the memory of their union. His death was of that
easy and tranquil nature which he had always
desired; for whenever he heard that any one had
died quickly and without pain, he used to pray that
such might be the fate of himself and his friends.!
He had lived seventy-five years, ten months,
and twentyH9ix days, and had possessed the
supreme power (reckoning from the battle of
Actium) forty-four years, with the deduction of
thirteen days. Notwithstanding his advanced
age, there was a rumour that Livia had shortened
hk life. For it was believed that a few months
previous he had visited his grandson Agrippa in
Tte. Ann. i. 6. the islaud of Planasia, and had exhibited such
^^'^'^^^ marks of afiection towards him, as created an
expectation that he would restore him to hia
favour, and make him heir to the empire. To
prevent a result so fatal to her ambition, livia,
it was alleged, poisoned some figs on a tree, firom
which Augustus used to pluck the fruit with his
• This he did in the following Greek wordi:—
ILal ir6vrtc vfuic furd xapdQ Krvw^eart.
t Which he a]»Uy deicrihed by the Greek word, tuBavavia.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 83
own hand^ and these she contrived that he should Augustus,
eat, while she herself partook of the wholesome ones, tl^^
His death was thus attributed by some persons to
the machinations of his wife; and as every circum-
stance relating to it was magnified into importance,
it was noticed that he died in the very house and tsc. Ann. i. 9.
chamber, in which his father Octavius had expired.
His body was escorted from Nola to Bovillae
by the chief men of the several places through Saet. ii. 100.
which it passed; and at Bovillee it was received ^*^"* ^^''
by the equestrian order, and conducted into Rome
at night. On the following day, the senate being
convened, his will was brought in by the Yestid
virgins, and read by Polybius one of his freedmen.
Tiberius and Livia were the principal heirs, and Tae. Ann. i. 8.
the latter was adopted into the Julian family, and
received the name of Augusta. His liberality
was of the most ostentatious kind, as he bequeathed
legacies to the chief men of the city, many of
whom were at variance with him, to the entire
people, to the prsetorian cohorts, and the legionary
troops of Roman citizens. He was implacable,
however, towards his daughter and grand-daughter,
the Julias, forbidding them even to be interred
in his sepulchre. Besides his will, other sealed
writings were brought into the senate and read
by Drusus. The first related to his funeral: the
second was a memorial of his own exploits, which
he desired to be engpraved on brazen tablets, and
placed before his mausoleum: the third contained
an account of the military forces, and the revenues
of the empire; and in the last he had recorded
his advice to Tiberius and the State, recommending
among other tilings, that the empire should not
be extended, for fear that it should become too
large and unwieldy to be preserved.
02
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84 HISTORY OP
AuGUOTTJi, Two panegyrics being pronounced over him^ one
v..^^ by Tiberius^ and the other by Drusus^ his body
si^u'^oo ^^ carried on the shoulders of senators into the
Campus Martins^ where the funeral pile was
erected. The soldiers cast upon it all the rewards
and distinctions which they had received from their
deceased emperor ; and when it was set on fire^ an
eagle was let loose from it^ as if to carry his soul
to heaven. Livia remained on the spot for five
days^ together with the principal knights^ who were
in an undress^ and their feet naked : and after they
had collected his ashes^ they deposited them in the
mausoleum which he himself had built in his sixth
consulship^ and the groves and walks around which
he had then granted for the use of the people.
Dion. ivi. It was ordered that the Roman women should
mourn for him an entire year^ but the men only a
few days. Before his death he had been in a great
measure deified^ as most of the provinces had
raised temples and altars^ and instituted games^ in
honour of him. After his decease he was formally
Dion. M. enrolled among the Boman gods^ divine honours
were decreed him^ and his wife Livia was appointed
to be his priestess. She bestowed a sum of money
upon Nullierius Atticus for swearing that he saw
Augfustus ascend into heaven^ which was an awk-
ward imitation of the impious falsehood which
Proculus had asserted respecting the first king of
Rome. Temples were erected to the late emperor
in various places^ and even the house at Nola^ in
which he died^ was turned into a consecrated
edifice.
The character of Augustus^ though of a ques-
tionable nature^ has upon the whole been favour-
Dion, lyi. ably described by the writers of antiquity. Dion
declares that though few persons regretted him at
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 85
first, yet afterwards his death was universally Augustus,
lamented. For he was courteous and easy of iiJ^^
access to all ranks of citizens, and granted pecu-
niary assistance to many : he showed gpreat regtird
to his friends, and was pleased with them for
delivering their sentiments with freedom. He
softened and moderated his absolute sway in such
a manner, that the Romans appeared to enjoy both
liberty and tranquillity at the same time : they had
the forms of democracy without anarchy and
confusion, and the advantages of monarchical
power without tyranny and oppression. What-
ever crimes were committed by him during the
period of the civil wars, his partisans thought
should be ascribed to the necessity of the times,
considering that his real character was to be esti-
mated from the actions, over which he himself had
an unrestricted controul. So amiable did his
conduct soon appear, in comparison with that of
his successor, that some persons suspected that he
had chosen Tiberius for his heir, in order that the
contrast in his own favour might be more conspi-
cuous. It is certain, however, that he did not
adopt Tiberius, until his direct descendants had
been carried off by death, excepting Agrippa, who
was considered unworthy to succeed him.
Tacitus relates that the Romans were divided in Tae. Ann. i. 9.
their opinions respecting his character. The vulgar
expressed their admiration at the number of his
consulships, the length of years in which he had
held the teibunician power, the many times which
he had gained the title of Imperatory and the
various other honours which he had enjoyed. His
more judicious partisans contended that his duty to
Julius Ccesar and the necessities of the state had
urged him into a civil war, which it was impossible
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86 HISTORY OF
AUGUSTUS, for him to conduct by \irtuous expedients alone :
CJ^ that in punishing* the assassins of his father^ he
had made many concessions to Antony^ and many
to Lepidus : that when the former of these chiefs
had been ruined by his licentiousness^ and the other
had resigned himself to indolence^ there was no
remedy for the disorders of the state^ except that
it should submit to the sway of one man : that he
had not^ hoteever^ assumed the regal power^ nor
the dictatorship^ but had been satisfied with the
name of Prince : that the empire was bounded by
the ocean^ or b}"^ distant rivers : that the legions^
the provinces^ and the fleets were placed in a state
of order and stability : that justice prevailed among
the citizens, moderation among the allies : that
the city itself was adorned with magnificence : that
violent measures were seldom resorted to^ and then
merely for the sake of establishing greater tran-
quillity.
TacAiiii.i.io. His adversaries, however, replied that his
regard J;o Julius Caesar, and the necessities of the
state, were assumed as specious motives to disguise
his real projects : that instigated by ambition he
had corrupted the veterans, and bribed the legions :
that he had extorted the consulship from the
reluctant senate, and turned against the state the
power which was entrusted to him for the punish-
ment of Antony: that the proscription of the
citizens, and the distribution of lands, were not
commended even by those who took part in them :
that though he preserved peace during the time
he was emperor, yet it was saddened by the
slaughters of Lollius and Varus, and by the deaths
of many private persons : that there was no room
for the worship of the gods, when he usurped the
temples, and the service of the priests, for his own
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TH£ ROMAN EMPERORS. 87
adoration : that Livia was a severe mother to the
state^ and a still severer step-mother to the family
of the Caesars ; and that he had adopted Tiberius
for no other motive^ than because he was acquainted
with his arrog*ance and cruelty.
Julian^ in his Banquet of the Casars^ describes Jul. da caes.
Augustus as changing colour like a chameleon^
being first pale^ then red^ afterwards blacky and at
the same moment with a countenance enlivened by
Venus and the Graces. The reformation of cha-
racter^ which so remarkably distinguished the
emperor from the triumvir^ is ascribed by him to
the efficacy of the stoical philosophy^ in which he
was instructed by Athenodorus. It is related Diou. in.
that this bold preceptor^ being one day aware that
the emperor expected the visit of a Boman lady^
put himself in a litter^ and being carried into his
chamber in her stead presented himself before him
with a drawn sword^ asking him if he was not
afraid of being assassinated by such a stratagem
as he had then practised? Augustus^ far from
being displeased^ thanked him for so salutary and
effectual a warning. Suetonius reports that he suet. u. 69.
was addicted to unlawful amours^ in which his
friends alleged that he was actuated more by
policy than love^ being desirous of learning the
secrets of his adversaries through their wives.
It is the opinion of the learned author of The chap. 3.
DeeUne and Fall of the Boman Empire^ that
Julian does too much honour to philosophy and
to Augfustus^ in considering that his change of
character was real^ and in ascribing it to the
power of philosophy. The entire outline, which
Mr. Gibbon has furnished of the emperor's character,
is drawn with extreme severity. ^^His tender
respect'' (he says) ^^ for a free constitution, which
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88 ' HISTOBT OF
AtrovsTiTs, he had destroyed^ can only he explained hy an
vj^^ attentive consideration of the character of that
subtle tyrant. A cool head^ an unfeeling* hearty
and a cowardly disposition^ prompted him^ at the
age of nineteen^ to assume the mask of hypocrisy^
which he never afterward laid aside. With the
same hand^ and probably with the same temper^
he sigfned the proscription of Cicero^ and the
pardon of Cinna. His virtues^ and even his vices^
were artificial; and according to the various
dictates of his interest^ he was at first the enemy^
and at last the father^ of the Boman world.
When he framed the artful system of the imperial
authority^ his moderation was inspired by his
fears. He wished to deceive the people by an
image of civil liberty, and the armies by an image
of civil government.''
That Augfustus was a tyrant in overthrowing
the constitution of his country, and a hypocrite
in pretending a desire to be free from the burden
of absolute power, will easily be conceded; but it
is not so manifest that he deserves in other re-
spects the odious character imputed to him^ of
being devoid of every genuine virtue, and actuated
by the sole impulse of his selfish interests. The
same moral justice, which obliges us to condemn
the crimes to which he was instigated by the
inexperience of youth, and the authority of his
colleagues, obliges us more forcibly to commend
the virtues, which were his own free and spon-
taneous acts, and which were practised by him
during the whole period of his manhood and
declining age. His great vice was ambition,
which he endeavoured studiously to conceal by
every art that he could devise; but having once
acquired power, he was not guilty of the further
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 89
crime of exercising it in a cruel and arbitrary xvqvbvvb,
manner^ but for more than forty years governed C^— ^
the world with extraordinary wisdom and modera-
tion. The beginning and the end of his life were
certainly of a very opposite texture; but if he is
to bear the disgrace of his youthful crimes^ which
few in his situation would have had firmness to
resbt^ he ought not to be deprived of the glory
of bis subsequent conduct^ which still fewer would
have been able to excel*
The only advantage which the Bomans appeared
to gain from the change of their government^
was a little temporary tranquillity. Although the
empire was too great and disorderly to be directed
either by a corrupt senate^ or a factious populace;
yet little accession was made to its happiness or
dignity by being placed under the sway of an
autocratical master. If the emperors had been
restricted in their power^ and forced to pay sub-
mission to the laws of the state^ their sovereignty
would have been the greatest benefit that the
Bomans could have desired. But as the limits
of their authority were left vague and undeter-
mined^ they soon absorbed the whole power of
the state^ and became^ according to their indi-
vidual characters^ either a blessing or a scourge
to their people« The same arbitrary power, which
was employed by Augfustus in establishing the
peace and stability of the empire, was abused by
his successors for the gratification of their odious
and tyrannical passions. The Bomans in the Tac. Ann. i. 4.
meantime were no longer distinguished for any
manly freedom of character, but resigning them-
selves to the most servile adulation, regarded
nothing but the will and caprice of a despotical toc Hut. i. i.
prince. The base flattery, which disgraced their Dion. im.
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00 HI8T0BY OF
AuGutTvs, conduct^ corrupted their writings also; while the
C^^^ secresy^ with which the emperors and their minis-
ters conducted the public affairs^ had an additional
effect in suppressing* or perverting the truth of
history.
Suet. iL 79. In person^ Augustus was exceeding^ly well
formed^ and remarkable for great elegance in all
the stages of life* His countenance^ whether he
was silent or in conversation^ was so tranquil and
serene, that one of the chiefs of the Gauls declared
that he was softened by it, and diverted from
a project which he had formed of precipitating
him down the Alps. His eyes were bright and
dear, and he was not unwiUing that they should
be considered as possessing a certain divine lustre:
he was pleased^ therefore, if any one, on whom he
looked intently, turned his countenance down«
wards, as if oppressed by the splendour of the sun.
He was short in stature; but this disadvantage was
concealed by the just proportion of his limbs, unless
he was standing by the side of some taller person.
Suet u. 84. Eloquence and the liberal arts were diligently
cultivated by him from his earliest youth. His
harangues^ however, either to the senate, the
people, or the soldiers, were always premeditated
and prepared; although on sudden emergencies
he was not deficient in extemporaneous speaking.
That he might not confide too much in his
memory, nor consume time in exercising it, he
resolved always to read his sentiments; and his
more important discourses with individuals, and
even with livia, were delivered from writing.
His pronunciation was agreeable, and improved
by attention to the arts of elocution : sometimes,
when he was labouring under weakness, he
addressed the people by means of a herald.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 91
He was the author of variouB compositions in Augustus,
prose^ some of which he used to recite in the tl^^
assembly of his friends. He wrote a small 8uet.ii. 86,86.
collection of epigrams^ and a poem in hexameter
verse^ the subject of which was Sicily. He attempted
also a tragedy^ under the title of Ajax, but was
dissatisfied with the work^ and abandoned it. His
style was neat and familiar^ as he considered it
of the first importance to express his sentiments
with perspicuity. He avoided therefore abstruse
terms, and rather than not be easily intelligible,
would make a redundant use of prepositions and
conjunctions.
He had paid great attention to the study of the saet u. 89.
Greek language. He did not, however, attain the
art of speaking readily, or composing in it ; but if
he had any occasion to use the tongue, he wrote
his sentiments in Latin, and had them trans*
lated by some other person. In his perusal of the
Boman or Greek authors, he used to search for
precepts and examples, that conveyed some salutary
instruction, and send a copy of them to his
domestics, or to the commanders of armies and
provinces, or to the magistrates of the city, as they
appeared to stand in need of admonition. He even
recited whole books to the senate, and often
recommended them to the notice of the people by
edict, in order to give greater authority to his
own opinions. Persons of literary talents were
fostered with every kind of encouragement, and he
patiently listened to their recitations, not only of
verses and histories, but of orations and dialogues.
He was unwilling, however, that any thing should
be composed respecting himself, except by men of
eminent ability; nor is it to be wondered, that
he, who had commanded the praises of Virgil
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92 HISTORY OF
AuovsTus, and Horace^ should be dissatisfied with the pane-
t,^^ gyrics of inferior writers.
Sii0tiL7i,fte. Aug^tus in his early days had been accused of
too great a love for sumptuous furniture ; but he
afterwards corrected this faulty and observed great
simplicity both in his houses and his style of living*.
He was often satisfied with a scanty portion of the
plainest food^ and was equally abstemious in the
use of wine.
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THE EMPEROR TIBERIUS.
CHAPTER I.
Parentage of Tiberius. — His profound diseimula*
tian. — Orders Agrippa Posthumus to be mur--
dered. — Pretends to decline the imperial power^
but at length desists from his refusal. — Jealous
of his mother. — Deprives the People of all right
in the election of the Magistrates. — Sedition
among the troops in Pannonia appeased by
DrusuSy in consequence of an eclipse of the moon.
— The German legions revolt, and are icith diffl^
cutty pacified by Germanicus. — Death of Julia,
the daughter of Augustus.
TiBEBiTJS had scarcely reached lUjrricum^ when tibkhius,
in consequence of the illness of Augustus^ he a. ^.'u.
received letters from his mother advising his instant ,
return. It is uncertain whether^ on his arrival at
Nola^ he found the emperor alive or not , for livia
had closely gfuarded the house and the roads with
her emissaries^ and had spread favourable reports
of her husband's healthy until at length her arrange-
ments being completed^ it was announced at the
same time^ that Augustus was dead^ and Tiberius
had succeeded him.
The new sovereigfn of the Roman empire was suet. u. i. 4.
descended from the patrician family of the Claudii, '^^* ^'^' ^' ^'
Ta«!. Ann. i. 5.
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04 HISTORY OF
TiBxftxus, who were always remarkable for their proud and
A.D.'u. inflexible spirit^ and for their hostility to the
"""^^^"^ people. His father Tiberius Nero had been the
quaestor of Julius Ceesar^ and the commander of
his fleet in the Alexandrine war; for his services
in which he was rewarded with the pontificate and
other honours. In the siege of Perusia he had
attached himself to the side of Lucius Antony^ and
when the city was reduced by Octavius, he fled
into Sicily^ and afterwards into Greece. But upon
the reconciliation of Sextus Pompey and the
Triumvirs^ he returned to Bome^ where Octavius
declared himself enamoured of the beauty of his
wife Livia. Induced by the authority or the soli-
citations of so powerM a suitor^ Nero resigned
her to his possession; although it is not certain
whether the transfer was made with her consent or
not. She was at that time the mother of Tiberius^
the future emperor^ and pregnant with another son^
who was afterwards called Drusus. Octavius
Dion. ziTiii. consulted the pontiffs^ not whether it was lawful
to carry away another man^s wife, but whether he
might marry a woman in her state of preg^nancy.
When it was replied that he might, if it was
certain who was the father of the chUd, he took
Idvia to his home, and upon the birth of Drusus,
sent him to his proper father Nero. Upon th6
death of Nero, which happened soon afterwards,
Octavius became the guardian of the two children :
the younger of whom died (as we have related) in
Germany, and the elder succeeded to the imperial
digfnity. The extraordinary marriage of Octavius
and Livia was the subject of much raillery at
Bome ; and in allusion to the birth of Drusus, it
became a proverbial saying, that to the lucky
children were bom in three months.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 05
Tiberius^ who was about fifty-six years of age tibkexus,
when he became emperor^ had gttined considerable a. d! u.
renown for his military achievements; but he had Tac^TI^. 4.
given many indications of a cruel disposition^ and ^^on. m.
was known to inherit the pride and arrogance of
the Claudian family. But the most remarkable
part of his character was the profound hypocrisy
and dissimulation with which he endeavoured to
disguise all his actions and sentiments. It was
his custom never to avow his real wishes and
intentions^ but to use the language which was
most calculated to conceal them; so that if he
desired a things he appeared to refuse it^ and if
he was averse^ he appeared to wish for it. He
pretended to be angry with those who had not
offended him^ and was courteous to those with
whom he was really displeased. When he
intended to punish a culprit, he affected com-
passion^ but appeared provoked, when he had
resolved to forgive him. He often received his
greatest enemies with marks of affection, and
treated his friends with coldness and reserve. In
short, he had established it as one of his principles
of action^ that the mind of a ruler should be veiled
in impenetrable darkness, as he considered great
mischief was occasioned by the disclosure of his
intentions. Nothing was more perplexing to the
Bomans than to know how to please so perverse
a dissembler; for if they penetrated his real inten-
tions he hated them for discovering his duplicity;
and if they misunderstood him, he was angry at
the firustration of his secret wishes. None, there-
fore, were safe against his capricious tyranny,
except such as had both discernment enough to
see his real designs, and art enough to conceal
their knowledge.
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06 HISTORY OF
TiBSBiut, Before the death of Augfustus waa divulged^.
A.D.'i4. orders were given for the murder of Agrippa Post-
•i^^TaSZl 8. humus, who, though without any arms to defend
siut. iiL Si. himself, was with difficulty dispatched by a reso-
lute centurion. Tiberius endeavoured to represent
that the crime was performed in obedience to the
commands of Augustus; but it was with more
probability imputed to the jealous fears of Livia
and her son. When the centurion reported to
Tiberius that he had Ailfilled his orders, he
replied that he had given no such orders, and
that the man would be responsible to the senate
for the action. The afi*air, however, was sup-
pressed.
TM.Aiuui.7. At Rome the consuls, the patricians, and
knights, were all ready to receive Tiberius with
abject submission, and careful to compose their
looks and behaviour in such a way, as to appear
neither too joyful at the decease of the late
prince, nor too sad at the accession of the
new one. The consuls first took the oath to
Tiberius Ceesar, afterwards the senate, the soldiers,
and the people; for he suffered all things to
originate with tiie consuls, as if the ancient
constitution existed, and he was not certain of
being invested with the supreme power. The
edict, by which he summoned the senate, he
pretended to issue merely by the right of the
tribunician power which he had formerly received;
and he declared that he should assume none of
the public functions, except the privilege of
attending the body of Augustus. He gave the
watchword, however, to the praetorian cohorts,
as if he was emperor; he was everywhere
escorted by guards; he sent letters to the
armies, as if he had obtained the supreme power.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 07
and did not affect any reserve except in addressing* tibbsius,
the senate. The chief cause of his hesitation a.d.'u.
was the fear of encountering* a competitor in ^"^^^— ^
Grermanicus^ who had the command of many
legions and auxiliary forces^ and enjo3^ed the
highest degree of popularity with the Bomans.
He deemed it also more honourable to appear to
haye been freely elected to the imperial power^
than to have insinuated himself into it by the
intrigties of Livia^ and the tardy adoption of
Augustus. It was afterwards discovered that
he also wished to ascertain the sentiments and
inclinations of the chief men at Rome 3 for their
words and their looks were remembered b}^ him
with revengeful animosity.
After the burial and deification of the late tm. Ann. f.
emperor^ Tiberius^ being entreated to imdertake the
government^ declared that no one but Augustus
was equal to so heavy a charge ; that having been
admitted by him to a share of his labours^ he
had learned by experience how difficult and how
perilous was tiie burden of supreme power ; that
in a state adorned with so many illustrious men^
they should not bestow all the authority upon one
person^ as the public duties could be more easily
discharged by several. The senators^ who were
afraid of appearing to understand his real wishes^
had recourse to entreaties^ lamentations^ and tears ;
they raised their hands to the gods, and to the
statue of Augustus, and threw themselves at the
knees of Tiberius. At length, having declared
that though he was unequal to the burden of the
whole state, he would undertake whatever part
was committed to him, Asinius Gallus, who was i^ion. uii.
remarkable for his freedom of speech, asked him
what part he would choose. Tiberius, disconcerted
VOL. I. H
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08 HISTORY OF
T1BBBIU8, by so unexpected a question^ replied after some
a.dVi4. pause^ that it did not become him^ who wished to
^~>^*^ be excused fipom the whole^ to make a selection of
any particular part. Gallus^ who discovered from
the looks of Tiberius that he had given offence^
endeavoured to paciiy him by saying that he had
not asked the question with any view of dividing
duties that were inseparable^ but that it might be
proved by the confession of Tiberius^ that the body
of the state was single and entire^ and must be
governed by a single mind. This and other
soothing speeches did not procure him the pardon
of Tiberius^ who was jealous of him for having
married Yipsania^ the daughter of Agrippa^ his
own first wife^ and was also afraid of lids inde-
pendent spirit. Gtdlus therefore at last fell a
victim to the emperor's animosity.
TM.Anii.i. L. Arruntius gave offence in nearly the same
manner as Gkdlus. He was a rich and distin-
guished man^ and was viewed with suspicion by
Tiberius^ because when Augustus in his last moments
discussed the characters of the probable competitors
for the imperial dignity^ he had said that Manius
Lepidus was competent^ but would despise it ; that
Asinius Gallus was desirous of it^ but unequal to it ;
that L. Arruntius was not unworthy^ and^ if an
opportunity offered^ would endeavour to gain it.
For L. Arruntius some authors substitute Cn.
Piso. All of these^ except Lepidus^ were after-
wards destroyed by the machinations of Tiberius.
Q. Haterius and Mamercus Scaurus also provoked
his suspicious mind by some harmless remarks ; and
he immediately inveighed against the former^ but
passed over the other in sOence^ as being more
implacably offended with him. Weary at length
of withstanding the importunity of the senators^ and
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 00
his own secret wishes, * he forbore to refiise the txbbbzus,
dignity that was offered him^ though he would not a.d.'i4.
acknowledge that he accepted it. ^— v— '
The senate wished to show its base adulation tu. Ann. i.
towards Augusta also; some proposing that she^^'
should be called the parent^ others the mother of
her country^ but most that it should be subjoined
to the emperor's name^ that he was the son of Julia.
These suggestions were displeasing to Tiberius^ who
told them that moderation should be observed in
paying honours to women ; and he was so envious
of any distinction being shown to her^ as if it would
detract from his own majesty, that he would not
allow her the use of a lictor.
He named twelve candidates for the preetorship,
which was the number established by Augustus ;
and when the senate besought him to increase it^
he bound himself by an oath not to do so. Dion Dion. iviu.
however says that there were often fifteen, some-
times sixteen preetors. The election of the magis- Tac. Ann. i.
trates was now formally transferred from the people ^^
to the senate : for though the will of the prince had
been generally predominant, the tribes had some-
times exerted an independent authority. The
people were stripped of all their remaining rights
by l%erius, and scarcely complained of their loss :
the senators were pleased with the transfer, as it
saved them from the burden of mean solicitations
and expensive donatives. Tiberius had the privilege
of admitting such candidates as he pleased, but he
recommended only four, who were unanimously
elected : the others were determined by lot, or tlie
appointment of the senate. They afterwards
appeared with their relations before the people, and
this was the only vestige that remained of the
ancient comitia. In the nomination of consuls
H9
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100 HISTORY OF
Tiberius, Tiberius was Very arbitrary, appointing* them for a
▲. D.'u. year or shorter period, and afterwards curtailing* or
'^"'"'^^^ extending the time as he pleased.
Tai;. 1. 16, ke. While his authority was tranquilly acknowledged
at Rome, a violent sedition broke out among* the
troops in Pannonia. There were three legfions sta-
tioned there under the command of Junius Blaesus,
who, in consequence of the accession of a new em-
peror, had granted them some intermission of their
usual duties. Considering that this was a favourable
crisis for commotion, and for extorting such con-
cessions as they desired, they began to indulge in
wanton discord, and to inflame one another's minds
with a recital of their grievances. The chief insti-
gator of the sedition was Percennius, a common
soldier, who descanted upon the length and severity
of their service, the smallness of their pay, and the
expediency of seeking redress, while the authority
of the new emperor was yet wavering and uncon-
firmed. Incensed by his harangues, and by the
opinion of their own hardships, the three legions
brought their eagles and standards together, and
began to fortify the position which they had chosen.
Blaesus endeavoured by reproaches and entreaties to
allay their mutinous spirit, and declared that they
had better imbrue their hands in his blood, than
rebel against their emperor. It w*as unseasonable
(he said) to embarrass a new prince with extraor-
dinary requests; but if they persisted in such a
project, why did they not abstain from violence,
and quietly send ambassadors with an avowal of
their demands? Upon this, they declared that his
son, who was a tribune, should undertake that
office, and that he should claim for them a dismissal
from service after sixteen years j that when this
was granted, they would explain their other
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 101
demands* The young^er Blsesus having^ depai*ted tibbrius,
upon this embassy^ the soldiers appeared moderately a. dV u.
tranquil ; but their arrogance was increased by the ^—v—'
victory which they had gained in compelling the
son of their commander to become the delegate of
their cause.
Some companies who had been detached toTu.Ann.i.
Nauportum^ hearing of the tumult which had^*
arisen in the camp^ began to plunder the neigh-
bouring places^ as well as Nauportiun itself; they
attacked the centurions^ who attempted to restrain
their violence^ and compelled the preefect of the
camp^ who was obnoxious for the severity of his
discipline^ to carry an immense quantity of baggage
in front of the line. As soon as they joined the
l^ons^ the sedition was renewed with increased
violence^ and the surrounding coimtry became a
scene of rapine. Blaesus having ordered some of
the most guilty to be imprisoned^ they were rescued
by their companions^ who at the same time libe-
rated the deserters and other criminals. As the
audacity of the soldiers increased^ a man named
Yibulenus pathetically deplored the fate of his
brother^ who^ as he alleged^ had been murdered by
the gladiators of Blaesus^ and his body concealed.
Such fury was excited by this appeal^ that the
commander would have lost his life^ if it had not
been discovered that the whole account was an
atrocious calumny^ and that Yibulenus never had
a brother. The tribunes and centurions had not
only lost all authority over their soldiers, but were
treated with violence, or compelled to find safety in
concealment
When this mutiny was reported to Tiberius, he
sent his son Drusus with some select troops, and
JSlius Sejanus, the preetorian preefect, who was to
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108 HISTORY OF
assist him with his counsel : no specific commands
were given them^ but they were to act as the emer-
gency should require. Drusus^ being* received by
the legions with tumultuous clamours and contu*
macious looks^ read to them a letter from Tiberius^
declaring that he felt a deep concern for the braye
legions^ with whom he had often served^ and that
as soon as his grief was assuaged^ he would consult
with the senate respecting their demands ; that in
the meanwhile he had sent his son^ who would
immediately grant whatever was allowable at the
time ; that the rest must be reserved for the senate^
whom they should consider neither devoid of gratis
tude nor incapable of severity.
Tu.Aiiii.i. Clemens^ a centurion whom the soldiers had
nion.1[viL selected for that office^ claimed for them a discharge
after sixteen years' service^ a denarius for their
daily pay^ and an immediate dismissal of the vete-
rans with the rewards which were due to them.
When Drusus declared that such demands must be
referred to the decision of the senate and emperor^
their indignation was rekindled^ they wounded
some of his friends^ and guarded him at night to
prevent his escape. But a fortuitous occurrence
allayed their fury^ when no reason nor authority
seemed able to quell it. An eclipse of the moon
happening that nighty the ignorant soldiers
imagined that the appearance of the heavenly body
was an emblem of their own situation^ and that
their plans would not be successftil^ unless the
planet recovered its splendour. They began there-
fore to blow their horns and trumpets^ and ofi the
moon appeared brighter or darker, their hopes were
rdsed or depressed; but when at length it was
covered with clouds, and seemed buried in darkness,
their minds yielded to superstitious terror, believing
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 103
that everlasting labour was portended to them^ and tibbrius,
that the gods were incensed at their crimes. ▲.d.'u.
Drusus^ taking advantage of their credulity, sent ^~>^— '
emissaries round their tents to engage them by
various motives of hope and fear to return to their
duty. The seditious soldiers begfan to relent; and
on the following day, Drusus had sufficient autho-
rity to cause Yibulenus and Percennius to be put
to death. The other chief insurgents were after-
wards slain, without undergoing any trial; and
some were delivered up by the soldiers themselves,
who continued to think that they were the objects
of divine indignation, on account of the heavy
rains and tempestff which distressed them. Drusus,
considering that the sedition was sufficiently ap-
peased, returned to Bome.
About the same time, and for the same reasons, r^c Ann. i.
the legions that were stationed on the baiiks of^^'^^
the Bhine, near Cologne*, were induced to rebel.
This commotion was still more formidable than the
other, as the troops were more numerous, were
inspired with a loAy opinion of their own strength,
and acted together witii a steady unanimity. They
also hoped that Germanicus their commander, who
was beloved for his popular manners, would concur
in their projects, and allow them to raise him to
the supreme power. But he was not to be over-
come by so alluring a scheme. Being in Gaul
when he heard of the death of Augustus, he
compelled the people to swear allegiance to
Tiberius ; and as soon as he was apprized of the
revolt of his legions, he hastened to suppress
it On his arrival in the camp he was unable
to appease the fury of the soldiers, who replied
to all his arguments by showing their scars, and
* Hw country wu called by the Romans Oertttania If{ferwr,
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104 HISTORY OF
TiBBKxus^ recounting* their hardships. When they declared
A.D.*u. their readiness to proclaim him emperor^ he rushed
^^^^^^ from the tribunal as if he had been contaminated
by the proposal^ while they violently resisted his
departure. Protesting^ that he would rather die
than be gxulty of perfidy^ he drew his sword from
his side^ and would have plunged it into his bosom^
if he had not been prevented by those who were
near him: some exhorted him to strike^ and a
brutal soldier offered him a drawn sword^ remarking
it was sharper than his own. Being rescued by
his friends^ and conducted to his tent^ he felt that
it was necessary to adopt some expedient in order
to avert the milBeries of a civil wOr^ and the danger
of an attack from the barbarians^ who were
acquainted with the mutin3% He ventured there-
fore to compose letters in the name of Tiberius^
granting a discharge to such soldiers as had served
twenty years^ exempting those who had served
sixteen from all duties but fightings and doubling
the legacy which had been left them by Augustus.
With these conditions they were satisfied^ although
in order to frdfil them he was obliged to employ
his own private money^ and that of his friends.
He afterwards visited the troops in the upper
province*^ whom he found in a state of subordi*-
nation ; but on his return to the mutinous legions^
he was doomed to experience a second ebullition
of their fury. For some ambassadors having
arrived from the senate^ the soldiers^ who were
aware of the artifice to which he had resorted^ and
whose guilty minds naturally inspired them with
suspicious fears^ imagined that the object of this
embassy was to recall those concessions^ which they
had extorted by their seditious violence. Under
* Gennanim Superior.
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THE BOIIAN EMPEBOBS. lOS
this persuasion they dragg^ Germonicus from
his bed at nighty heaped insults upon the ambas*
sadors^ and nearly killed Plancus^ who was the
chief of them. On the next morning Germanicus^
having explained to them that they were in error
respecting the design of the embassy^ upbraided
them severely for their ungovernable i*age ; and as
they seemed to have lost all subordination^ he was
persuaded by his friends to provide for the safety
of his wife and son by sending them to Ti*eves.
Agrippina^ though in a state of pregnancy^ was
unwilling to go^ declaring that she was the grand-
daughter of Augustus^ and not to be intimidated
by the prospect of danger. But when at length,
in compliance with the earnest entreaties of her
husband, she prepared for her departure, the fierce
and seditious soldiers were touched by the spectacle.
The remembrance of her noble ancestors, the con-
sideration of her eminent virtues, the sight of her
son who had been bom in the camp, and whom
they familiarly called Caligrda because he wore
the same covering for the legs as themselves, but
above all their jealousy and aversion to the people
of Treves, inspired them with such contrition, that
they besought her to change her determination,
and remain with them. Germanicus, after lament-
ing the atrocity of their conduct, suffered his son
to remain, but declared that the condition of
Agrippina obliged her to depart. The soldiers,
in revenge for their late disorders, seized such of
their companions as had been most active in the
tumult, and delivered them to the lieutenant of
the first legion, who punished them in a summary
manner. The troops being assembled with drawn
swords, each culprit was brought before them, and
if they pronounced him guilty, they slew him with
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Tac Ann. L
106 HISTORY OF
savage exultation^ as if his death would be an
atonement for their own offences.
. The fifth and twenty-first legions^ who had been
46r&cr ** the primary authors of the sedition^ and had gone
into quarters at Vetera^ still displayed a rebellious
spirit. Germanicus therefore sent notice to their
lieutenant Caecina^ that he was coming with a
powerful force^ and would put them all to the
sword^ unless they anticipated him by taking
vengeance on the guilty. Caecina communicated the
letter to those in whom he could most confide^ and
advised them to rescue themselves from a punish-
ment^ that would overwhelm the innocent as well
as the criminaL Having discovered by their
intervention that the greater part of the army
was in a state of obedience^ he concerted a plan
for destro3ring the chief instigators of sedition.
A signal being given^ a sudden attack was made
upon them^ and they were deliberately massacred
by their comrades^ with whom they had just before
been eating and sleeping in the same tents.
Germanicus^ on his arrival^ ordered their bodies
to be burned^ lamenting with many tears the
dreadful carnage that had been committed. The
fierce soldiers were seized with a desire of marching
against the enemy^ thinking that they could not
appease the shades of their companions except
by shedding their own blood. Germanicus complied
with their ardour^ and led them into the country
of the Marsi^ whom he attacked on the night of
one of their festivals, and slaughtered almost
without resistance. On his return he was opposed
by the Bructeri^ Tubantes^ and TJsipetes; but
reminding his troops that then was the time for
obliteratmg the memory of their sedition, he easily
broke through the enemy. The legions elated
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THE ROMAN £MP£RORS. 107
with their recent success^ and forg*etM of their tibbkiub,
past disobedience^ were placed in winter quarters. a.d.'u.
Tiberius received the account of the proceedings ^^v—'
of Germanicus with a mixture of satisfaction and
envy; he was pleased at the termination of so
dangerous a sedition^ but was mortified that
Grermanicus had increased his military renown^
and had gained the favour of the soldiers by the
concessions which he had made. He did not^
however^ forbear to extol his conduct in the senate^
though in terms too elaborate to be considered
sincere. He commended Drusus in more moderate
language^ but granted to the Pannonian army the
favours which Germanicus had been induced to
concede to his legions.
Juli% the repudiated wife of Tiberius^ expired t^. Ann. i.
this year in her banishment at Bhegium. Hes^tm-fio.
had ordered her to be treated with extreme rigour^
not suffering her to move from her house^ nor
enjoy any society j and he even deprived her of
that allowance which her father Augustus had
granted for her support^ alleging that it was not
provided for in his will. She consequently died
of want^ a striking spectacle of misery and degra-
dation^ to which her own licentious passions had
reduced her. About the same time Sempronius
Gracchus^ one of her paramours^ was executed
by order of Tiberius. He had been exiled during
the last fourteen years in Cercina, an island in
the African sea^ and when he learned that he was
doomed to death, he met his fate with a fortitude
not unworthy of the noble family from which he
was descended. He was a man of considerable
talents and eloquence, but made so perverse a use
of these advantages^ that they contributed only
to the misery of others, and his own destruction.
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108 HISTORY OF
CHAPTER II.
Oerjimnicus carries on war against the Catti^ and
the Cherusci. — Inters the remains of the legions
of Varus — Actions for treason and libel. —
Disturbances at the Theatre. — Vonones is
driven from the Kingdom of Parthia, and
afterwards from that of Armenia. — Germanieus
gains signal victories over the Cherusdy but on
his return loses great part of his fleet by ship^
wreck. — Accusation and death of Drusus Liho.
— Astrologers expelled from Italy. — The bold
spirit of L. Piso. — Clemens j the slave ofAgrippa
PosthumuSj counterfeits his master. — IHumph
of Germanieus. — Death of ArchelauSy King of
Cappadocia. — Germanieus is sent into the JEast,
and Cn. Piso is made governor of Syria. —
Drusus sent into Ulyria. — Dissensions between
the Suevi and the Cherusd. — Tumults excited
in Africa by Tacfarinas. — Tvelve cities of Asia
destroyed by an earthquake. — Germanieus crowns
Zeno King of Armenia. — Vonones is removed to
Pompeiopolis.
TiB«RiuB, In the spring of the following year Germanieus
A.D. 15. resolved to attack the Catti^ thinking that the
.^^^'^^^ discord between Arminius and Segestes would
^/&c. be favourable to his arms. The former was the
chief who had deceived Varus, and destroyed his
legions; while Segestes had often, though inef-
fectually, reminded the Roman commander of the
treachery that was being concerted. He also
now endeavoured to restrain his countrymen from
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 109
war; but his son-in-law Arminius (for he had tibbriub,
forcibly carried away his daughter and married a.d.is.
her) possessed greater authority over their martial ^^^^^^^^
spirits. Germanicus came so unexpectedly upon
the Catti^ that he easily routed all the troops that
could be collected against him^ and compelled
them to disperse into the woods. Having burnt
Mattium^ and ravaged the open country^ he was
returning to the Bhine^ when messengers came
from Segestes beseeching succour against his
countrymen^ who had placed him in a state of
siege. Germanicus marched to his relief and
rescued him with a great number of his relations
and dependents. Among other noble women^
the wife of Arminius and daughter of Segestes
was captured. She seemed to be animated with
the spirit of her husband more than of her father^
and^ though in a state of pregnancy^ did not
indulge in tears and fruitless lamentations^ but
sabmitted to her fate with silent fortitude. Some
of the spoils that had been taken from the army
of Varus were also among the fruits of the
victory* Germanicus^ having promised protection
to Segestes and his children^ led back his army^
and received the title of Imperator with the sanc-
tion of Tiberius.
Arminius^ incensed by the loss of his wife^
persuaded the Cherusci and the neighbouring
people to espouse his cause. Germanicus^ in order
to distract the attention of the enemy^ sent part
of his forces by land, part by water, to the Ems,
and devastated all the country l3ring between that
river and the Lippe. As he was not far from the
Teutoburgian forest, in which the legions of Varus
had been slaughtered, he determined to pay the
rites of sepulture (on which the ancients set so
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110 HISTORY OP
TiBBRzirs, much importance) to the remains of his unfortu-
▲.D. 16. nate countrymen. When he arrived at the dismal
^"^^^"•^ spot, he heheld the vestiges of the camp, the white
hones of the deceased heaped together in some
places and dispersed in others, the fragments of
weapons, the mutilated limbs of horses and men,
and the altars on which the barbarians had sacri-
ficed the tribunes and centurions. As it was
impossible for the soldiers to distinguish the
remains of their friends and relatives, they buried
the bones of all indiscriminately, with feelings of
mournful sympathy towards the deceased, and
fierce resentment against the enemy. In erecting
the mound Germanicus himself placed tiie first
sod ; but his conduct in the whole transaction was
displeasing to Tiberius, either on account of the
emperor's deep-rooted jealousy aguinst him, or
because he considered that the operations of the
campaign were unnecesaarily delayed.
After the ceremony Germanicus went in pursuit
of Arminius, and brought him to an engagement,
in which neither side could boast of victory. The
Boman army being led back to the Ems, Grer-
manicus put some of his legions on board of the
vessels, intending to return as he had come ; part
of the cavalry were to regain the Rhine along the
sea-shore, while Caecina was to conduct his division
through a country that was intersected with rivers^
rendered almost impassable by thick forests and
deep marshes. The Cherusci, used to such ground,
and armed in a manner suitable to it, possessed
great advantage over the heavy troops of the
Bomans, and were encouraged by Arminius to
expect another such victory as had destroyed
Yarns and his ill-fated legions. But the Bomans
were delivered by the experience and intrepidity
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. Ill
of Ceecina^ who made such an impetuous sally from tibbrius;
his camp^ that the barbarians^ who expected little a.d. 15.
opposition^ were terrified and completely routed. ^^^^^^^^
llie different legions did not arrive at the Rhine^
tQl they had encountered the greatest perils from the
attacks of the enemy^ the violence of the elements^
and the rug^g^ed state of the country. Dismal re-
ports were propagated that they were surrounded
or destroyed^ and that the Germans were about
to invade Graul ; and so great was the terror^ that
the bridg^e over the Rhine would have been de-
stroyed^ if the courage of Agrippina had not
resisted so precipitate a measure. This spirited
woman undertook the duties of a commander^ and
distributed clothes and medicines to the soldiers
who needed them : it is related also^ that she stood
at the entrance of the bridge^ thanking and com-
mending the legions on their retuim. This
conduct^ and the part she formerly sustained in
appeasing the sedition of the soldiers^ filled
l^rius with many painful reflections^ which were
artfully fomented by his favourite Sejanus.
He refused the title of Father of his country ^ Tac. Ann. i.
which was more than once offered him by the
people^ nor would he allow an oath to be taken to
observe his acts^ although the senate proposed it.
He declared that the condition of all men was
uncertain^ and that the greater his exaltation^ the
greater was his danger. Notwithstanding this
appearance of moderation^ no one believed that he
was actuated by any sincere regard for the rights
of the citizens; as he renewed those actions for
treason and libel, which the Romans distinguished
by the name of majestas. In the days of the
republic persons were considered guilty of this
crime^ if they had betrayed the army, excited
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112 HISTORY OF
TzBBRius, sedition among the people^ or injured the state h}*
▲.D. 16. the had administration of its affairs; hut while
^^^^^^ such deeds were punished^ freedom of speech was
subjected to no restraint. Augustus was the first
who extended the law^ so that it should embrace
offences for libel^ being provoked at the daring
scurrility with which Cassius Severus aspersed both
men and women of illustrious rank. Tiberius for a
short time appeared to disregard all the censures
that were directed against him^ affirming that in a
Suet ui. 28. free city^ the tongfues and minds of men ought to
be free. Afterwards^ however, being irritated by
the satires which were written against his cruelty
and pride, and his variance with his mother, he
ordered that the laws should be put in force; and
the consequence was that the most frivolous words
and actions became liable to indictment. One
Soman knight was accused of having sold the
statue of Augustus, when he disposed of his gardens ;
and another, of having violated the name of
Augustus by perjury. Some of the charges against
a prsetor, who was brought to trial, were, that he
had placed his own statue higher than that of the
Caesars, and that in another statue he had removed
the head of Augustus, and substituted that of
Tiberius. Although the defendants in these cases
were acquitted, yet an opening was made for the
most vexatious proceedings, and the lives and
fortunes of the greatest citizens were placed at the
mercy of profligate informers. Hispo, a man of
tm. Ann. L this class, raiscd himself from indigence and obscu*
rity by gratifying the malignant disposition of the
emperor ; and others eagerly followed his example,
when they found that affluence and power were to
be the rewards of their guilt.
TacAnn.!. Thc pcople of Achaia and Macedonia having
76.
74,
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS 113
complfiined of their burdens^ were reKeved fi*om the tibbwits,
proconsular government for a time^ and transferred a.d. 15.
to Tiberius : by which it appears^ that the provinces
of the emperor were subject to fewer exactions than
those of the senate.
The disturbances at the theatre^ which wereTac.Aim.L77.
excited by the rivalry of the actors^ became so
violent that some of the people and military were
killed^ and the tribune of ihe preetorian cohort was
wounded. It was proposed in the senate that the
preetors should have the power of punishing the
actors by scourging; and although this was not
carried^ many strict regulations were enacted^
and among others^ that no senator should enter
the house of the pantomimic performers ; that the
Boman knights should -not accompany them when
they went abroad; that they should not exhibit
except in the theatre ; and that the spectators who
were guilty of disorders might be sent into banish-
ment.
Tiberius recalled the privilege^ w^hich the sedi-Tac.Anii.i.78.
tious troops had lately extorted^ of being discharged
after sixteen years' service; he declared that it
was necessary for the state that they should be
detained until their twentieth year. He paid the nion. lyii.
people the money which had been bequeathed them "*^ *"* *^^'
by Augustus^ but not before he had taken cruel
revenge on an unfortunate wit^ who ventured to
remind him of the delay. For as a funeral was
crossing the forum^ a buffoon went up to the body
of the deceased^ and besought him to inform
Aug^tus^ that his legacies to the people had not
been paid. Tiberius sent for the man^ and having
paid him what was due^ commanded him to be
put to death^ s&yii^g^ that he would now be able
to carry the intelligence himself.
VOL. I. I
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114 HISTOBT OF
^"1"^"' In the following year the East was disturbed
A.D. 16. by the dissensions among the Parthians. This
Tt^TIiiriL people began to be inspired with feelings of
jM^intxviu ^^^^^^^ ^^^ contempt for Vonones, who had
s. been an hostag*e at Rome^ and whom they had
invited thence^ during the life of Augustus^ to
become their king. Although at first they wel-
comed him with joy^ they afterwards reflected^ that
it would appear a mark of degeneracy in the
Parthians^ who had slain Crassus^ and defeated
Antony^ to receive a prince from the capital of
their enemies. His manners also^ so different from
those of his ancestors^ increased their disgust.
They despised a king^ who was regardless of
horses and the chase^ who was carried in a litter^
and surrounded with Greek attendants ; and even
his courtesy and easy access^ being virtues to
which they were unaccustomed^ were as offensive
as if they had been actual vices. In this state of
dissatisfaction^ they turned their thoughts to
Artabanus^ who was of the race of the Arsacidee ;
and though he was defeated in the first engage*
ment^ he succeeded in gaining the throne. Yonones
took refuge among the Armenians^ who^ as their
sovereign^ happened to be vacant^ were willing
to confer it upon him; but as he could not
maintain the war against Artabanus without aid^
and the Romans were unwilling to support him^
he surrendered himself to Silanus, the governor
of Syria^ who kept him in custody^ but allowed him
to enjoy his kingly title.
TftcAuLU. These disturbances in the East were not dis-
pleasing to Tiberius^ as they gave him a pretext
for interrupting his nephew in a career of success^
which began to be too great for his jealousy to
endure. Germanicus, considering that the con-
6—18.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 115
veyance by sea would be much more expeditious ^'■■"^•'
and conTenient for his troops^ had ordered a A.D.i6.
thousand vessels of different kinds to be con- ^'^^^^^^
structed^ in which his army was safely carried
from the Rhine to the mouth of the Ems. Having*
spent some days in crossing to the right bank of
this river^ he was informed that the Angrivarii
had revolted in his rear : he^ therefore^ immediately
dispatched some cavalry and light forces^ which
devastated their country^ and revenged their
perfidy. The Cherusci^ commanded by Arminius^
awaited his arrival on the opposite side of the
Weser ; but he forced his passage^ with the loss
of Cariovalda^ the chief of the Batavians^ who
perished with many of his nobles in the thickest of
the onset The two armies^ each confident in its
own superiority^ afterwards came to an engage-
ment in a plain near the river^ surrounded by
hois and woods^ of which the barbarians had
taken possession. Germanicus sending his cavalry
to attack them in flank and rear^ and at the same
time advancing his infantry, threw them into irre-
coverable confiision. Those who were in the woods
rushed into the plain ; those who were in the plain,
endeavoured to escape into the woods ; while the
Chemsci, who were on the hills between them,
were crushed between the two bodies of fugitives.
Anninius himself was wounded, and fled, having
in vain attempted to rally his troops, and having
besmeared his face with his own blood, that he
might be less easily recogfnized. Many of his men
were drowned or slain in struggling to cross the
Weser; some took refuge on the tops of trees,
where the archers shot them; and for the space
of ten miles the ground was covered with the
bodies and arms of the killed, while the Romans
IS
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lie
HISTORY OF
TiBBRZUS,
▲.D, 18.
Tbc Aim. U.
18—21.
experienced but little loss. Amongp the spoils
were discovered the chains which the barbarians^
in certain anticipation of victory^ had brought for
their captives.
Germanicus^ in commemoration of his victory^
raised a species of trophy^ inscribed with the
names of the conquered nations ; and this^ more
than all their losses^ inflamed the Germans with
resentment^ and filled them with a desire of
revenging their defeat. Instead of leaving their
abodes^ as they intended^ and retiring beyond the
Elbe^ they flew to arms^ and wished for another
opportunity of trying their strength. The people
and the nobles^ the young and the old^ suddenly
commenced a harassing attack upon the Boman
army^ and at length selected a position^ defended
by woods and marshes^ where they hoped to over-
power their conquerors. But Germanicus pos-
sessed exact information of all their plans^ and
skilfully provided against them; though nothing
more efiectually contributed to his victory, than
the superior manner in which his troops were
armed for close engagement. The barbarians,
crowded together in a narrow space, were unable
to use their long spears, or to gain any advantage
from the activity of their bodies 3 while the Romans
directed their strong and compact armour with
full eflect against the huge and half naked limbs
of their enemies, and opened a way through them
with the most dreadiid carnage. Germanicus,
who had uncovered his head that he might be
more conspicuous, commanded them to show no
mercy, as the war could be finished only by the
extermination of their foes. In obedience to this
sanguinary order, the slaughter was continued
until night.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 117
Germanicus harangued his troops in praise of tzberius,
their valour^ and raised a pile of arms^ with an ▲. d. 16.
inscription denoting that the army of Tiherius ,pj]7^^j
Csesar^ having conquered the nations between the 23— a*.
Rhine and the Elbe^ consecrated these monuments
to Mars^ to Jupiter^ and to Aug^tus. He made
no mention of himself^ either through fear of
exciting envy^ or because he was satisfied with the
consciousness of his exploits^ and the assurance
that his fame could not be obscured. As it was
late in the summer^ he sent home some of his
legions by land^ but resolved to carry back the
greater part by sea« He had not long set sail
from the Ems^ when such tempestuous weather
occurred^ that part of his vessels were sunk^ some
were dashed on shore^ and others were carried out
into the ocean^ or to the neighbouring islands.
His own trireme alone came safe to land in the
territory of the Chauci^ and during the whole
tempest he inveighed against himself as the author
of so much misery^ and was with difficulty re-
strained by his friends from precipitating himself
into the sea. When the weather became more
serene^ some of his vessels returned^ and were
immediately refitted^ in order to explore the islands^
where his men had perished ^vith hunger^ or been
compelled to support themselves upon the flesh of
their horses. Many were recovered by this timely
search: some were ransomed by the Angrivarii
from the interior of the country, and restored to
Grermanicus ; and others, who had been carried into
Britain, were sent back by the princes of that
country.
The report of this shipwreck inspired the Tac. Ann. u.
Germans with fi*esh hopes of conquering their '
invaders ; but when they beheld the promptitude
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118
HISTORY OF
^? V*' and vigour with which Germanicus attacked them^
▲.D.i6. they were seized with greater constemation than
^^"""^ before. They considered that the Bomans must
be insuperable^ if^ after having lost their fleet and
so many of their troops^ they could renew their
attacks with as much undaunted courage^ as if
their numbers had been increased. Little doubt
was entertained^ that in the following summer the
Germans would submit^ and the war be finished :
but Tiberius sent frequent letters urging his nephew
to return and celebrate the triumph which had
been decreed to him. When Germanicus requested
another year for the completion of his conquests^
he made him an offer of the consulship^ at the same
time alleging other reasons for his return^ which
Germanicus perceived were invented with the
jealous motive of obstructing his glory^ but to
which he was compelled to submit.
About the same time Drusus Libo^ a young man
of noble family but of )veak and credulous disposi-
tion^ was brought to trial for treasonable intentions.
He was betrayed by Firmius Catus^ a senator^
who had been his intimate fnend^ had incited him
to every kind of vice and folly^ and urged him to
have recourse to the arts of magic and divination.
When Tiberius received secret intelligence of his
conduct^ he practised the most artful dissimulation^
raising libo to the preetorship^ inviting him to his
table^ and not allowing himself by look or word to
disclose any resentment against him. But while
the emperor delayed^ a notorious informer being
apprised of the magical practices of libo^ de-
nounced him to the consuls^ and the senators were
convened with a notice that they were going to
deliberate upon a great and atrocious affair. The
charges^ however^ did not correspond to this eha-
Tae. Ann. ii.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 110
Tacter : one of them was, that Libo had wished to tibemus,
2 3*
ascertain by his saperstitions arts, whether he ▲.d.i6.
should he rich enough to cover the Appian Road ^~^^~^
with money as far as Brundusium. There were
others equally frivolous, and the most serious was,
that in a certain book he had written notes of an
offensive or secret nature against the names of
the Csesars and some of the senators. When
he denied the allegation, it was determined to
examine his slaves by torture; but as it was
contrary to an ancient statute to endanger a
master's life by such a trial of his slaves, Tiberius
artfully evaded the law by commanding them to
be sold, in order that they might give their evi-
dence against Libo. The culprit, finding that he
was excluded from all hopes of mercy, or even
justice, stabbed himself. His property was divided
among his accusers, and such of them as were of
the senatorial rank were rewarded with the prsetor-
ship. Tiberius, with hypocritical clemency, declared
that he intended to intercede for the life of the
criminal, if he had not prevented him by a volun-
tary death.
Decrees of the senate were passed for expelling tm. Ann. u.
astrologers and diviners from Italy : some of them oion. ivu.
were even put to death, although Tiberius was very
intimate with Thrasyllus, a person of that class,
and was in the constant habit of attempting toDion.w.iviii.
explore the destinies of futurity.
Endeavours were made to oppose the progress of
luxury by enacting, that vessels of gold should not nion, wu.
be allowed for domestic use, but should be appro-
priated to sacred pxurposes ; and that men should
not disgrace themselves by wearing silk*.
L. IHso declared in the senate that he was so Tac Ann. u.
34.
* Ne Testis serica Tiros /adhre/.— Tac. Ann. ii. 33.
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120 HISTORY OF
^"2 "^*' diflgiisted with the corruption and depravity of the
A.D.ie. times^ that he would leave Rome^ and spend his
^^""^^ days in some distant retirement j but ISberius
endeavoured to soothe his indignation^ and urg^ed
his relatives to detain him by their authority or
entreaties. The same Piso evinced his courageous
spirit by obtaining justice from Urgulania^ a
woman whom the ^endship of Augusta had raised
to such an eminence^ that she deemed herself supe-
rior to the laws. When summoned by Piso she
refused to obey^ and Augusta complained that she
herself was injured and disparaged in the person of
her favourite. Tiberius so far indulged the resent-
ment of his mother^ that he promised to go himself
into courts and assist Urgxilania^ and he left the
palace for this purpose ; but Piso still persevered ;
and when Aug^ta found that he was immovable^
she paid the money for which he had commenced
the suit.
tbc. Ann. u. The daring pretensions of Clemens^ a slave of
Dto^'iTiL ^^^ l^te Agrippa Posthumus^ nearly involved the
empire in civil commotions. This man^ on the
death of Augustus^ had^ with a courage superior
to his condition, formed the plan of carrying off
his master from the island of Planasia, and con-
ducting him to the German legionS; in order that
he might be declared emperor ; but his project was
defeated by the slowness of the vessel in which he
embarked. After the murder of Agrippa he con-
ceived the still more daring plan of counterfeiting
his master, as there was not much difference in
their age and appearance. When he propagated
a rumour that Agrippa was still alive, many
believed it from the weakness of credulity, and
many from a desire of revolution. The increase of
his adherents in Gaul, in Italy, and even at Rome,
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS.
121
would not allow Tiberius any longer to despise txberius,
the imposture^ and he entrusted Sallustius Crispus a. d. ie.
with the task of opposmg it. Crispus employed ^— v—^
artifice to efiect his purpose^ sending* emissaries to
offer Clemens money^ and to pretend to become his
partisans; and by their assistance hie was seized
one xnghtj when he happened to be unguarded^ and
conducted in chains to the palace. When Tiberius
asked him how he became Agrippa^ he replied^ ^^ In
the same way that you became Ceesar.'' After
ineffectual attempts by torture to make him dis-
cover his accomplices^ he was killed in a retired
part of the palace^ and his body carried away
secretly ; and though many knights and senators^
even of the household of the prince^ were said to
have supported him by their influence^ and assisted
him by their advice^ no investigution was made.
In the following year Germanicus celebrated his txbbrius,
triumph over the Cherusci^ and the other nations x. d.^7.
of Germany that he had conquered. Spoils^ cap- Tac
tives^ the representations of mountains^ rivers^ and
battles^ were carried in the pageant; and he re-
ceived the glory of having finished the war^ since
jealousy alone had prevented him. His own noble
appearance^ and the chariot crowded with five of
his children^ increased the interest of the spectacle ;
but gloomy anticipations entered the minds of the
citizens^ when they reflected^ that the popularity of
his father Drusus had not been favourable to him^
that his uncle Marcellus had died amidst the
deepest regret of the people^ and that in general
the love of the Romans appeared to be fatal to
those who were the objects of it. Tiberius distri-
buted three hundred sesterces to each of the people
in the name of Germanicus^ and promised to become
his colleague in the consulship ; but all his professed
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122
HISTOBY OP
TXBBRXUS,
8,4.
A. D. 17.
Dion. WU.
Tae. Ann.ii.
4S.
Tae. Ann. ii*
43.
regard was considered to be insincere^ especially as
he invented reasons^ or availed himself of such as
offered^ for removing him to a distance from Home.
Archelaus^ who had reigned over Cappadocia for
the long period of fifty years^ had given offence to
Tiberius by the neglect with which he had treated
him during his retirement at Rhodes. The em-
peror^ cherishing the deeper resentment as he had
formerly been of service to the monarchy persuaded
his mother to write letters to him^ in which she
encouraged him to hope for clemency^ if he would
condescend to come and sue for it. Archelaus^
either ignorant of the stratagem^ or afraid of
viol^ice if he did not comply^ came to Bome^ and
was condemned by the unforgiving emperor to
undergo a trial in tiie senate ; and although he was
acquitted^ yet the indignities^ which he had suffered
in his advanced age^ caused^ or at least accelerated^
his death. His ldngd(Hn was reduced to a Roman
province^ and by l^e assistance of its revenues^
Tiberius lowered to half its amount the tax which
was placed upon all vendibles. About the same
time AntiochuS; king of Commagene^ and Philo-
pator^ king of Cilicia^ having died^ disturbances
arose among their people^ as the greater part
wished to be subject to the Romans^ while others
desired to continue under the regal government.
The provinces also of S3rria and Judcea, oppressed
with the burdens that were laid upon them^ peti*
tioned for a reduction of their tribute.
The unsettled state of these countries^ and the
commotions which had arisen in Armenia, induced
Tiberius to declare in the senate, that the presence
of Germanicus was necessary for the regulation of
the East, his own age being on the decline, and that
of Drusus not being sufiiciently matm*e. The pro-
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 123
vinces^ therefore^ beyond the sea were intrusted to tibbsius,
Germanicus^ with the exercise of ampler powers ▲. d. 17.
than those of the ordinary governors j but notwith- ^~>^~^
standing this increase of dignity^ it was considered
that Tiberius sent him into the East^ merely that he
might be exposed to greater danger^ either from
the vicissitudes of chance or the machinations of
malice. For Creticus Silanus^ whose daughter
was betrothed to the eldest son of Germanicus^ had
been removed from the government of Syria^ and
Cn. PisO; a man of violent and unbending disposi-
tion^ had been appointed in his st^ad. Besides the
haughty spirit which he inherited from his father^
who had been a partisan of Brutus and Cassius^
Piso was elated by the rank and power of his wife
Plancina. While he scarcely yielded to the em-
peror himself^ he despised his children as far
faiferior to him^ nor did he doubt that he was
selected for the government of Syria, in order to
repress the expectations of Germanicus. It was
the belief of some persons that he received secret
instructions from Tiberius ; and Tacitus says, that
Augusta certainly instigated his wife to harass and
mortify Agrippina* For the court was divided into
two parties, one in favour of Drusus, and the other
of Germanicus. While Tiberius naturally sup-
ported his son, others felt a warmer sympathy with
Germanicus, on account of the emperor's unjust
aversion to him. His descent by the mother's side
was also more illustrious than that of Drusus, and
the renown of his wife Agrippina was an additional
claim to popularity. The two competitors them-
selves were unmoved by the contests of their friends
and relations, and preserved a remarkable concord
with each other.
Not long afterwards Drusus was sent into lUyria, tbc. Ann. a.
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124 BISTORT OF
TxBXRivs, in order that he might be removed from the luxuries
A. D. I7. of Rome^ and inured to the duties of war. The
^•^^^~^ dissensions between the Sueri and the Cherusci
Aimished a pretext for his departure; for the
Germans were no sooner free from the terror of the
Boman arms^ than they were inflamed with martial
rivalry^ and commenced a war among themselves.
The Suevi^ under the command of their king
Maroboduus^ and the Cherusci^ under the com-
mand of Arminius^ who was considered the cham-
pion of German liberty^ fought a doubtful engage-
ment^ in which the right wdngs of both armies were
routed 3 but Maroboduus retreated without hazard-
ing a second battle^ and sent ambassadors to
Tiberius requesting succour. The emperor replied^
that as he had not assisted the Romans against
the Cherusci^ it was unfair to request their aid
against the samie enemy. Drusus^ however^ was
sent for the purpose (as it appeared) of watching
the operations of the Germans.
Tae. Ann. ii. lu the samc year war was excited in Africa, by
^^' a Numidian named Tacfarinas, who had served in
the Roman army, and afterwards deserted. His
followers consisted at first of only predatory bands ;
these he inured to a more regular system of war^
and at last found himself at the head of a nimierous
army of Numidians and Moors. Fabius Camillus^
the proconsul of Africa, could assemble only a
single legion, and some auxiliar}' troops ; but with
these he defeated the Numidians, and revived in
his family that military renown which had long
been extinct. For it is remarked by Tacitus, that
the name of Camillus had not been distinguished
in war, since the son of that great Camillus who
« recovered Rome from the Gauls. The commander
who vanquished Tacfarinas was considered to be
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 125
inexperienced in military afiairs^ and for this reason txberxus,
the emperor readily extolled his exploits in the a/d. 17.
senate. The triumphal honours were voted to him, ^— >^— ^
and this distinction did not expose him to any
danger, as his mode of life was modest and unas-
suming.
Twdve celebrated cities of Asia were overthrown Bk». \yu.
by an earthquake, and the calamity was rendered J^ ^°' "'
still more terrible by happening at night. Sardis
was the city which suffered most; but they were
all relieved by the liberality of Tiberius, who gave
sums of money for their reparation, and remitted
the payment of their tribute for five years. For as
long as he retained any virtue, he was not deficient
in munificence, but expended his treasures both on
cities and individuals. Nor was he rapacious of
the wealth of others, but refused even the legacies
which were leffc him by those who were not his
friends, or who had needy relations.
livy, the eloquent historian, died this year atuiher.
Padua. The poet Ovid also died in the place of
exile to which he had been condemned by Augustus.
In the following year, Tiberius was declared tibbrius,
consul for the third time, and Germanicus for the a/b.^8.
second. The emperor intended to honour his tm. Ann. u.
nephew by making himself his colleague, but he suet m. 26.
did not hold the consulship more than a few days.
When Germanicus entered upon the office, he was
at Nicopolis in Epirus, and from thence he passed
through Greece into Asia, but not without being
exposed to the insolent and contumacious behaviour
of Cn. Piso. He bore it, however, with great
equanimity, and when a tempest arose, in which
the death of his adversary might have been easily
attributed to the violence of the elements, he sent
triremes to his rescue. Piso was not softened bv
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126 HISTOBY OF
TzBBBxvB, this g'enerosity^ but hastily leaving his benefactor^
K. D. is. went into Syria^ where by gifts and vicious indul-
^~^^~^ gences he procured the favour of the dissolute
soldiers. Germanicus considered it necessary to
visit the Armenians^ who^ since the removfd of
Yonones^ were without a king. Their choice was
now fixed upon Zeno the son of Polemon^ king of
Pontus^ who had gained their sufirages by the
regard which he had shown from his earliest age
for their customs and institutions. Germanicus^
therefore^ with the approbation of the nobles^
placed the royal diadem on his head in the city of
Artaxata^ from the name of which place his new
subjects saluted him with the appellation of
Artazias. Cappadocia^ being reduced to the form
of a province^ was intrusted to C. Yeranius^ and
in order to inspire a favourable opinion of the
Boman lenity^ some diminution was made in the
taxes that were paid to its kings. Commagene
was also for the first time subjected to a Boman
governor.
Germanicus received an embassy from Arta-
banus the king of Parthia^ reminding him of the
friendship of the Boman and Parthian people^ and
requesting that Yonones might not be kept in Syria^
which was a convenient situation for fomenting
rebellion among his subjects. Yonones was in con-
sequence removed to Pompeiopolis^ a maritime city
of Cilicia.
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THB ROMAN EMPEB0R8. 127
CHAPTER III.
MarohoduuSy King of the Suevij eoopelled from his
Dominions. — Dissensions in Thrace j between
Cotys and Rhescuporis. — Death of Vonanes. —
Germanicus visits Egypt^ and afterwards dies at
Antioch. — His character. — Grief of the Romans
at his death, — Decrees against profligate
Women. — Punishment of the Jews, and of those
addicted to the Egyptian superstitions. — Death
of Arminius.— Arrival of Agrippina at RomCy
and funeral of Germanicus. — Trial of PisOy and
his death. — Africa disturbed by Tacfarinas. —
Commotion in Thrace. — Bebellion excited in Gaul
by Julius Floras and Sacrovir^ who are defeated^
and destroy themselves. — C. Lutorius Prisons
put to death for a poem. — A respite of ten
days granted to persons condemned by the Senate.
— Tiberius refuses to enact any new sumptuary
laws. — The THbunician power conferred upon
Drusus. — The Asylums in the Grecian cities
reformed. — Tiberius returns to Home on account
of the illness of his mother. — Blaesus carries on
the war against Tacfarinas. — Death ofJunia.
Dbcsus was successful in aggravating* the dissen* tibbhics,
sions among the Germans^ and at last effected the ^,^o.%,
overthrow of the unfortunate Maroboduus, king of ' — . — '
the Suevi. Catualda^ a noble youth among the IVl'^^' "*
Oothones^ who had formerly been driven from his
country by the power of Maroboduus, was insti-
gated to seek his revenge by arms. He invaded
die territories of the monarch with a large army^
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128 HISTORY OF
TxBBBivsy and hayings corrupted his nobles^ gtdned possession
A.D.%. of the palace^ and the castle^ where the ancient
^^"^^^^^ treasures of the Suevi were deposited. Marobo-
duns finding* himself deserted on all sides^ crossed
the Danube^ and wrote letters to Tiberius^ beseech-
ing his protection. The emperor replied^ that he
might have a safe and honourable retreat in Italy ;
and he was so elated by the dethronement of ^e
king^ that in one of his orations he could not forbear
to extol his own policy in accomplishing it^ and he
declared in the senate that not even Pyrrhus nor
Antiochus had been equally formidable to the
Boman people. Maroboduus lived in exile at
Ravenna for eighteen years^ and his attachment
to life greatly diminished^ in the opinion of
the ancients^ h^ former renown* His adversary
Gatualda was soon after driven firom the kingdom^
where he had established himself by force^ and
was compelled to take refuge at Forum Julii,
in Gaul. The barbarians^ who accompanied the
two exiles^ were settled beyond the Danube,
and Yannius^ one of the Quadi^ was appointed
their king.
Tie. Ann. iL Tibcrius wss 80 much Satisfied with the success
®*"^' of his wily policy, that he determined to have
recourse to it in his transactions with Bhescuporis,
king of Thrace. This country had formerly been
under the sole dominion of Rhoemetalces, at whose
death Augustus had divided it between his brother
Bhescuporis and his son Gotys. The ambitious
disposition of Bhescuporis urged him to make
encroachments upon the territories of his nephew,
although he was restrained by his fear of Augustus,
whom he could not expect to remain indifferent to
the violation of his own arrangements. When,
however, he heard of the death of that emperor, he
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 129
committed such ravages in the country of Cotys^ as tibbrius,
led to hostilities between the two princes.
Tiberius^ anxious for the preservation of peace^
commanded them not to settle their disputes by
arms ; and Cotys immediately dismissed the auxi*
liary forces which he had procured. Rhescuporis^
with feigned moderation^ acceded to a treaty with
his nephew J but at a banquet which was given in
honour of it^ he caused him^ after a long scene of
wine and revelry^ to be loaded with chains.
Having by such perfidy made himself master of
all Thrace^ he wrote to Tiberius^ declaring that
a plot had been laid against him^ but that he had
anticipated the contriver of it. Tiberius sent him
a gentle answer^ urging him to surrender Cotys^
and to come and justify his conduct to the senate :
but the guilty prince^ after wavering between his
anger and his fear^ thought it safest to give a con-
summation to his crimes^ and therefore ordered
Cotys to be put to death^ pretending that he had
destroyed himself. Tiberius^ whose duplicity was
equal to that of the Thracian^ determined to carry
hiis perfidy into execution by means of Pomponius
Flaccus^ who was an intimate friend of Rhescuporis.
Deceived by the great promises of Flaccus, the
king put Inmself in the power of his enemies^ and
was carried to Rome. Being accused in the senate
by the wife of Cotys^ he was condemned to be exiled
{ram his kingdom^ but he was afterwards killed at
Alexandria^ for attempting to make his escape^ if
the charge alleged against him was true. Thrace
was divided between his son Rhoemetalces^ who had
opposed the unjust desig^ns of his father^ and
the children of Cotys; and as these were not
yet grown up^ Trebellienus Ruftis was appointed
to govern the kingdom during their minority, in
VOL.1. K
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130 raSTOBT OF
T1BBRIU8, the same maimer as Marcus Lepidus had fonnerly
▲.D.19. heen sent into Egypt as gfuardian to the children
^"^^'"^ of Ptolemy.
Tac Ann. ii. About the Same time Yonones, who had been
removed into Gilicia^ bribed the persons who had
the custody of him^ and endeavoured to make his
escape into Armenia. Having gone out under
pretence of huntings he penetrated some thick
forests^ and was enabled by the swiftness of his
horse to reach the river Pyramus; but as the
bridges had been broken down upon the report of
his escape^ and the river was not fordable^ he was
overtaken by the Bomans. The officer^ who had
been appointed to guard him^ stabbed him as if in
a transport of anger ; but this only strengthened
the opinion that he had acted in collusion with
Yonones^ and killed him for fear of discovery.
Suet m. 49. Suetonius says that Yonones had carried with him
great treasures in his exile^ and that he was per-
fidiously spoiled of them^ and put to death. IVom
his account and that of Tacitus^ it seems probable
that the unhappy monarch was permitted to flee^
in order to fximish a plausible excuse for his
destruction.
TacAnn.u. Germauicus during the summer visited Egypt^
8Qetiu.6s. heing inspired with a laudable desire of inspecting
the wonders of that celebrated country. The mag^
nificent ruins of Thebes^ the statue of Memnon
which uttered a vocal sound when struck by the
rays of the sun^ the pyramids^ and other stupendous
works of the country^ attracted his notice ; nor did
he forget the claims of humanity during the grati-
fication of his curiosity^ but relieved the pressure
of a severe famine by opening the granaries. Tibe-
rius^ pursuing his system of malevolent detraction
against him, complained in the senate, that he had
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 131
presnmed to go into Egypt without his knowledge^ tibbrxus,
which was on infriiigement of the ordinance of a.d.i'o.
Augustus^ who had forbidden any senator or knight ''—v-*-'
to visit that province without the emperor's per-
mission.
Germanicus^ on his return from Egypt^ had the Tac Ann. u.
mortification to find that all his orders respecting ^',^ ijtc.
the cities and legions had been coimtermanded by the
insolence of Piso. An open animosity arose between
the two^ and Piso had resolved to leave S3rria^
when Germanicus was attacked with a disorder^
from which at first he recovered, but afterwards
experienced a relapse. Piso retired to Seleucia,
watching the progpress of a malady, which, accord-
ing to the prevalent opinion, he himself had occa-
sioned by poison, and even by magical arts. Ger-
manicus, exasperated by his sufierings, wrote him
a letter renouncing all friendship with him, and,
according to some accounts, commanding him to
depart from the province. Piso, whether in con-
sequence of such an order or not, certainly set sail,
but slackened his course, that he might not be far
distant, in case the death of Germanicus shouM
allow him to return into Syria. The unfortunate
prince, finding that it was in vain to struggle with
his secret malady, made a final address to his
friends, lamenting his fate in being sacrificed to the
nudice of Piso and Plancina, and conjuring them
to avenge his death. After this appeal they touched
the right hand of their dying leader, and swore
that they would abandon their lives rather than
their revenge. Turning next to Agrippina, he
besought her by her regard for his memory, and
by her love for their children, to calm her resent-
ment, to submit to the ftiry of fortune, and not
to exasperate those who were more powerftil than
K8
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182 HISTOBT OF
herself. To this he added some other advice^ but
it was given in secret^ and was supposed to express
his suspicions of Tiberius* His deaths which fol-
lowed soon afterwards^ was a subject of universal
re^et ; for so great had been his courtesy to the
allies^ and clemency to the enemies of the Roman
people^ that not only his own countrymen^ but even
foreign nations and kings^ deplored his loss. He
possessed in an eminent degpree all the highest
qualities both of body and mind; beauty^ and
extraordinary courage ; dignity in command with-
out arrogance; remarkable benevolence^ and a
wonderful skill in gaining the affections of mankind.
His devotion to military pursuits had not excluded
those of a more intellectual nature^ as he was dis-
tinguished for eloquence and learnings and had
even leffc some Greek comedies among other memo-
rials of his ingenuity. Unless^ therefore^ his merits
have been exaggerated by the partiality of the
Romans^ we must consider them such as few indi-
viduals in any age have been able to equal; and
perhaps none have surpassed.
Dioii.iTU. He died in his thirty-fourth year^ at Antioch^
^j^^]*^' or according to Tacitus at Epidaphne, which was
^' **• probably a part of Antioch^ or contiguous to that
city. His wife Agrippina had borne him nine
chUdren^ one of whom^ Caius^ succeeded to the
imperial dignity. Burning to obtain revenge for
the death of her husband, she immediately began
her voyage to Rome, carrying with her the ashes
of Germanicus, and followed by the commisera-
tion of all who beheld her suddenly deprived of so
much dignity and happiness. Piso, who was in the
island of Cos, no sooner heard of the death of the
prince, than he went to the temples and offered up
sacrifices, while his wife Flancina indulged in still
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THE SOMAN EMPEBORS. 133
more extravagant demonstrations of joy. He was tibbeius,
instigated by his friends to attempt to sei2e tbe ▲.^d.^iq.
government of Syria by force ; but he was over- "— n^— ^
powered by Cn. Sentius^ on whom the command
had devolved^ and was compelled to surrender on
condition of being safely conducted to Rome.
When the news of the illness of Germanicu8Tte.A]iii.u.
reached the capital^ the grief of the people burst l^iV. 6, 6.
forth in angry complaints^ and they declared that
it was now manifest for what purpose he had been
sent into a distant country^ and exposed to the
intrigues of his enemies. But the intelligence of
his recovery afterwards arrived^ and was eagerly
credited : although it was night, the citizens ran
to the Capitol to offer victims, and almost threw
down the doors of the temple in their precipitate
ceaL Tiberius was roused from his sleep by the
turbulence of their joy, and by the cry which was
everywhere heard, Borne is safe, our cot$ntry is mfe^
Oermanieus is safe. When the delusion was de-
stroyed by the certain information of his death, they
resgned themselves to the most uncontroulable
grief, which continued even during the holidays of
the month of December. In their frantic anger
they assailed the temples with stones, overthrew the
altars of the gods, cast their Lares into the streets,
and even exposed their new-bom children. Inge-
nuity was exhausted in devising honours to be paid
to his memory ; and the statues that were raised to
him in various parts of the world almost defied
computation. His sepulchre was reared at Antioch,
and before his body was burned, it was exposed in
the fomm of that city. Suetonius says that it
exhibited certain symptoms of poison ; but Tacitus
with greater appearance of truth affirms, that it
was impossible to judge between the contradictory
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184 HISTOBY OF
TiBBRxvi, accounts^ because the opinion of all persons was
▲fD.^19. biassed by their partiality^ either to Germanicus
"•^^^""^ or Piso,
TM.Anii.iL84. While the grief of the citizens was yet fresh^ it
was announced that livia^ the sister of Germanicus
and wife of Brusus^ had given birth to twins of the
male sex. This trivial occurrence was so gratifying*
to the emperor^ that he boasted to the senators^
that such a thing had never before happened to
any Boman of equal dignity. The event however
was displeasing to the people^ as if the augmenta-
tion of the children of Drusus was an additional
misfortune to the family of Germanicus.
ivus-Ann. U.86. Scvcrc dccrccs were passed against the profligacy
Suet. iii. 36. ^£ ^^^ female sex, and it was forbidden that any
woman, whose grandfather, father, or husband had
been a Eoman knight, should submit to prostitu*
tion. By the ancient laws, those who were guilty
of this crime were obliged to make a profession of
it before the ediles, the disgrace itself being con-
sidered a sufficient punishment of their turpitude.
Yistilia, however, a woman of praetorian family,
being regardless of this infamy, was banished by
Tiberius ; and he inflicted the same punishment on
other females of licentious character.
TkejLim.u.86. The Jcws, and those who were addicted to the
j^^i^im. Egyptian idolatry, became the objects of public
^' indignation. Four thousand freedmen of the
Hebrew nation were sent into Sardinia in order to
suppress the robberies there, and it was considered,
that if they perished by the unhealthiness of the
climate, the loss would be very unimportant. The
rest of their countrymen were ordered to leave
Bome, under pain of perpetual slavery, unless they
abjured their religion within a certain time. A
gfreat many were punished for refusing to bear
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 135
arms^ which they considered to be contrary to txbbrxus,
their law, on account (we may presume) of the
idolatrous worship paid to the Boman standards^
and the difficulty of observing their religious duties
in a heathen camp. The cause of this persecution
was the fraudulent conduct of four Jews^ who
having made a proselyte of Fulvia^ a noble lady of
Bome^ appropriated to their own use some offerings
which she had given them for the Temple at Jeru-
salem^ Her husband having complained to Tiberius^
the offence was visited upon all their countrymen
at Rome *. The odium excited against the Eg3rpt-
ian superstitions was much more just. For a
knight named Mundus^ having become enamoured
of PauUna^ a married woman of high rank^ gained
possession of her by means of the priests of Isis,
after all his solicitations had failed in overcoming
her virtue. As she was a worshipper of that god-
dess^ the priests^ being bribed for the nefarious
purpose^ persuaded her that the god Anubis was
in love with her^ and under this delusion she spent
the night in the temple^ Mundus occupying the
place of the expected celestial visitant. The suc-
cessful lover was unable to keep his own secret^
and when the affair was investigated^ the priests
were crucified^ the temple of Isis destroyed^ and
her statue thrown into the river.
Besides this act of justice, Tiberius distinguished Tac. Ann. ii.
himself by an impulse of generosity, which seemed
foreign to his general character. For a German
chief having promised to put Arminius to death, if
poison was sent him for the purpose ; answer was
given, that the Bomans did not revenge themselves
* JoMphut Menu to place this event some years later: but Usher and
other ch]t>nologist8, comparing it with the account of Tacitus, refer it to the
year 19.
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186
HISTOBY OF
A. D. 19.
TiBSBiufl, upon their enemies by secret artifices^ but in open
' * warfare. Tacitus considers this magnanimity as
equal to that of the ancient Bomans^ who refused to
concur in poisoning King Fyrrhus ; but in those
rude warriors it appears to have been an act of
genuine virtue^ while the character of Tiberius in-
duces us to ascribe his conduct to some motive of
policy or ostentation. Arminius^ after the departure
of the Romans and the expulsion of Maroboduus^
began to aspire to the sovereign power^ and to over-
throw the liberty of his countrymen^ which he had
defended with so much valour against the attacks
of a foreign enemy. He lost his life in the unjust
attempt; but he was long celebrated among the
barbarians for his warlike exploits^ and even Tacitus
admires the chieftain^ who successfully resisted the
aggressions of the Roman people in the height of
their power. His renown would have been much
more indisputable^ if he had disdained to have re-
course to the ai*ts of treachery^ and had confided
in his valour alone.
The rigour of winter did not deter Agrippina
^ from pursuing her voyage to Italy ; and as soon as
Tmc.ADn^m. her arrival was expected, the friends of Germanicus,
^» ^' the soldiers who had served under him, and a mul-
titude of other classes, hastened to the town of
Brundusium, where she was to land. Not only
the harbour and the parts contiguous to the sea,
but the walls and houses of the town, and all places
for an immense distance, were filled with a crowd
of anxious mourners. As soon as she reached the
shore, accompanied by two of her children, and
bearing the urn which contained the ashes of her
husband, there was an equal burst of lamentation
from friends and from strangers, from women and
from men. In her progress towards Rome, the
TzBBmxuSi
6,7.
A. D. 80.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 137
ashes of her husband were carried upon the shoulders Tiberius,
of tribunes and centurions; the inhabitants of the a.^d.^so.
towns through which she passed clothed themselves ^— v— ^
in mourning^ and burnt vestments and perfumes
according* to the wealth of the place ; numbers also
flocked from the adjoining country^ and raised
altars^ and offered victims^ to the gods called the
Manes. Drusus advanced as far as Terracina to
meet the procession : the consuls^ the senate^ and a
great part of the people filled the roads^ evincing
a grief which was free from adulation^ because it
was well known that Tiberius scarcely dissembled
his joy at the death of his nephew. His remains
were deposited in the tomb of Augustus; and
while some persons complained that the funeral
rites were not sufficiently splendid^ others more
deeply irritated the jealousy of the emperor by
their loud commendations of Agrippina^ and their
ardent prayers for the safety of herself and children.
Offended by the expression of their feelings^ he
published an edict; commanding the people to
moderate their grief^ and resiune their customary
occupations and pleasures.
When Piso, the suspected author of the death^ Tac Ann. m.
arrived in Rome^ Tiberius declined taking cogni-
zance of his cause^ but referred it entirely to the
senate. The accusers easily proved against him
some charges of gross misconduct in the provinces^
but they had little evidence to substantiate the
crime of having poisoned Germanicus. The alle-
gation which they made^ that Piso^ when feasting
near Oernmnicus^ had infected his food with his
hands^ seemed absurd and incredible. But not-
withstanding this deficiency of proof; all classes
were implacably hostile against him. The em-
peror was offended at his attempt to gain Syria by
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188 HISTORY OF
TiBBKzus, force : the senate could not be persuaded that the
▲. D. 80. death of Germanicus was to be attributed to any
^^^^''"^ thing but treachery: while the people openly
threatened that they would take vengeance into
their own hands^ if the senators acquitted him.
His wife Plancina^ who at first declared that she
would share the fortune of her husband^ whatever
it might be^ began to represent his cause and her
own as distinct^ as soon as she had secured a pardon
for herself by the interest of Augusta. But nothing
was more discouraging to him than the behaviour
of Tiberius^ who assimied a cold and inflexible
appearance^ without any indication of pity or anger.
While his case seemed thus desperate^ he was found
one morning in his chamber with his throat cut^ a
sword lying near him on the gfround. Tacitus
Tac. Ann. iu. iufonus us^ that he had heard it related by elderly
^^' persons^ that some writings were often seen in the
hands of Piso^ which he himself did not publish^
but which^ as his friends alleged^ contained the
letters and instructions which Tiberius had sent
him against Grermanicus ; and that he intended to
produce them^ and convict the emperor himself^ if
he had not been deluded by the false promises of
Sejanus. They also affirmed^ that he did not put
himself to death^ but was killed by some assassin.
The judicious historian^ while he relates these
accounts^ forbears to vouch for their authenticity :
TMs.Attn.m. for (as he declares in a subsequent passage) the
death of Germanicus was a topic on which many
conflicting rumours were propagated^ not only
among his contemporaines^ but also in subsequent
Tac Ann. iiL agcs. Piso being dead^ proposals were made for
'^' degrading his children^ and making his name infa-
mous ; but their rigour was greatly mitigated by the
authority of Tiberius^ and Plancina was altogether
pardoned in deference to the wishes of Augusta.
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THE BOMAJ^ EMPERORS. 139
Tacfarinas renewed^ this year^ the war in Africa, tibbrius,
After ravaging the country and destroying some ^.^0/20.
villagfes, he ventured to besiegfe a Boman cohort in ^— v— ^
1 1 • -r> . 1 -TN • 1 Tac Ann. ill.
a castle near the nver Pagida. Decnus^ the com- 20.
mander^ boldly led out his troops to battle ; but
they were routed at the first onsets and he himself
was slain in a fruitless attempt to rally them.
When L. Apronius the proconsul was informed 0fTa4i.Ann.iii.
this defeat^ he considered it so disgraceful^ that he ^^'
had recourse to an act of severity which was rare
in those days^ ordering every tenth man of the
cohort^ on whom the lot fell^ to be beaten to death.
This example operated with so much salutary
terror^ that a body of not more than five hundred
veterans defeated the forces of Tacfarinas. The
Numidian chief^ however^ still continued a desultory
and harassing mode of warfare^ but at last was
driven into the deserts.
The law^ called Papia Poppsea^ which Augfustus toc Ann. iii.
had enacted in his old age for the encouragement ^^'^'
of wedlock^ did not produce the benefit expected
from it: marriages were not more frequent^ but
numberless persons were exposed to the vexatious
attacks of informers. Tiberius therefore ordered
fifteen senators to be appointed with authority to
moderate the rigours of tlie law.
The Boman people were gratified at seeing Nero, Tac. Ann. ui.
the son of Germanicus, invested with honours^ and ^*
afterwards united in marriage to Julia the daughter
of Drusus. They considered on the other hand
that the splendour of the family was defaced, when
Drusus^ the son of Claudius, and nephew of 6er-
manicus^ was betrothed to a daughter of Sejanus.
The marriage^ however^ was not consummated, as suet v. 27.
Brusus was soon afterwards killed by a pear, which
he had thrown up into the air in sport, but which
fell into his mouth and suffocated him.
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140
HI8T0BT OF
TiBXBins,
7,8.
A. D. 81.
Snet iii. Sa
Dion. IdL
Tac. Ann. ilL
31.
Tms. Ann. UL
36.
Tftc. Ann.iiL
40—43.
In the following year Tiberius entered apon his
fourth consulship^ but did not hold it more than
three months. As his son Drusus was his colleague^
the people immediately predicted his destruction^
because all^ who had formerly borne the office with
Tiberius^ had perished by violent deaths. The
emperor at the beginning of the year went into
Campania^ intending gradually to absent himself
from the capital^ or wishing to give his son an
opportunity of discharging the duties of the con-
sulship alone.
Several nations of Thrace^ unused to the Boman
government^ and complainii% that there was no
redress for their grievances^ had recourse to arms :
but as their leaders were persons of mean rank^
and acted without unanimity^ the commotion was
soon suppressed. They laid siege to Philippopolis^
a city built by Philip of Macedon^ but were easily
dispersed by the Boman forces under the command
of P. Velleius.
The people of Gaul^ oppressed by the weight of
debt which they were obliged to contract for the
purpose of defraying their tributes^ began an ex-
tensive rebellion. The chief instigators of it were
Julius Floras among the Treviri^ and Julius
Sacrovir among the ^dui^ both distinguished for
their noble birth^ and the services of their ancestors^
which had procured for them the freedom of B.ome.
Almost all the states of Gaul were willing to join
in the insurrection^ but their movements were
unsuccessful^ because they were not made simul-
taneously. The Andecavi and Turonii* revolted
first, but were overcome by Acilius Aviolaf. The
* The people of Angert mad Toon.
t Valerina Meximiu (L 8, d$ MiraeuHi) relates eonceniing thli AtIoU,
that being conaidered dead, and placed apon the funeral pile, he reeo?ered
hia aenseiy and called for aariatanee : but the flamea ivere too Tlolent for him
tobereaened.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 141
infiurgents that Floras was able to collect among txbbrxus,
the TreTiri were defeated ; and he himself^ after a. d. si.
eluding the victors for a time, perished by his own ^•^<~'
hand^ when he found that his place of retreat was
surrounded by them. The ^dui, a rich and powerful
state^ presented a more formidable opposition.
Sacrovir took possession of Augustodunum their
capital, and obtained the most noble youths of Gaul^
who were pursuing their studies there, as pledges
for the fidelity of tiieir parents and relations. His
forces amounted to forty thousand men ; but only
a small portion of them were regtdarly armed, the
rest being provided with no better weapons than
hunting spears and other instruments of the chase.
He had also a body of slaves destined for the gladi-
atorship, who, according to the custom of the nation,
were armed with one entire covering of iron, which
rendered them more fit for sustaining the blows of
an enemy, than for returning them. These cum-
brous warriors were called Crupellariu
C. Silius, advancing with two Roman legions and Tac. Ann. isf.
some auxiliary forces, devastated the country of the '
Sequani, who were the neighbours of the jEqui,
and their allies in arms. He afterwards directed
his march towards Augustodunum, the soldiers
being so clamorous for speed, that they declared
themselves willing to forego their accustomed rest^
in order to come in sight of the enemy. They
encountered Sacrovir at a distance of twelve miles
from the city^ with his troops drawn up on open
ground : his Orupellarii were placed in front, his
armed cohorts in the wings, and his half-armed
bands in the rear. The Romans, attacking them
with great impetuosity, were obstructed for a time
by the iron-clad soldiers, on whom their spears
and swords could make little impression: they
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142 HISTORY OP
TzB^BRzus, therefore assailed them with axes and hatchets^ as
A. o. '21. if they were overthrowing* a wall^ or they beat
^^''^^ them down with poles; and when they were once
stretched on the ground^ they were unable to make
any effort to rise. Sacrovir^ seeing the discom-
fiture of his troops^ fled first to Augustodunum^ and
then to a neighbouring villa^ attended with some
of his most faithful foUowers. In this place he fell
by his own hand^ and his companions by the hands
of one another^ the bodies of all being consumed
in the conflagration of the house.
Dion. iTii. At the end of the year C. Lutorius Priscus^ a
S!l^'^ Roman knight^ who had written an elegy upon
Germanicus^ and had been rewarded for it by the
emperor^ was accused of composing a similar poem
upon Drusus^ who had been ill^ and at whose death
he expected a still higher recompense of his poetical
labours. His vanity had prompted him to recite
his poem before a company of illustrious women ;
and for this offence he was tried in the senate^
Haterius Agrippa^ who was consul elect^ gfiving his
vote that he should be put to death. Marcus
Lepidus thought that banishment^ and the confisca-
tion of his property^ would be sufficient punishment.
But he was supported only by one man of consular
rank : all the rest having concurred in the opinion
of'Agrippa^ the unfortunate culprit was led to
prison and immediately killed. In this atrocious
affair^ the weak and degraded senators were the
sole agents. Tiberius^ who was absent from Ilome^
conunended their zeal in revenging even the slight-
est insults offered to their prince^ but deprecated
such precipitation in punishing offences of the
tongue: while he praised Lepidus^ he forbore to
censure Agrippa. He caused^ however^ a law to be
made^ that the decrees of the senate should not be
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 143
enrolled for the space of ten days^ and this respite tibbrius,
should he granted to persons capitally condemned, ad. 21.
Dion says his motive for this reflation was, that ^~^^~^
he might, though ahsent from Rome, he acquainted
with their decrees, and make what revision he
pleased. But, according to Tacitus, he was never
softened into mercy hy the delay, and the senate
had not the power of sparing criminals whom they
had once condemned.
Luxury at Rome had increased to so immoderate TzBimiut,
an extent, that the ediles hesought the senate to a.^d.^9i.
devise some effectual remedies for the evil. The Sl^""' *"*
subject was referred by the senators to the decision
of Tiberius; but he, reflecting upon the difficulties
which surrounded it, and remembering that all
former laws had been ineffectual, refused to inter-
fere in a business firom which he anticipated more
odium than success. Tacitus observes, that the
most profuse luxury was practised for the space of
a hundred years, from the battle of Actium to the
time of the Emperor Galba, and after this it gradu-
ally declined. As long as splendour procured
respect and distinction, it was sedulously aimed at
by the rich and the noble; but when eminence
became dangerous to its possessors, they willingly
sunk into a less ostentatious mode of living. At
the same time men of new families from the colonies
and provinces, being enrolled in the senate, observed
a stricter economy : but no one was more successful
in repressing luxury than the Emperor Vespasian,
whose example of frugality operated more power-
fully upon the Romans, than all the enactments of
the severest laws.
Tiberius having gained the praise of moderation, tu. Ana. hl
and checked the hopes of the informers by his for- ^ ^*
bearance respecting the sumptuar}* laws, sent
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144 HISTOBT OF
Ti»»M^«» letters to the senate requesting* the trUmnieian
A.D.83. power for his son Drusus. This title^ which had
^~''~' been artfully invented by Augxistus as less odious
than that of king or dictator^ conferred the highest
dignity and power; and in asking it^ Tiberius
stated that his son was of the same age as he him-
self had been^ when he received it from Augustus^
that his character had been tried for eight years in
waging wars and composing seditions^ that he had
enjoyed a triumph^ and been twice honoured with
the consulship. The senate granted the title with
the most servile adulation; but DrusuS; who was in
Campania^ acknowledged his acceptance of it merely
by letter. This was considered by the citizens as
an instance of unprecedented arrogance^ that after
being invested with so high an honour^ he did not
condescend to visit Bome^ and personally thank
the senate. With such sentiments (they com-
plained) their future ruler was inspired^ and such
were the first instructions instilled into him by his
father !
T&c Ann. ill. Jt was discovcrcd that asylums were established
in the Grecian cities in an unauthorized manner^
and that the sanctity of the temples was so much
abused^ that they became places of refuge for
profligate slaves^ for debtors^ and persons suspected
of capital offences. It was ordered^ therefore^ that
the various states should send deputies to Bome^
to explain upon what grounds they claimed the
privilege of asylum, and the senate was permitted
to take cognizance of their rights. Some of the
cities voluntarily abandoned the power which they
had unjustly assumed ; but many sent ambassadors
to assert their claims, which rested upon the renown
and antiquity of their temples, or upon services
performed towards the Roman people. The senate
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THE ROMAN EHPEROBS. 145
wearied with the investigatioii referred it to the tibbexus,
ooDsnls^ and decrees were at last made in correction a. d. ss.
of the evils complained of. Suetonius says that qJ^T^TZI
Tiberius abolished the privileges of all the asylums
which existed ; but Tacitus merely relates that he
reformed the abuses of those which were in the
(Grecian cities.
About the same time the emperw returned with Tae. Ann. ul
haste to Rome^ on account of die severe illness of '
Augusta. It is uncertain whether the amity
between the mother and the son was feigned or
sincere ; for a short time previous^ in the dedication
of an image to Augustus^ she had placed the name
of Tiberius after her own^ at which he is supposed
to have felt a deep but secret resentment^ consi-
dering it an afiront derogatory to his majesty.
Supplications^ however^ and games were decreed by
the senate for her recovery^ and in addition to the
pontiffs^ augurs^ and others^ the priests who had
been instituted in honour of Augustus were to have
the superintendence of them. The Romans^ once so
proud and inflexible^ had now degenerated into
such pusillanimity, that the senators, of the highest
and lowest rank, vied with each other in showing
their adulation by the most disgusting and extra-
vagant proposals. It is related that Tiberius, on
his leaving the senate house, used to exclaim in
Oreek^ 0 men deposed to and ready for slavery !
Even he, who was hostile to the public freedom,
was disgusted with their abject servility.
Tacfarinas, though often repulsed, had again Tac. Ann. fu.
recruited his forces in Africa, and sent ambassadors '^' '**'
to'nberius, threatening interminable war, unless he
granted settlements to himself and his army. Tibe-
rias is said never to have been more mortified than
bjr this insulting proposal, coming from a deserter
VOL. I. L
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146 HISTORY OP
TiBixiua, and a robber. He therefore commanded Junius
A.0.9S. Blaesus^ who had been appointed proconsul of
. ^— V— ' Afirica, to invite his followers to secure their par-
don by laying down their arms^ but to get
possession of the leader himself by any means
possible. Many accepted the offers of the pro-
consul^ and he prepared to attack the remainder
in a manner most suitable to their rapid and
desultory mode of warfare. He separated the
Bomans into three divisions^ so that whenever the
enemy appeared^ they were encountered by part of
his forces^ and numbers of them thus surrendered^
or were destroyed by him. At the end of the
summer he did not withdraw his army^ but having
built forts in convenient places^ continued to
harass Tacfarinas with his light troops. At last,
after capturing the brother of this chief, he
retreated, leaving behind him sufficient enemies to
rekindle the war. Tiberius, considering it as
finished, allowed him to be saluted ImperatoTy
and he was the last private individual who enjoyed
that title. He also granted him the triumphal
honours, which he said he did for the sake of
SejanuB, whose uncle he was.
Tae.Ann.iiL Juuia, the sistcr of M. Brutus, the wife of
C. Cassius, and the niece of Cato, expired this year.
She died very wealthy, and her will was the subject
of much conversation, because, though she had
included in it nearly all the chief men, she had
omitted the emperor. He did not resent this neg-
lect, but allowed her a public panegyric, and other
funeral honours. The images of twenty illustrious
families, the Manlii, Quinctii, and others, were
carried before her; but the exclusion of the effigies
of Cassius and Brutus caused them to be more
thought of than all the rest.
70.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 147
CHAPTER IV.
Character qfSgantis, and his ambitious designs. —
Hie poisons Drusus. — Character of that Prince.
— The behaviour of Tiberius becomes more vicious
after the death of his son. — An account of his
government up to that time, with the number and
station of the Itofnan legions. — Sejanus perse-^
cutes Agrippina. — The cities of Asia erect' a
temple to Tiberitis.— Actors expelledfrom Italy.
— The malignity of Tiberius against a certain
architect. — His jealousy of Nero and Drusus.
— The war in Africa terminated by the death
of Tacfarinas. — A servile war suppressed in
Italy. — Vibius Serenus accused by his own son. —
The informers protected by Hberius. — Death of
Crematius Cordus. — People ofCyzicum deprived
of their liberty. — lUerius will not allow a temple
to be erected to him by the people of Spain. —
Sefanus, requesting permission to marry lAvia, is
refused. — Poppaus Sabinus svhdues some moun^
tdneers of Thrace. — Discord between Tiberius
and Agrippina. — The Emperor leaves Home and
is nearly Idlled by the fall of a grotto.
TmniUB had hitherto enjoyed as much tronqufl* TtBiRfcn,
It^ as Qsoally falls to the lot of rulers, hoth in ^!n%.
the occurrences of the state, and in the circum*
stances of his own family ; for the death of Ger-
Bumicos^ however afflicting it was to the people,
was considered hy him as a fortunate event. But
in the present year the aspect of his affairs began
to be darkened by the turbulent ambition of iElius
Tie. Ann. It. t.
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148 HISTORY OF
TxBsmiua, Sejanufl^ the preefect of the praetorian gfoards.
A.k^. This corrupt favourite was bom at Y olsinium^ a
^"^^"^ town of Etruria^ and was the son of Seius Strabo^
a Boman icnight^ who was praetorian preefect
under Augfustus. He had at first attached himself
to Caius Caesar^ the grandson of that emperor^
and afterwards gained so great an ascendancy over
Hberius^ that while he was gloomy and reserved
to others^ he was free and undisguised to him
alone. His body was strong and active^ and his
mind bold and enterprising; he had the art of
concealing his own faidts^ and of inveighing against
those of others ; he could be servile or proud^ as
the occasion required^ and cherished unbounded
ambition under an exterior of assumed modesty.
In pursuing his plans he would sometimes indulge
in prodigfality and luxury^ but more often relied
upon activity and vigilance^ which are equally
pernicious^ when employed for criminal ends.
Tae.Ann.iT.s. He increased the authority of the praetorian
praefect^ by assembling into one camp the guards
that had formerly been dispersed throughout the
city. He alleged that their union would enable
them to act with greater vigour in case of emer-
gencies^ and that they would observe a stricter
discipline^ by being removed from the pleasures
of the capital ; but his real intentions were^ that
they should be more subject to his control^ should
feel a greater confidence in their own strength^
and be more fiormidable to others. A camp being
erected for them near the city^ he began to insi-
nuate himself into their affections by courtesy
and affability^ and his power over them was con-
firmed by having die appointment of the centu-
rions and tribunes. He established his influence
in the isenate^ by procuring honours^ and the
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORd. 149
government of provinces for hia friends : for Ti- tibbxius,
berins acceded to all his requests^ used publicly to A! ».
style him the associate of his labours^ and allowed ^— v— ^
his imag« to be worshipped in the theatres^ the
forums^ and the camps of the legions.
Notwithstanding Uie power which he enjoyed^ itTM.Aim.iT.3.
was difficult to reach the imperial dignity^ while
Drusus was alive together with his sons and ne-
phi9ws. His first attempts therefore were directed
against Drusus^ wh<Hn he knew to be jealous of his
influence^ and who in a certain dissension between
them had struck him on the fistce. Instigated by
revenge and ambition^ he pretended to be ena-
moured of Livia^ the wife of Drusus and sister of
Oermanicus; who^ after she had yielded to his
inclinations^ consented (according to the natural
progress of crime) to become an accomplice in the
death of her husband^ with the hope of being
imited to Sejanus^ and sharing with him the sove-
reign power. Nothing more strongly indicates
the infktuation of guilt than to observe this woman^
who was of the noblest extraction^ debasing herself
and fiunily by intrigues with Sejanus^ and renoun-
cing the secure and virtuous dignity which she
enjoyed^ for a situation at once hazardous and
erinifaiaL To inspire her with greater confidence^
Sejanus dismissed his wife Apicata^ who had borne
him three children : and as the animosity between
himself and Drusus grew more bitter every day^
he administered to him a slow poison by means of TM.ABiutf.8.
LygduS; an eunuch; as was discovered eight years
afterwards. Tiberius for a long time supposed that sott lu. es.
hisTson had died by sickness arising from intempe-
rance. It was a current rumour among the vulgar^ tucabo. iv.
that Sejanus had caused the emperor to believe
that his son intended to poison him^ and warned
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160 HISTORY OF
TiBsuns, him to beware of a drink which should be offered
^'j^]%^ him at an entertainment given by Drusus ; that
^— V— ' under this false suspicion Tiberius gave the poi-
soned cup to his son^ and when he drank it off in
careless ignorance^ he ascribed his conduct to
compunction and fear. But this story^ though
propagated among the people^ is rejected by Tar»
citus as neither authentic nor credible.
Dioii.iTii. The character of Drusus was ferocious and
Tiu^Ajiii.L7e; canton. He delighted in the exhibition of blood,
and on account of his cruelty the sharpest swords
were distingfuished by the name of Drusian. He
was not only addicted to pleasure, but delighted in
riot and excess; though his indulgences of this
description were viewed by the people with more
complacency than the recluse and austere beha-
viour of his father. In the midst of his vices he
was not devoid of generous sentiments, as he lived
on amicable terms with Germanicus, whom he
might justly have deemed his rival, and after his
death he treated his children with equity, if not
with kindness.
TVus. Ann. H. Tibcrius borc the death of his son with an equa-
6aelui.58. ^umity, that appeared almost to amount to indif-
ference. Before his funeral he entered the senate,
and seemed more ready to impart consolation than
to receive it; he returned also to his customary
course of business with as little delay as possible.
The obsequies were conducted with an extraor-
dinary display of images, containing those of
^neas and all the Alban kings, Romulus, the
Sabine nobility, Attus Clausus, and the whole
Gaudian race. It is related that, the people
of Ilium being rather tardy in offering their con-
dolences to Tiberius upon the death of his son, he
sarcastically replied^ that he also condoled with
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THE BOMAH EMPEBOBS. 151
them upon the loss of their valiant countryman tibskius,
Hector I A'k
The Boman people felt little regret at the death ^^-^^-^
of Brusus^ as they considered that it opened ais/6— ?/'
more fiivourahle prospect for the children of 6er-
manicus. It proved^ however^ an unfortunate event
to the empire^ as Tiberius from that time gave a
more free indulgence to his vicious inclinations.
His government (with a few exceptions) liad
hitherto been regulated upon the piinciples of ^
e^ly. Public affairs^ and private ones of an
important nature^ were submitted to the senators^
who had the liberty of expressing their opinions^
and if they descended to flattery^ he himself would
often reprove them. He bestowed the honours of
the state upon such as were distinguished for the
nobility of their ancestors^ for their military ser-
vices^ or their civil virtues ; and it was generally
allowed that he fixed upon the most eligible candi-
dates. The consuls aud the preetors enjoyed
their proper dignities: the inferior magistrates
also exercised their just authority ; and the laws^
excepting that of treason^ were fairly administered.
The public revenues were imder the management
of companies of Boman knights^ while the prince
entrusted his own finances to persons of approved
merit^ most of whom he allowed to grow old in
their employments. The people^ indeed^ were af-
flicted with scarcity of provisions^ but the evil
could in no way be imputed to Tiberius^ who en-
deavoured both by his liberality and prudence to
relieve the distress arising from unfavourable
harvests^ or from losses at sea. He was careful
that the provinces should not be oppressed with
new burdens^ and that the old ones should not be
rendered more grievous to them by the avaiice
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162 HISTOBY OF
TiBXBiufl, and cruelty of the magistrates. Scourgfing^ there-
▲.D.23. fore^ and confiscations were punishments never
'"""^^^^ resorted to. The lands which he himself possessed
in Italy were not extensive^ his freedmen were
few^ and his slaves restrained from insolence;
and if he had any dispute with private persons^ it
was settled in iJie ordinary courts of justice.
Sudi was his Une of conduct which^ though dis-
figured by his harsh and ungracious manners^ was
just and impartial ; but after the death of Drusus^
a visible alteration took place^ as Sejanus had been
restrained in his corrupt influence over the emperor
by fear of that prince^ and was desirous at the
beginning of his power to gain popularity by salu-
tary counsels.
Tac Aim.iT.5. The omouut of the Roman forces^ and their
stations at this period^ are thus specified by Tacitus.
The seas of It^y were guarded by two fleets^ one
at Misenum^ and the other at Bavenna ; while the
neighbouring coast of Gaul was watched by the
vessels which Augustus had taken at the battle of
Actium^ and had sent with a strong complement
of rowers to the town of Forum JuliL The most
powerful army was near the Rhine^ consisting of
eight legions^ and serving for protection equally
against the Germans and the Gauls. Three legions
were stationed in Spain. There were two in Eg}*pt;
and^ Juba having been appointed king over Mauri-
tania^ two to guard the rest of Africa. The Roman
conquests in Asia^ extending as far as the river
Euphrates, were defended by four legions. Two
in Pannonia, and two in Moesia afforded protection
to the banks of the Danube ; there were also two
in Dalmatia, whose situation was convenient either
for reinforcing the last-mentioned legions, or for
carrying succour into Italy. Rome was defended
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 163
by three city and nine preetorion cohorts^ who txbbxiys,
were selected principally from Etruria and Umbria^ a. d. «i.
or ancient Latiom and the old Roman colonies. ^~v^-^
The triremes^ the cavalry^ and infantry of the
alHes were distributed throughout the provinces in
convenient situations. The amount of these often
varied^ but in general it was nearly equal to that
of the Roman forces.
Although Drusus had left some children^ yet Tac. Ann. ir.
the sons of Germanicus^ on account of their superior
age^were considered as heirs to the imperial dignity^
and in this character they were solemnly recom-
mended by Tiberius to the protection of the senate.
Sejanus^ exulting in the success of his first crimes^
b^an to deliberate how he should pursue his am-
bitious projects. As it seemed impossible to
poison all the three sons of Germanicus^ who were
under the protection of faithful guardians^ and as
the virtue of their mother Agrippina could not be
overcome like that of Livia^ he was obliged to con-
fine himself to the insidious arts of falsehood and
detraction. By his own calumnies and those of
his emissaries he provoked the hatred of Tiberius
and Augusta against Agrippina ; he accused her
of pride and contumacy^ and of courting popularity
in order to second her ambitious views. At the
same time the persons around her received encour-
agement to stimulate her lofty spirit by inflamma-
tory discourses.
Lacilius Capito^ the procurator of Asia^ being tm. Ann. ir.
accused before the senate by the people of the
province^ the emperor declared that he had granted
him no authority except over his slaves and private
finances ; that if he had usurped the power of the
pnetor^ or employed a military force, he had acted
in contempt of his commands. The cause being
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164
HISTORY OF
TzBsmiua.
9,10.
A.]>.sa.
Tm. Ann. ir.
Dion.lvii.
PIfai. xxxvL
28.
TiBBmius,
10, 11.
A.D.2i.
Tie. Ann. It.
17—80.
tried^ Capito was condemned; and the cities of
Asia^ wiUi servile gratitude^ decreed a temple to
Tiberius^ his mother^ and the senate ! Permission
was given them to erect it.
The conduct of the actors had been so turbulent
and flagitious^ that the emperor referred the con-
sideration of it to the senate^ and they were in
consequence expelled from Italy.
Tiberius was actuated with malignant jealousy
even against those whose arts and labours it was
his duty to foster. An architect (whose name was
not allowed to be enrolled in the archives) having
very skilfully repaired a great portico at Rome
which had fallen on one side^ received a pecuniary
reward for his services^ but was ordered to leave
the city. Having afterwards come into the pre-
sence of Tiberius to solicit his pardon^ he purposely
threw down and broke a glass cup^ and taking the
pieces into his hands^ immediately priesented it
whole again. But for this additional proof of his
skilly he was put to death. Pliny says it was be-
lieved^ that the art of making pliable glass was
discovered in the time of Tiberius^ but that it was
suppressed for fear of destroying the value of gold
and other metals. He acknowledges^ however^ that
the report of such a fact was not sufficiently
authenticated ; and probably the story^ which we
have related from Dion^has been exaggerated into
the marvellous.
In the following year^ when the pontifls offisred
up prayers for the safety of the prince, they recom-
mended Nero and Drusus, the sons of Grermanicus^
to the protection of the gods. In this action they
were impelled by flattery alone, which in corrupt
times cannot be safely omitted, but which gives
ofience by being too open and extravagant. Tibe-
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THE SOMAN EMPEBOBS. 155
riasy who was never friendly to the family of TzBimiua,
Germanicus^ was incensed at seeing these youths ▲.o.m.
put on a level with himself^ and he demanded of ^— ^^^^
the pontiffs^ whether they had paid such a trihute
to ihe entreaties or the threats of Agrippina.
Having dismissed them with a reproof^ he admon-
ished the senate that no one should venture to
elate the minds of the young princes by premature
honours. For Sejanus inflamed his fears and his
anger^ by assuring him that the city was divided^
as in the time of civil war^ that there were those
who called themselves of the party of Agrippina^
and that it was necessary for the sake of example
that one or two of the most eminent of them should
be sacrificed. For this reason C. Silius^ a friend
of Germanicus^ and a distinguished general^ was
accused by the consul Yarro; and his voluntary
death anticipated the condemnation which he saw
was inevitable. His wife Sosia^ who was hated by
l^rius because she enjoyed the friendship of
Agrippina^ was driven into banishment.
Tbda year put an end to the long and troublesome Tae. Ann. w.
war in which the Romans had been engaged with ^^^~*®-
Tacfarinas ; for while Tiberius supposed that he was
completely subdued^ and had therefore recalled the
ninlli legion from Africa^ the Numidian chief con-
tinned his aggressions with increased confidence.
The proconsul P. Dolabella^ notwithstanding the
diminution of the Boman forces^ compelled Tac-
farinas to raise the siege of Thubuscum^ and
strengthened himself with auxiliaries from Ptolemy ^
son of Juba^ and king of Mauritania. Being after-
wards apprised that the Kumidians had chosen a
position near an old fort called Auzea^ he marched
against them as quickly as possible^ and attacked
them at break of day^ while they were half asleep^
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156 HISTOBT OF
^i"*"*' and totally unprepared for action. His own men,
A.:D.si. on the contrary, being ready for engagement, and
^"^^"^ also eager to revenge themselves on enemies who had
so often eluded them, gained a sanguinary victory
over the helpless barbarians. Tacfarinas, whose
person was well known after so many battles, was
made the object of general attack, as it was con-
sidered that the war would certainly be renewed,
if he should escape. Finding that his guards all
ai*ound him were destroyed, that his son was taken
prisoner, and that he himself was encircled by the
Bomans, he rushed upon their swords, and escaped
captivity by an honourable death.
When Dolabella solicited for the triumphal
honours, they were refused him through the interest
of Sejanus, lest the services of his uncle Blaesus,
who had been rewarded for finishing the war,
should appear to be disparaged. The superior
achievements of Dolabella, notwithstanding this
unjust requital, were manifest to all, as with a less
army than Blaesus, he had killed Tacfarinas, carried
away some illustrious captives, and really put an
end to the war. The Garamantes, who had assisted
the Numidians, were obliged to send ambassadors
to Bome to make reparation for their offence. The
services of Ptolemy were acknowledged by the
revival of an ancient Boman custom : a senator
was deputed to present to him an ivory sceptre,
and an embroidered robe, and to give him the
appellation of king, ally, and friend.
Tie. Ann. ir. lu the samc summcr T. Curtisius, who had
^' formerly been a soldier in a praetorian cohort,
endeavoured to excite the slaves to rebel in the
south of Italy ; and the attempt would have been
successfol^ if three gallies had not accidentally
arrived on the coast, the force of which enabled
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THE ROMAIC EMPEROBS. 157
CurtiuB Lupus^ the quaestor^ to suppress the insur- tibshus,
rection. The principal conspirators were seized 2.^d.^84.
and carried to Bome^ where g^reat alarm prevailed^ ^— v«^
as the number of slaves was increasing to an
immense extent^ and the free-born population daily
grew less.
An instance of atrocious depravity was exhibited tm. Ann. it.
by a son publicly appearing as the accuser of his
own father. Yibius Serenus^ proconsul of Spain^
who had been banished to the isle of Amoi^s, was
drag^d from his place of ezile^ and carried in
chfiins before the senate^ to answer the charge of
his son^ who with a deliberate and even cheerful
composure accused him of conspiring against the
prince. Serenus indignantly repelled the accusa«
tion, and invoked vengeance on the head of his
guilty son. No unfavourable evidence could be
extorted from his slaves^ although they were ex-
amined by torture; so that the unnatural son^
disappointed in his malice^ and terrified by the
execrations of the multitude^ who threatened him
with the punishment due to parricides^ was com-
pelled to flee from the city, llie emperor^ however^
who cherished a resentment against Serenus on
account of a reproachful letter which he had
written to him eight years before^ obliged him to
return and pursue the accusation. Serenus was
consequently condemned; but Tiberius, to allay
the odium which was excited^ interceded for his
life^ and he was sent back to Amorgos. Ceecilius
Comutus^ a man of praetorian rank^ who had been
accused of being his accomplice^ not having courage
to contend against the charge^ destroyed himself.
This gave rise to a proposal^ that the rewards
which the accusers were in the habit of receiving
from the estates of the condemned should not be
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168 HISTOBY OF
TiBBuxus, paid when the culprit put an eai to his own life.
A. i. 94. But Tiberius strenuously interfered^ declaring that
^""""^^^ such a plan would endanger the state^ and that
they had better repeal the laws^ than take away
the protectors of them. Thus the pestilent race of
informers^ instead of beiog restrained by punish-
ments^ were allured by rewwds to seek opportunities
for destroying their fellow-citizens.
Tte. A&n. It. Amidst many instances of cruelty Tiberius ex-
^^' hibited an act of mercy in pardoning C. Cominius^
who had been convicted of a libel agfainst him^ in
consequence of the earnest entreaties of his brother.
It was a subject^ therefore^ of greater wonder^ that
the emperor who knew how to exercise clemency^
and was aware of the glory resulting from it^should
render himself odious by continual cruelty. Mercy
seemed more congenial to him than severity ; for
it was observed that when he performed a gracious
act^ his words flowed from him with greater fireedom
end ease^ though in general he was formal and
embarrassed in delivering his sentiments.
Tae. Ann. It. • Tscitus^ the hlstoriau of this period^ laments that
^' ^' he is obliged to relate many thixigs that may appear
of an unimportant nature^ and so inferior in interest
to the splendid wars^ and violent seditions^ which
distinguished the more ancient annals of the Boman
people. Each portion^ however^ of history has its
proper use. It is as important to study the pro*
gress of a nation^s decline^ as to survey its rise and
aggrandizement; nor will they^ who wish to observe
human nature in its various aspects^ consider that
it always exhibits the most interesting appearance
in scenes of warfare and tumult. In pursuing his
remarks Tacitus observes^ that a government com-
bined of the popular^ the aristocratical^ and the
monarchical forms, was something more easily
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THE SOMAN EMPEBORS. 160
praised than realized; and that if such an one "^^Yi^*'
should erer arise^ it was impossible that it should a.d.24.
exist long. Experience has fortunately proved the ^~^^~'
&llacy of this opinion; although it is not surprising*
that die historian^ however sagacious^ should doubt
the stability of a mode of policy^ which he had
never contemplated except as a fabric of the .
imagination.
Ten years of the sovereignty of Tiberius having ^*<^"- ^^"•
expired^ he did not take the trouble of formally
renewing it by a decree of the senate ; because he
had not accepted it (as Augustus always aiFected
to do) for that limited period. Games^ however^
were exhibited in honour of the event.
Oemutius Cordus^ a man of advanced age and ''^"■y'*'
upright character, was brought to trial for having a.d.26.
extoUed M. Brutus in some annals which he had ^^.^^'
published^ and having called C. Cassius the last of Mtrc. ss.
the Bomans. Such an action as this had never 34, 35. '
before been imputed to any one as a crime^ and
the real offence of Cordus was that he had irritated
Sejanus by the disgust which he expressed at his
extraordinary power. He defended himself against
the alleged crime by the example of various writers^
and by that of the historian Livy^ whose high en-
comium of Pompey had not been considered as any
obstacle to his friendship with Augustus. After
leaving the senate he refused to take food^ and died
of abstinence. His books were ordered to be
burned by the ediles ; but this circumstance only
increased their reputation^ and heightened the
desire to peruse them. Copies of them were^ there-
fore^ secretly preserved by his daughter Marcia^ to
whom Seneca addresses his treatise upon Consola-
Hauy and also by other persons. They are now^
however^ extinct.
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160 HISTOBY OP
TiBBBiiTs. The people of Cyzicuxn were accused of neglect-
▲.D.fi6. ing the honours due to the deified Augustus^ and
tJTXTiI ®^ having ofiered violence to some Roman citizens ;
96.' * and for these reasons they were deprived of the
liberty which had been bestowed upon them for
sustaining a siege against King Mithridates.
tm. Ann. It. About the Same time the inhabitants of Further
^' ^' Spain sent ambassadors to the senate^ requesting
the permission^ which had been granted to the
cities of Asia^ of raising a temple to Tiberius and
his mother. The emperor^ howev w^ steadily declined
such an honour^ declaring that though he had
yielded to the wishes of the people of Asia^ in
conformity with the example of Augustus^ yet
he considered that it would be ostentatious and
arrogfant to allow the adoration of himself in aU
the provinces^ especially as such a practice would
diminish the reverence paid to Augfustus : as he
was sensible that he was a mortal^ and was
performing the duties of a man^ so he should be
satisfied if his name was honoured with the praise
and affection of the citizens after his decease. To
these prudent sentiments he firmly adhered^ even
in private conversation expressing a reluctance to
receive the divine honours which were impiously
offered him. His conduct in this respect was
imputed by some persons to modesty^ by many
to distrust ; others considered it as a proof of a
pusillanimous spirit^ that he did not^ like Hercules
and Bacchus^ or like Eomulus and Augustus^
aspire to a place among the celestial beings. Such
were the reflections of the Romans^ at the period
of their highest civilization^ on a subject connected
with the plainest elements of religion I
Sejanus^ elated by his extravagant fortune^ and
incited by the importunities of Livia^ the widow of
Tic Ann. iT<
39.
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THE ROMAN EMPEHOBS. 101
Drusus^ who claimed the fulfilment of the promise txbbnius,
which he had given her, wrote to the emperor, a.d.25,
beseeching permission to marry her. The arg'u- ^— v— ^
ments by which he hoped to gain the consent of
Tiberius were, that Augustus had not disdained to
deliberate concerning some Boman knights, as fit
persons to be united to his daughter; that his
marriage with livia would check the ambition of
Agrippina ; and that so high an honour would not
tempt him to resign the laborious duties which he
was in the habit of discharging for the protection
of the emperor, llberius, however, replied, that it
was impossible that he should remain in his present
rank, if he married Livia ; and that the animosity
of Agrippina would only be inflamed by such an
uiion. At the same time he hinted that he had
some distinguished honour in reserve for him, and
that there was nothing which his great virtues, and
devoted fidelity, did not merit.
In the following year the triumphal honours TiBimtut,
were decreed to Poppaeus Sabinus for his victo- a^. d. w.
ries over some wild mountaineers of Thrace, tm. Ann. w.
who had rebelled at seeing the flower of their ^^"***
countrymen destined to increase the strength of
the Roman armies. They had been accustomed to
pay a very lax obedience even to their kings,
nominating their own leaders to the auxiliary
troops which they supplied, and not waging war
farther than against a neighbouring foe. AVhen,
therefore, a rumour was propagated that they were
about to be mixed with other nations, and dispersed
into different lands, they sent ambassadors to the
Boman commanderi promising obedience if they
were not oppressed, but threatening a fierce and
sanguinary war, if they were treated like slaves.
At the some time they showed him their castles
TOLL U
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162 HISTOBY OP
TiB««iu«, elevated upon the rocks^ to which they had removed
A«D. S6. their parents and wives for safety.
^*"'"^^~^ Sabinus eluded them with gentle answers^ until
he had time to collect his forces^ among which
were the auxiliaries of King Rhcemetalces. He
gained but little success in his first attacks^ the
greater part of his Thracian allies being destroyed
tiirough their own remissness. But he gradually
inclosed the mountaineers^ till he reduced them to
the severest extremities : their immense multitudes^
confined in a narrow space^ were dependent upon
a single fountain^ so that the scarcity of water
became a more formidable evil than the attacks of
the besiegers : their horses and beasts of burden
perished for want of fodder^ and their carcases
were mingled with the dead bodies of men^ till the
whole place was polluted with bloodshed and
infection. Their chiefs were at variance with each
other^ and proposed different plans for extricating
themselves from their dreadM condition. Binis^
one of the eldest of them^ declared that there was
no resource but to lay down their arms: he
therefore surrendered himself^ with his wife and
children^ to the Romans^ and his example was
followed by those whom age or sex rendered
helpless^ or who were animated with a greater
love of life than of glory. But the younger
combatants sided with Tarsa and Turesis^ both of
whom had resolved to die for their liberty, though
in different ways. Tarsa, exclaiming that a speedy
termination ought to be put to their hopes and
fears, stabbed himself; and some others perished
in the same desperate manner. Turesis and his
followers resolved to attack the fortifications of the
besiegers by night ; but, as their intentions were
known to the Roman commander, very few were
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 163
able to break through his entrenchments: the tibbeius,
brayeat of them were wounded or slain^ and those a. d. as.
who survived were finally compelled to surrender. ^— v— '
At Home the animosity between Tiberius and Tae. Ann. iv.
Agrippina grew every day more bitter. Hearing *^*""^-
that her cousin^ Claudia Pulchra^ was accused of
adolteiy^ she waited upon Tiberius^ who happened
to be sacrificing to Augustus ; she upbraided him
with the inconsistency of offering victims to the late
emperor^ and persecuting his posterity^ declaring
that the only crime of Pulchra was an imprudent
attachment to her. Tiberius replied by a Greek
rerse^ purporting that she was offended^ because she
did not enjoy tiie supreme power. Pulchra and
Fnmius^ her alleged paramour^ were condemned.
On a subsequent occasion^ when Agrippina was ill;
and Tiberius came to visit her, she besought him^
after shedding many tears^ to have compassion on
her solitary condition^ and grant her the protection
of a husband; but he left her without vouchsafing
any answer. While she was in a state of gidef
and irritation, Sejanus sent in his emissaries, who^
under pretence of friendship, informed her that
there was an intention to poison her, and that she
ought to avoid the table of the emperor. As she
was impetuous and unused to disguise^ she went
to an entertainment, and sitting near Tiberius,
observed a sullen silence, and reftised to partake
of any food ; until, perceiving her behaviour, he
offered her with his own hand some apples that
were placed before them. This circumstance
confirmed the suspicions that had been instilled
into her, and she handed the fruit, without tasting
it, to the slaves. Tiberius turning to his mother
observed, that it was not surprising if he acted
with harshness to a woman who accused him of
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164 HISTORY OP
TiBBKzus, attempts to poison her ; and a report was afterwards
A. D. S6. disseminated^ that he intended to destroy her when
^^^'"^ he could find an opportunity of e£fecting his purpose
secretly.
Tac Aon. It. Tihcrius this vear departed into Campania under
duet, iii! 39,' pretence of dedicating a temple to Jupiter^ and
£oo. iTiu. another to Augustus^ but with a resolution of living*
at a distance from Eome. Such a plan had long
been contemplated by him^ and was generally
attributed to the suggestions of Sejanus^ who
considered that the absence of the emperor would
greatly augment his power^ and allow him to
pursue his ambitious plans with less molestation*
But as Tiberius continued in his retirement six
years after the death of his guilty minister^ Tacitus
doubts whether it might not have originated in his
own wishes^ being congenial to his morose and
cruel disposition^ and to his love of licentious
pleasures ; for at Bhodes he had been accustomed
to avoid society^ and indulge his vicious propen-
sities in secret. Some persons imagined that he
was ashamed of exhibiting his person^ as his fig^ure
was very thin^ tall^ and stooping^ his head was
bald^ and his face disfigured with sores. It was
even affirmed that he wished to escape from the
arbitrary temper of his mother^ with whom he
could not endui*e to share the imperial power^
although he was obliged to show some deference
to her^ as he had gained it by her intrigues. If
this^ however^ had been his principal motive^ he
would have returned to Eome after her death ; but
as he never entered the city again during the whole
remainder of his life^ we may conclude that his
absence^ from whatever cause it originated^ was
agreeable to his own inclinations.
He departed from Home with a very small retinue^
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 163
one senator^ one knight besides Sejanus^ and a few TiBsmius,
men of liberal attainments^ chiefly Greeks^ who were a. d. se.
to refresh and amuse him by their conversation. ^'~^^~'
The adepts in astrology declared^ that he had left
the city in such an aspect of the stars that he could
never return ; and many persons by confiding in this
announcement were the authors of their own ruin^
as they believed he would soon die^ not supposing
it possible that he would voluntarily banish himself
for a period of eleven years. The vain rumours
were increased by the imminent danger which he
encountered a few days after his departure. For
as he was feasting in a grotto near Terracina^ the
front of it suddenly fell in^ and overwhelmed some
of his attendants. The guests were seized with
al^rm ; but while eveiy one else consulted his o^oi
safety^ Sejanus with his hands and body hung over
Tiberius in such a manner^ as to protect him from
the falling materials^ until some soldiers came to
their succour. This instance of his attachment
(from whatever cause it arose) naturally increased
his influence over Tiberius^ and however pernicious
his counsels were^ they appeared to originate from
one who was more devpted to his master's safety
than his own. The fresh confidence^ however^ which
he enjoyed was abused by him in disparaging
and injuring Nero^ the eldest son of Germanicus^
and heir to the imperial dignity.
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166 HISTORY OF
CHAPTER V.
The fall of an amphitheatre at Fidena. — Confla-
gration on Mount Calivs. — Tiberius retires to
the island of Capreay and Agrippina and Nero
are placed under guards. — JJnjttst condemnation
of litius Sabinus. — Death of Julia^ grand^
daughter of Augustus. — Agrippina^ daughter of
Oermanicus, married to On. Domitius. — The
Frisii revolt, and defeat the Bomans. — Tiberius
and Sejanus allow themselves to be seen in Cbm-
pania. — Death and character of Idvia. — Condemn
nation of Agrippina and her two sons. — The
ambitious designs of Sejanus discovered by the
JEhnperor. — They are appointed consuls together.
— Death of Nero , son of Oermanicus.—jKberitis
Torites to tJie Senate against Sejanus, who is sent
to prison and executed on the same day.— His
children put to death. — JHis wife, having ac^
quainted Tiberius nnth the' murder of his son
DrusuSy destroys herself. — Tiberius becomes stiU
more cruel.
TiBBRius, An accident occnired this year at Fidense^ which
1?d!^. was as destructive as a sanguinary war^ and &r
^— V— ' more alarming, because it was unexpected. Atilius^
32/63. * a man of low origin, erected an amphitheatre for
an exhibition of gladiators ; but as his motives were
sordid, he built it so imperfectly, that neither the
foundation nor superstructure were of sufficient
strength. The people of Rome, who had been
much restrained in their pleasures by Tiberius,
flocked thither in great crowds f and when the
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. i 107
edifice was full, it sank undw their weight, over- TiBmmius,
whelming* those who were collected around it, as ▲.D.37.
well as those who were intent upon the spectacle. ^— ^^— '
Fifty thousand persons were killed or injured by
this catastrophe, and the fate of such as were
immediately destroyed seemed less miserable than
that of the wounded and mutilated survivors.
Numbers, who were absent themselves, had relations
implicated in the calamity, and were condemned to
the most torturing anguish, while they searched for
parents or brothers, wives or children. The nobles
generously opened their houses for the reception of
tke sufferers, and supplied every thing necessary
for the alleviation of their pains ; and this, notwith-
standing the degeneracy of the times, was a pleasing
parallel to the conduct of the ancient Romans, who
after great battles used to succour the wounded
with liberality and care. Atilius, the author of
so much miseiy, was banished ; and a decree was
passed, that no one should give an exhibition of
gladiators, unless he possessed sufficient property ;
and that amphitheatres should not be built except
upon foundations of undoubted stability.
The memory of this calamity was still fresh,
when a violent conflagration broke out at Rome, Tac. add. iv.
and destroyed the buildings upon Mount Coelius. '
The people were beginning to complain that the
year was fatal, and that the emperor had departed
under unfavourable omens ; but he checked their
murmurs by a gift of money proportioned to the
damage which had been sustained. Thanks were
voted him by the senate, and the people rewarded
him with their applause, because he had without
solicitation sent for sufferers that were even un-
known to him, and assisted them with his liberality.
It was resolved that the hill should in future be
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168 HISTORY OF
^"s"*?'*' called AuffkistuSy because during the general con-
A.D.«7. flagration a statue of the emperor which stood in
^"""^"^ the house of Junius^ a senator^ had alone remained
uninjured. The ancient name of the hill had been
Querquetulamutj from the number of oaks growing
there ; afterwards^ it had received the appellation
of Callus from Caeles Yibenna^ an Etrurian chief^
whose followers inhabited the Tuscan Street.
Tae. Aon. It. Tiberius having dedicated a temple to Jupiter at
Suet iii. 40. Capua^ and to Augustus at Nola^ left the continent
of Italy and secluded himself in the island of
Capreee^ which is distant about three miles from
the promontory of Surrentum in Campania. He
is supposed to have selected this spot as the
place of his retreat, because it was difficult of
access^ and easily guarded^ being surrounded on
all sides by steep and lofty rocks. The situation
is mild in winter, being protected from the severe
winds ; but in summer it is cooled by the western
breeze and an open sea, and commands a view of
the bay of Naples, which before the devastations
committed by the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius, was
more beautifnl than it is now. The Teleboans are
said to have settled there; but Augustus obtained it
from the Neapolitans in exchange for some other
Dion. VA. territory. In this retreat Tiberius, renouncing his
former attention to business, abandoned himself to
indolence and the most licentious and detestable
pleasures. His fierce cruelty and rash suspicions
Tac. Ann. iT. Were fomented by Sejanua still more openly than
^' when he was at Borne; so that Agrippina and Nero
were placed under the inspection of guards, and a
register was kept of all their words and conduct.
T*c. Ann. It. The begpinuing of the following year was ren-
Son!?ki. dered infamous by the condemnation of Titius
Sabinus, an illustrious Roman knight, who had
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THE ROMAN EMFEBORS. 160
been the friend of Germanicus, and wfao continned TiBsmrvs,
to his widow and children the same attachment that a. d. ss.
he had shown them in their prosperity. This con- ^~x^^
stancy^ which procured him the applause of the
gx>od^ rendered him an easy object of attack for the
malice of the designing. Four men of praetorian
rank, of whom Latinius Latiaris was the principal,
concerted a plan for destroying him, with a view of
gaining the favour of Sejanus, and being elevated
to the consulship. Latiaris, who possessed some
intimacy with Sabinus, gradually insinuated himself
into his confidence, by commending his fidelity to
an afflicted family, by extolling the character of
Germanicus^ and commiserating the fate of Agrip-
pina. By this apparent union of their sentiments
he at last instigated him to indulge in free and
unrestrained complaints, to inveigh agninst the
cruelty and ambition of Sejanus, and not even to
spare the character of the emperor. Latiaris,
having thus induced his victim to confide in him,
concealed the three senators, who were his accom-
plices, between the roof and ceiling of his chamber,
where they heard Sabinus give expression to all
the angry feelings which his enemy had artfully
cherished. They sent letters to Tiberius, disclosing
the guilt of Sabinus, and the despicable artifice by
which they had become acquainted with it. He
was immediately condemned, although it was the
first of January, a day of religious solemnity and
public rejoicing. As he was dragged to prison
he exclaimed against the injustice of his fate, and
the tyranny of Sejanus, but wherever he turned his
eyes or directed his words, the citizens fled from him,
as if he was contaminated ; some after fleeing re-
turned, and showed themselves again, being afraid
lest the sudden expression of their fears should be
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71
76.
170 HISTOBY OP
TzBBHxu8> interpreted into g^t: The minds of all men were
A.V^. naturally filled with alarm and disti*ust^ as they
^~>^~^ imagfined that every acquaintance might be ready
to betray them^ and that the very walls of their
houses might aiFord concealment to their enemies*
'hMs. Ann. iT. Julia^ the grand-daughter of Augustus^ died
this year in the island of Trimerum^ to which she
had been banished for adultery. She was sup-
ported by the assistance of Augusta^ who^ after
she had secretly subverted the descendants of her
husband^ ostentatiously showed them compassion
in their misfortunes.
iw;.Aiui.iT. Agrippina^ the daughter of Germanicus^ was
married to Cn. Domitius^ who^ besides the antiquity
of his family^ could boast of being related to the
Geesars^ as he was the grandson of Octavia^ the
sister of Augustus.
Tie. Ann. iT. The Frisii, a people beyond the Bhine^ were
instigated to take up arms^ more by the avarice of
the Romans^ than by any desire of rebellion.
Brusus had commanded them to pay a certain
number of bulls' hides for their tribute ; but as the
kind had not been specified^ Olennius^ the Boman
governor^ fixed upon those of the best and largest
description. This was found exceedingly burden-
some to the Germans^ whose herds were not
numerous^ although their forests abounded with
wild beasts. Being compelled to surrender their
lands^ and to see their wives and children reduced
to slavery, they found they had no remedy but in
open resistance, and they hung upon gibbets the
soldiers who collected the odious tribute. L. Apro-
nius, the proprcetor of Lower Germany, collected a
very considerable army ; but by attacking the in-
surgents in an ill-concerted manner, and with
only part of his forces at a time, he sustained a
78—74.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 171
disgraceful defeat^ which he did not attempt to ttbbviui,
revenge. a.d.88.
The Frisii by this action acquired great renown, ^— v— ^
andTiberius chose rather to dissemble the loss which
his army had suffered, than to entrust any one with
the management of the war. The senators also were
regardless of the condition of the distant parts of
the empire, as they were trembling for their own
safety, which they endeavoured to secure by the
most abject flattery. They decreed that an altar
should be erected to Clemency, and another to
Friendship, and that the images of Caesar and
Sejanus should be placed aroimd them; they also
entreated that they would allow themselves to be
seen. The emperor and his favourite yielded to this
request, and quitted their insular retreat, but did
not condescend to go further than the neighboturing
coast of Campania. Thither the senators, the
knights, and a great part of the people eagerly
flocked, being anxious to gain the notice of Sejanus,
who was more difficult of access than his master.
His arrogance was obviously increased by observ-
ing the servile adulation of the citizens, who lay
day and night on the plains or on the shore, and
were compelled to court the favour or endure the
repulses of his door-keepers, in seeking admission
to him. When they were ordered to return home,
the persons who had not been permitted to see
him were filled with dismay; although eventually
they were more fortunate than many others, to
whom his friendship proved fatal.
In the following year livia, the wife of Augustus tibbrius,
and mother of Tiberius, expired, after having at- a*.*d/^.
tained more than eighty years of age. In the jI^-^""-^-
virtue and decorum of her family she endeavoured won. iviii.
to imitate the ancient Boman women, but indulged 50, 51. '
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173 HISTOBT OP
TzBBmxvs, in greater courtesy and affability^ than they allowed
A.D.99. themselves. She was an easy and obliging wife^
"^"^^^^^ but an arbitrary mother^ and was well qualified to
cope both with the artifices of her husband^ and
the dissimulation of her son. Tiberius had long*
been at variance with her ; he was ang^ at ber
interference in public affairs^ was jealous of any
honours that were paid to her^ and bore with im-
patience the authority she wished to usurp over
him. For the space of three years he saw her but
once^ and then only for a short time ; he did not
visit her in her last illness^ nor attend her fiineral^
but allowed her corpse to grow putrid^ while bis
arrival was vainly expected. Her will was dis-
regarded by him^ and all her friends and acquaint-
ances became the objects of his persecution. A
public panegyric was pronounced over her by
C. Ceesar^ who was afterwards emperor ; but her
obsequies were performed with very little splen-
dour^ because Tiberius had written to the senate^
declining the honours which they had voted her^
and commanding them not to deify her^ as sucb
(he declared) was her own wish. The senators were
desirous to show respect to her memor}^^ because
she had often saved the lives of the citizens^ had
educated many youths^ and given dowries to many
virgins ; so that she did not appear altogether un-
worthy of the title, which she received, of Mother
of her country. She is supposed to have been reck-
less as to what crimes she committed for the sake
of aggrandizing herself and family ; but in other
respects she seems not to have been deficient in
generosity and virtue. Her behaviour respecting-
the conspiracy of Cinna has been already related.
On another occasion, when some men were going to
be put to death because they had the misfortune to
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 173
meet lier while they were in a state of iiudity^ she txbbrxus,
saved them hy ohserving^ that to modest women they 2^i^2i.
would not appear different from statues. This ^— v— ^
remark would prohahly carry with it more force in
ancient Rome^ which was filled with statues^ than
in modem cities^ which are so destitute of such works
of art. When she was asked by what means she had
gained such an ascendancy over Augnistus^ she re-
plied^ by observing the strictest chastity, by cheer-
fully performing his commands, but not interfering
in his affairs, by not being offended at his amoui*s,
not even appearing to be acquainted with them.
This declaratk>n clearly shows, that she knew how to
suppress all her feelings in subordination to her
ambition. After the death ofher husband, her name
of lavia was merged in those of Julia Augusta.
As long as she lived, her authority was considered Tae; Ann. w.
as some restraint both upon the cruelty of Tiberius, **^
and the ambition of Sejanus. After her death they
pursued their inclinations with greater recklessness;
and a letter, which was supposed to have been
delayed by her influence, was sent to the senate,
complaining of the behaviour of Agrippina and
Nero. It was written with great asperity, but
instead of alleging any political offence, worthy of
the cognizance of such an assembly, it accused the
mother merely of arrogance and contumacy, and the
son of being addicted to juvenile pleasures. The
senate received the information in silence and dis-
may: some of the most servile wished to proceed with
severity against the unfortunate victims, but the
chief members and the magistrates were filled with
anxious suspense, because, though the emperor had
inveighed against the accused, he had left his inten-
tions enveloped in uncertainty. The people in the
mean time surrounded the senate-house, carrying
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174 HIBTOBY OF
TzBBmnrt, the images of Agprippina and Nero^ and declaring
2 D.^!^. that the letter was forged^ and that their lives were
^— V— ^ endangered in opposition to the will of the prince.
No sentence^ therefore^ was passed against them on
that day 3 but when a second letter arrived from
Tiberius^ complaining of the delay of the senate
and the turbulence of the people^ they were con-
soflt UL demned. Agrippina was banished to the island of
53,64,66. Pandataria, on the coast of Campania; and when
she could not abstain from reproaches^ she was
beaten by a centurion^ till one of her eyes was
knocked out. Nero was sent into the island of
Pontia ; and Drusus^ being involved in the condem-
nation of his brother^ was kept in chains at Rome.
TzBSHzvt, ^6 power of Sejanus had now increased to such
▲.Vao. ^ ^^^^^} that the Romans began to regard him as
Dion. iTiiL their ruler even more than Tiberius himself. This
JjJ**^^ year, however, was fatal to his ambition, as Tiberius
6. discovered his designs, either by his own sagacity
and penetration, or by some positive intelligence
which he received. If we may credit Josephus,
the information was supplied by Antonia, the widow
of his brother Drusus, who dispatched her servant
Pallas to the island of Capreae, with a full account
of the guilty intentions of his favourite. Tiberius,
aware of the influence which Sejanus possessed both
over the troops and the senate, resorted to his usual
expedients of dissimulation and cunning : instead
of manifesting any distrust, he appeared to increase
his confidence in him, called him his friend and the
partner of his labours, and nominated him to the
consulship in the ensuing year in conjunction with
himself. Deceived by these appearances, the
people thought it politic to pay the same honours
to one as to the other : it was decreed that they
should be appointed consuls together for the space
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THE BOMAN EMPEROB& 175
of five years : and at last sacrifices were offered to TxasHiut,
the statues of the minister^ as well as of the ^.^0.^90.
emperor. Among the monstrous follies of idolatry^ ^— y— '
it deserves to be recoi*ded^ that Sejanus used to
offer sacrifices to himself I
Tiberius assumed his fifth and last consulcihip^ tibskxvs,
and Sejanus^ being appointed his colleague^ was A.D.3i.
dismissed by an honourable pretext from the pre-saetyi.26,
sence of his master^ who now both suspected and Dion. iriu.
feared him. Neither of them retained the office
beyond the month of May^ other consuls^ according
to the custom of those days^ being nominated in
their stead. Sejanus for a time was in possession
of such absolute power^ that he appeared to be
emperor, and Tiberius no more than the ruler of a
petty island. All the respect and adulation of the
Bomans were directed to the minister^ who exacted
them^ especially from the nobles^ with the rigour
of a jealous aspirant claiming honours^ to which he
is conscious that he is not entitled. Tiberius^
anxiously watching his proceedings^ perplexed
both him and the Roman people by the artifices
which he adopted for the purpose of exploring
their sentiments. At one time he wrote to Sejanus
and the senate^ stating that he was ill^ and at the
point of death ; at another time^ that he had re-
covered^ and would immediately return to Rome.
Sometimes he extolled his minister^ and sometimes
disparaged him : part of his friends he promoted
for his sake^ and part he disgraced. By this
fluctuating behaviour Sejanus was kept in con-
tinual alternation of hope and fear^ receiving
neither sufficient encouragement^ nor sufficient
provocation to urge him to the execution of his
schemes. The people also^ deceived by contra-
dictory accounts^ knew not what behaviour they
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176 HIStOBY OP
TxauicB, ought to observe towards Sejanus^ nor whether it
.i.D.3u was right to expect the death of Tiberius^ or his
^'^>^^^ arrival in Rome*.
Dion. iTiiL Sejanus was flattered by being elevated to the
priesthood in conjunction with the emperor and
Caius Caligula^ the son of Germanicus: but
on the other hand^ when he requested permission to
go into Campania^ he was commanded by Tiberius
to stay where he was^ as he himself would soon be
in Kome. He was also mortified at the praises
which the emperor bestowed upon Caius^ when he
gave him the priesthood^ and at the manner in
which he almost designated him as his successor.
He had encouraged himself with the opinion^ that
the people would support his pretensions ; but he
now discovered that they were warmly attached to
Caius^ on account of the memory of his father^ and
that tiiey listened with pleasure to the commenda-
tions which he received. He began^ therefore^ to
repent that he had not endeavoured to execute his
projects^ while he was invested with the powers of
the consulship.
8ii«tm.64. About this time Nero died of hunger in the
island of Pontia; although it was the general
belief that he destroyed himself, being terrified by
the executioner^ who pretended to be sent by the
authority of the senate, and showed him the appal-
ling instruments of death. In writing upon this
subject to the senate, Tiberius gave his minister
the mere appellation of Sejanus, which was contrary
to his usual style. He also commanded that no
sacrifices should be offered to any man, and that
DioiLlYilL
* Dion (IviiL) relates eeTeral prodigies which he eonaiden wen
dationa of the fiOl of Sejanua. One of theee waa, that a cooeh la the
cfaamber, whan ha recelTed the aalntattona of hia frienda, broke down bj tb«
multitade of penona sitting upon it ! On another occaaion, whoa ha waa
going oat of hia hoaae,a eat ran through the midst of his attendants!
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 177
no honours should be decreed to himself; both of TiBBRius,
• 17 18
which were considered as oblique prohibitions of a. d. si.
the extravagfant flattery which was paid to Sejanus. ^^^^'^^^
The awe and respect^ therefore^ which had been
shown to his name^ began to be impaired^ and the
numbers of his partisans sensibly diminished.
Tiberius^ conceiving that he might now rely nidn. wih.
upon the support of the senate and the people^
determined to overthrow his obnoxious minister ;
but in order more effectually to prevent his sus-
picions^ he caused a rumour to be propagated that
he intended to invest him with the tribunician
power. He secretly bestowed the command of
the prsetorian guards upon Neevius Sertorius
Macro^ and instructed him in the manner in
which he wished the apprehension of Sejanus
to be effected. Macro^ concealing the purpose
for which he came^ entered Rome by nighty and
comniunicated the orders that he had received^
to Lacoy the captain of the night guards^ and to
Memmius Regulus^ one of the consuls; for the
other consul was a friend of Sejanus. In the
morning he proceeded to the Palatium, where the
senators were to meet in the temple of Apollo^ and
at the entrance he accosted SejanuS; who was
dispirited at not receiving any letters from the
emperor : but when he was privately informed by
Macro, that he was going to be raised to the
tribunician power, his spirits revived, and he
entered the senate full of the most buoyant expec-
tations. Macro ordered the preetorian troops that
accompanied Sejanus to retire to their camp,
having first apprized them that he was appointed
their praefect, and promised them a donative in the
name of the emperor. In their place he posted the
night g^rds round the temple, and, having entered,
VOL. X. N
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178 HISTORY OF
^"'"ifT** delivered to the consuls the letter with which he
A.D.8i. had been entrusted by Tiberius ; but he withdrew
^""^^■"^ before it was perused^ leaving to Laco the custody
of the senate^ while he himself hastened to prevent
any disturbance in the praetorian camp.
Sa0t UL 66. The letter of Tiberius was long and pusillani-
mous^ but composed with sufficient dexterity and
art. Instead of making any explicit and connected
charge against his minister^ he began with some
irrelevant topic^ next inserted a short complaint
against Sejanus^ then digressed^ and afterwards
returned to his accusation. At last he commanded
that two senators^ who were lus friends^ should be
punished^ and that he himself should be placed in
custody ; for though he wished him to be put to
death^ he did not venture expressly to order it^ for
fear of exciting a sedition.
When the purport of the letter was understood^
the senators^ who just before had been obsequiously
extolling Sejanus^ and expressing their readiness
to grant him the tribunician power^ were thrown
into the greatest confusion and alarm; some of
them^ who were sitting close to him^ rose from their
seats^ as if it was dangerous to be near the man^
whose friendship they had lately courted with the
most servile assiduity. The prsetors and tri-
bunes of the people surrounded him^ that he might
not endeavour to escape^ and raise a commotion;
and it is supposed he would have made the attempt
at first, if the accusations against him had not been
so artfully arranged^ that each by itself appeared
too insigfnificant to portend any danger. Begulua
the consul called him by name three times before
he made any reply^ either because he was astounded
at the sudden vicissitude of his fortune, or (accord-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 179
ing' to Dion) because he had been lon^ unused to txberius,
receive the commands of others. At length he A.D.3i.
arose^ and Laco^ having entered the temple^ placed ' — "^^^
himself before him. The senators^ who had partly
recovered from their surprise, began with great
vehemence to express their hatred and indignation
against him : some were instigated by fear^ and
others by the injuries which they had suffered from
him: some wished to obliterate the memory of
their friendship with him, and others were sincerely
glad at the overthrow of his power. As, however,
he had many relatives and friends in the senate,
Regnlus did not venture to propose that he should
be put to death ; he merely took the vote of a single
senator for apprehending him, and then, escorted
by the other magistrates and by Laco, conducted
him to prison.
Sejanus now experienced a fatal proof of the
instability of human power, and the deceitfulness
of that homage which had been paid to him in the
height of his grandeur. Although a little before
he had been nearly invested with the highest
earthly dignity, and had received a species of
worship which represented him as equal to a god,
he was now carried to prison with every mark of
msult and degradation; he was beaten on the
head, and the robe with which he endeavoured to
hide his confiision, was rudely torn from his face.
As the people collected, they upbraided him with
the deaths of the innocent persons whom he had
destroyed, they ridiculed his ambitious hopes
which had been so suddenly frustrated, and at last
threw down and broke his statues, which a little
before they had worshipped. The senate re-
assembled on the same day in the temple of
N2
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180 HISTOBY OP
TiBMxus, Concord, near the prison, and, observing^ the indig-
A.D.3i. nation of the people against him, and the tran-
^^^'^ quillity of the preetorian troops, condemned him
to death. The respite, which the laws allowed,
was not granted him, but he was immediately
senec do exccuted : his body was cast on the. Gemonian
^^*°^* "• steps, and after it had been exposed there for three
days to the insults of the peoplie, its mutilated
remains were thrown into the Tiber. Such was
the fate of Sejanus; but, sudden and extraordinary
as it was, it excites but little commiseration, for
he was destitute of all ^eat and exalted qualities,
he rose to power by the commission of the most
base and atrocious crimes, and never employed his
authority except for the gratification of hJs own
Tte. Ann. tl sclfishuess and cruelty. His execution took place
on the 18th of October*.
Dion.i?iiL Violent disorders were immediately committed
in the city. For wherever the people found the
partisans of Sejanus, they massacred l^em ; and
at the same time the prsetorian ti'oops, provoked
at being* suspected of favouring Sejanus, and at
seeing the night guards more trusted than them*
selves, indulged their anger by pillaging and
burning.
The senators, many of whom had been the friends
of Sejanus, were now apprehensive for their own
safety, and joined in decrees for degrading his name,
and execrating his memory. They ordered that no
one should be permitted to mourn for him ; that a
statue of Liberty should be erected in the forum, aa
if they had been delivered from slavery ; and that
the day of his death should be celebrated with
* Thfl daMical retder will remember the spirited deecripCion of the iUl
of S^anni in the tenth Mtire of JavenaL
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 181
annual games. Accusations were made against tibsrius,
P. ViteUius for intending to employ the public aVd/si.
money, with which he was entrusted, in favour of tJ]T^7^
Sejanus; and against Pomponius Secundus for 8. 9.
allowing a friend of the obnoxious minister to
take refuge in his gardens. Both were delivered
into the custody of their brothers, who were sure-
ties for them. ViteUius, impatient of the suspense
and anxiety which he suffered, opened his veins
with a penknife and died; but Pomponius, who
was distinguished for his poetical genius and his
elegant manners, bore his calamity with greater
'equanimity, and had the good fortune to survive
Tiberius.
It was afterwards resolved that the children of
Sejanus should be put to death, although the .anger
of most persons was by this time sufficiently
appeased. His son was conducted to prison fully
aware of his fate ; but the daughter was too young
to apprehend the barbarities which awaited her.
Such was the brutality of pagan superstition, that
before her death she was violated by the exe-
cutioner, because it was not deemed lawful that a
virgin diould be killed in prison ! She had been
betrothed to the son of Claudius.
Apicata, the divorced wife of Sejanus, was Dion. uiii.
not condemned: but when the unhappy woman
heard of the death of her children, and saw their
bodies ignominiously exposed, she wrote an ac-
count of the way in which Drusus, the son of the
emperor, had been poisoned, with the assistance of
his wife Livia; and, having dispatched this to
Tiberius, she put herself to death. Livia, and all
her guilty accomplices, were destroyed by Tiberius.
According to some accounts, however, he spared
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182
HISTORY OF
TiBSKiva,
17,18.
A. D. 31.
Suetiii. 66.
Dion. Will.
Snet. UL 61,
62.
Livia for the sake of her mother^ Antonia ; but
she^ enraged at her daughter's atrocities^ caused her
to die by starvation.
Tiberius was so fearful respecting the apprehen-
sion of Sejanus^ that he kept watch on a very high
rock in the island of Capreee^ ordered intelligence
to be communicated to him by signals^ and had
vessels ready for securing his escape^ in case he
should be compelled to flee. He is even said to
have given instructions to Macro that^ if a danger-
ous tumult arose^ he should liberate Drusus, who
was confined at Rome^ and proclaim him emperor.
After the destruction of Sejanus^ his fear did not
immediately subside^ but he secluded himself in
his villa for nine months. The deputation of
senators^ knights^ and people^ which came to con-
gratulate him ou the events was not admitted; and
he even refused to see Regulus^ although he had
requested in his letter^ that one of tilie consuls
should be sent to escort him to Rome.
Some persons had expected that after the death
of Sejanus he would pursue a more mild and equit^
able mode of government^ supposing that many
acts of cruelty bad been committed without his
knowledge^ or at the instigation of his minister.
Rut this hope was quite faUacious. His ferocity
and revenge were indulged in destroying the friends
and acquaintances of Sganus ; and the information
which he received respecting the death of his son
Drusus gave a fresh impulse to his vindictive
feelings. While he was investigating this black
transaction^ which had been so long concealed from
him^ a person who had been his friend at Rhodes,
and to whom he had given a courteous invitation,
had the misfortune to arrive. As soon as he was
announced, Tiberius imagining that he was one of
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 183
the culprits concerned in the murder^ commanded tibihiub,
him to be put to the torture; and when the mis- a. 0.31.
take was ascertained^ he added wilful injustice to ^~v^-^
that which had been accidentally inflicted^ by
ordering* him to be killed. A place was shown at
CapresB from whidi condemned persons^ after un-
dergoing long and exquisite torments^ were in his
presence precipitated into the sea^ where they
were attacked by a body of mariners^ and beaten
to pieces with poles and oars.
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184 HISTORY OF
CHAPTER VI.
T^berin^ visits the Tiber ^ and returns to Caprea. —
Submissive conduct of the Senate. — Tiberius
avows to them his wretchedness.-^Prosecutions at
Home. — M. Terentius acknowledges hisjriendship
with SejanuSy and boldly defends his conduct. —
Dearth at Rome. — Marriage of the daughters of
Qermanicus. — Distress on account of usury. —
Deaths of several persons. — Tiberius orders all
the supposed friends of Sejanus to be executed. —
Deaths of Ashiius OalluSy DrusuSy Agrippina,
PlanciiULy and Cocceius Nerva. — Marriage of
Caius CtBsarj and his duplicity. — Prediction con-
cerning Galba. — Thrasyllus the astrologer. — The
appearance of a Phcenix. — Deaths of Pomponius
Labeo and Mamercus Scaurus. — Lentulus Getur
licus saves himself by his bold remonstrance. —
Deaths ofFalcinius Trio and others. — ArtabanuSy
King qfParthiay seizes Armeniafor his eldest son.
— Is expelled from his dominions by the Romans
and IberianSy but in a short time recovers his king^
dom. — His hatred of Tiberius.
TiBBRius, TiB£BTUS quitted the island of Caprese for a time^
l\]ti. aJid coasted along Campania, apparently uncertain
' — ^— ^ whether he should visit Rome or not ; or perhops
suet^*72/'^® was desirous to persuade others that he was
coming, merely because he had adopted a contrary
resolution. He sailed, however, in a trireme as far
as his gardens on the Tiber, having stationed
soldiers to protect him from the inti-usion of the
citizens. He afterwards retired to his rocky soli-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 185
tdde^ in order to indulge without molestatibn the tibbaius,
fierce and unnatural passions with which, he was a.d/^.
inflamed. Victims of his lust were sought from ' — ^^^^
the most tirtuous and exalted families; and if
parents or relatives resisted the aggression^ they
were doomed to experience every species of igno-
miny and violence.
It had heen usual when the senators swore fidelity Dion, itul
to the emperor on the first of January^ for only ^.^^^'
one of them to pronounce the oath^ the others de-
claring their acquiescence in it; hut this year they
wished to give a greater proof of their submission^
by resolving that every one should take the oath
separately. It was also proposed^ that whenever
the emperor entered the senate/ he should be
protect^ by a guard of twenty armed senators ;
but he was too prudent to put weapons into the
hands of men whom he distrusted^ and who^ not-
withstanding their professed devotion, sincerely
hated him. Junius GaUio recommended^ that the
praetorian troops who had served their time should
have the privilege of viewing the spectacles in the
Beats of the knights. This suggestion^ by which
he had hoped to ingratiate himself with Tiberius^
appeared to be an interference with the military^
and was so offensive to the emperor that he imme-
diately expelled him from the senate^ and after-
wards banished him from Italy; but when he
found that he had selected Lesbos for the place of
his exile^ he considered that such a retreat would
be too agreeable^ and therefore commanded him to
return to Rome^ and to be placed in the custody
of the magistrates.
Among the numerous persons that fell by the Tac. Ann. ▼!.
attacks of the public accusers^ Latinius Latiaris,
who had been concerned in the infamous plot
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186 HI8T0BY OF
^"s'Yo!*' ^^&*^^^^ Titius Sabinos^ perished without comxni-
A. D. 38. seration. Cotta Messalinus^ another man of odious
character^ appealed to the emperor agfainst the
charges made by his adversaries. Tiberius in
reply acknowledged his friendship with him^ and
endeavoured to palliate his offences ; but at the
commencement of his letter he made the following
extraordinary confession : ^^ If I know what to
write to you, 0 conscript fathers, or how to write,
may the gods and goddesses destroy me with a
more miserable death, than that which I feel my-
self daily undergoing.^ Thus his fierce crimes
had become his tormentors, and were inflicting
part of the punishment which was due to his
heinous depravity. Justly, therefore, (observes
Tacitus) was it affirmed by a renowned teacher* of
wisdom, that if the hearts of tyrants could be laid
open, they would appear to be lacerated with
wounds ; for as the flesh of the body is torn by
stripes, so the mind is torn by cruelty, licentious-
ness, and evil projects. The absolute power of
Tiberius could not protect him from misery ; his
solitude could not conceal his wretchedness, nor
restrain him from avowing it to those who would
most rejoice at the exposure.
Tac. Ann. vi. As the emperor was harassed with disquietudes,
'" ' so were his subjects; for impeachments were daily
going forward, and eminent senators engaged in
the most degrading accusations, some with open
audacity, but more with secret malice. No confi-
dence coidd be reposed in friends and relatives
more than in strangers ; old charges and new were
equally advanced; conversation upon the most
indifferent subjects, in the forum or at the feast,
supplied materials for the malignity of informers.
• Plato.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 187
Even women were not exempt from danger^ and if ^*""*^*'
they could not be accused of designs against the a. d. ds.
state^ they were accused of shedding tears j and ^"^^^^
the aged mother of Fufius Geminus was actually
killed for lamenting the death of her son. So
numerous were the trials and punishments^ that^
Tadtas observes^ they were omitted by most
writers for fear of exhausting the patience of their
readers.
Amidst such prosecutions^ while many persons Tac. Ann. tls.
endeavoured to save themselves by disclaiming all
friendship with Sejanus^ a Boman knight^ named
M. Terentius^ boldly avowed the fact when he was
accused of it^ and made the following defence in
the senate: — ^^ Perhaps it may be* less advan-
tageous to me to acknowledge the crime alleged
against me than to deny it; but whatever the
result may be^ I will confess that I was a friend
of Sejanus^ that I courted his friendship, and re-
joiced in the acquisition of it. I first beheld him
united vnth his father in the command of the
praetorian cohorts, and afterwards discharging
equally the civil and military offices of the state.
His kindred and relations were invested with
honours ; every one enjoyed the favour of Coesar
in proportion to his influence with Sejanus, while
his adversaries lived in ignominy and fear. Our
respect therefore was not paid to Sejanus of
Yolsinium, but to Sejanus who had allied himself
with the Claudian and Julian families, to your
expected son-in-law, 0 Caesar, to your colleague in
the consulship, and the partner of your labours in
the administration of the state. It is not our duty
to scrutinize the man whom you exalt, nor the
reasons for which you exalt him. The gods have
granted to you the supreme decision in all things ;
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188 HISTOBY OP
^'iVVJ'*' our gflory consists in submission alone. We can
A.o.d3. observe your overt acts^ and notice upon whom
^^^''"^ you bestow wealth and honours^ as you did upon
Sejanus ; but it is unlawAil and hazardous for us
to investigate the hidden sentiments and secret
determinations of the prince. Do not^ 0 conscript
fathers^ reflect upon the last day alone of Sejanus's
life^ but the preceding sixteen years : remember^
that we paid homage to his dependents^ and
deemed it a gfreat distinction to be acquainted with
his freedmen and door-keepers. I do not desire
that the defence which I have made should be ap-
plied indiscriminately to all the friends of Sejanus.
Let a just distinction be adopted. Those who have
been guilty of plots against the state^ or treason
against the emperor^ ought to be punished ; but as
to the question of mere friendship with Sejanus^
the same sentence which acquits you^ 0 Caesar^
will also acquit us.''
The boldness of this harangue^ and its exact
accordance with the secret sentiments of all who
heard it^ had so powerful an effect^ that the accusers
of Terentius^ in consideration of their former as
well as present offences^ were punished with exile
Dion. ivui. or death. L. Sejanus^ the praetor^ escaped with
impunity^ although he offered a gratuitous and
studied insult to the emperor. For in derision of
the baldness of Tiberius^ he employed none but
bald men at the feast of the Floralia^ and the
crowds^ on leaving the theatre^ were lighted by five
thousand boys with their heads shaved. Tiberius^
with more magnanimity than usually distinguished
him^ took no notice of this affront; but all bald
persons fi*om that time received the appellation of
Sejanu
Tac. Ano. vi. ^ scdition was nearly excited at Rome on
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THE ROHAN EMPEROBS. 180
account of the scarcity of com. The people having* ^"■•"^•»
for several days clamoured agtiinst Tiberius in the ▲. 0.32.
theatre^ he reproved the mag^trates and senators ^"^^"^
for not checking* them by their authority^ and he
declared that he imported more cora than Augus-
tus^ naming the provinces from which it came. A
decree of the senate was consequently passed^
reprimanding the outrages of the people; but
although this was conformable with ancient usage^
the citizens complained as if Tiberius had treated
them with arrogance^ by not addressing them
himself.
After long deliberation he bestowed the two tzbbeivb,
daughters of Germanicus in marriage^ Drusilla on a.^o.^.
L. CSassius^ and Julia on M, Y inicius. The hus- tu. aud. w.
bands were men of moderate rank and quiet ifton. iyul
dispositions^ and were but slightly commended by
Tiberius^ when he wrote to the senate respecting
their marriage. In the same letter, having assigned
some vague reasons for his absence^ he complained
of the odium to which he was exposed for the sake
of the republic^ and requested^ that as often as he
entered Uie senate-house^ Macro the prefect^ and a
few of the tribunes and centurions^ should be ad-
mitted with him. The senators readily acquiesced^
and even proposed that they themselves should be
searched at the doors of the house^ lest they should
conceal any weapons about them. But all these
degrading precautions were unnecessar}'^ as he
never entered Rome aguin.
Oreat alarm and distress arose amonir the citi- tm- Ann. vl
10 17
lens by the practice of usury^ which had always '
been at Home a cause of discord and sedition^ and
which^ though attempts were made to restrain it
by severe laws, had alwa3rs prevailed through the
arts of interested indindunls. Tiberius relieved
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100 HISTORY OF
'^i9^M^' the scarcity of money by depositing a certain sum
A.D.33. at the banks^ from which persons were allowed to
^"•^^^^ borrow without interest for three years, by giving*
their estates as security for double the amount.
Tu.Aii]L7i. Although this act seemed to show a certain
' ' regfard for the welfare of the citizens, yet he con-
tinued to destroy their lives with unmitigated
cruelty. Fompeia Macrina was sentenced to
banishment, after her husband and father-in-law
had been kUled : her brother and father anticipated
their condemnation by putting themselves to death.
The alleged crime was, that their ancestor, Theo-
phanes of Mitylene, had been a friend of Fompey
the Great, and after his death had received divine
honours from the superstition of the Greeks.
Although such a crime could not, consistently with
justice, be punished by Tiberius, who was himself
a worshipper of Augustus, yet it proves to what a
dreadful extent idolatry prevailed in the civilized
world.
•tm. Ann. Ti. Sextus MaHus, one of the richest men of Spain,
iMlm. ivui. was accused of committing incest with his daughter,
and precipitated from the Tarpeian rock ; but the
real causes of his death were supposed to be his
care in protecting lus daughter from the lust of
Tiberius, and his great riches, which became the
property of the emperor. Irritated rather than
softened by the many punishments which he had
inflicted, Tiberius at length ordered that all who
were in prison, and were accused of being accom«
plices of Sejanus, should be put to death. An
immense number of persons of both sexes, and of
every age and condition, were the victims of this
sang^nary edict. Their corpses were scattered
in different places, or exposed in heaps. Neither
friends nor relatives were permitted to stand by
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 101
them^ to weep over them^ nor even to look at them txbbbius,
for any len^h of time; and guards^ who were a!d.^.
placed around^ carefully noticed the grief of every ^— v— ^
one, and watched the putrefying bodies^ until they
were dragged to the Tiber. Even then, as they
floated along or were washed to the banks, no one
was allowed to pay them funeral rites^ nor to touch
them. The duties of humanity were suspended by
fear, and in proportion as cruelty became common,
sympathy and compassion were interdicted.
Asinius Gallus, who had married Yipsania the Tae. Ann. yi.
repudiated wife of Tiberius, and was remarkable iho^i? m.
for his freedom of speech^ expired this year after a
tedious confinement. He had been sent in the
year 80, on a deputation to the emperor, and had
been entertained by him with apparent cordiality:
but on the very same day Tiberius, with the basest
perfidy, dispatched to the senate a letter which
procured Ins condemnation. He would not allow
him the boon of death which he desired, but con*
signed him to the custody of the magistrates, in
order to prolong his misery. This was a species
of cruelty which he frequently exercised; and upon
one occasion, when mention was made of putting
a prisoner to death, he observed with cool malig-
nity, ^^I am not yet reconciled to him.*' Gallus,
after suffering much ill treatment, died of hunger ;
but it is uncertain whether or not his death was
voluntary. Tiberius allowed him the rites of
burial, but lamented that accident had carried him
off before he was openly convicted of his crimes ;
as if a space of three years had not been sufficient
for bringing him to trial. He was a man of
consular rank, and many of his sons held the same
dignity.
Drusus the son of Germanicus was next destroyed.
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192 HISTOBY OP
TxBBSTvs, after ondergoing* such misery^ that he endearpured
▲.D.S3. to support himself by devouring the flock of his
^•"'^''"^ bed, A rumour having been propagated that
Tiberius intended to be reconciled to him and his
mother^ the savage t3rrant resolved to show that
barbarity was more congenial to him than the
tardy justice of repentance. He inveighed bitterly
against Drusus even after his death^ and ordered
that the account which had been kept of his words
and actions should be read in the senate. It seemed
almost incredibly atrocious that persons should be
placed over him for years to observe his looks^ and
to record his gfroans and lamentations^ and that
the emperor should peruse the horrid detail^ and
publish it to the world. Nor was it a little
surprising^ that he who had formerly beea so
cautious in Veiling his crimes^ should throw open^
as it were/ the doors of the prison-house^ and
expose the son of his nephew under the lash of
the centurion^ the insults of slaves^ and the agonies
of famine.
TM.Aim.yL The horror excited by his death was soon
SMtuLfid. heightened by the intelligence that his mother
Agnppina had undergone a similar fate. Either
the cruelties which she suffered filled her with
desperation^ and urged her to refuse all sustenance ;
or she was deprived of food by the barbarous
orders of Tiberius. Suetonius imputes her death
to her own unconquerable resolution^ and says that
violent attempts were made to introduce nourish*
ment into her mouth. Tiberius endeavoured to
defame her memory by calumnious charges^ alleging
that she was guilty of adultery with Asinius Gidlus^
and that life became irksome to her after his death.
But the vices of Agrippina were an impetuosity
of spirit^ and a love of power^ which made her
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 103
superior to the ordinary passions of her sex. Tiberius,
111 9i\
Tiberius boasted^ as an act of clemency^ that he ▲.0.39.
had not exposed her body like that of other crimi- ^-^>^— ^
nals; and as she died on the same day as Sejanus^ it
was decreed that a g^olden offering* should be annu-
ally presented to Jupiter on the 18th of October.
Her death^ by a strange connection^ produced
that of her bitter enemy Flancina^ the wife of
On. Piso^ and his supposed accomplice in the
murder of Germanicus. When her husband fell^
her influence with Au^sta^ and her hostility with
Agrippina^ concmTed to save her life -, but when
these causes no longer protected her^ she was
unable to resist her accusers^ and pei-ished by her
own hand^ a victim of tardy justice.
Not long afterwards Cocceius Nerva^ an intimate
friend of the emperor^ resolved to put himself to
death. He was a man of eminent skill in the law^
and was urged neither by embarrassment in his
affairs^ nor by illness of his body^ to adopt so fatal
a determination. When Tiberius heard of his
intention^ he endeavoured to dissuade him from it^
observing that it would be a grievous imputation
upon his character^ if one of his closest iriends
should terminate his life without any apparent
motive. But Nerva was inflexible^ and starved
himself to death. It was affirmed by those who
were in his confldence^ that the prospect of the
calamities of the state filled him with so much
indignation and alarm^ that he resolved^ before he
was overwhelmed by them^ to seek an honourable
death.
In this year C. Caesar^ who accompanied Tiberius Tac. Ann. ti.
to Gapreee^ and was destined to be his successor^ 20—22.
married Claudia the daughter of M. Silanus.
Caius had learned to conceal his natural disposition
VOL. I. 0
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194 HISTOBY OP
TiBBRivt, under the most specious modesty^ and^ without
A. D. 33. showing any displeasure at the cruel treatment of
^"•^^^^^ Agrippina and his two brothers, servilely accom-
modated himself to the inclinations of the emperor.
It was considered, therefore, an apt observation
of the orator Passienus, that there was never a
better servant, nor a worse master.
Servius Galba, who was consul this year, was sent
for by the emperor, who, after some conversation,
is said to have predicted his future brief eminence
by remarking in Greek: ^^Thou also, 0 Galba,
shalt have a taste of the imperial power/' This
prescience is ascribed by Tacitus to the emperor's
skill in astrology, which he had cultivated at
Rhodes, under a master named Thrasyllus, whose
knowledge he had subjected to the following test.
Whenever he wished to consult any persons upon
the secrets of his favourite science, they were
admitted to him in the upper part of his house,
which was situated on a rock; and upon their
return, if they were at all suspected of falsehood
or deceit, they were precipitated into the sea.
Thrasyllus, when he was introduced to him in this
place, promised him the imperial dignity, and made
a specious display of his future destiny; upon
which Tiberius asked him if he was acquainted
with his own lot, and what might befall him on that
very day. The astrologer, after consulting the
position of the stars, begnn to show great signs of
hesitation and fear, and at last declared that he was
threatened with imminent and extreme danger.
Tiberius congratulated him on his foreknowledge,
and assured him that he was safe ; and from that
time he admitted him to his friendship, and confided
in his predictions as sentences of oracular truth.
Although the answers of Thrasyllus in this trans-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 105
action do not display any greater skilly than what txbbsius,
a bold and sagpacious adept might acquire by a.d.89.
natural means; yet Tacitus acknowledges that they ^-^>^— ^
perplexed him^ and urged him to doubt^ whether
the affairs of this world are directed by chance or
by immutable necessity.
In the following year Tacitus relates the tiberius,
appearance of a phoenix in Egypt^ although other a. d. 34.
writers do not place the phenomenon until two^-^^^*-
years later. This bird^ according to the accounts HeVod. il 73.
given of it by the ancients^ was sacred to the sun ;
its plumage was partly of a golden colour^ and
partly red; and in figure and size it chiefly
resembled an eagle. It was supposed to live five
hundred years^ or^ according to some reports^ more
than a thousand; but that bird which had pre-
ceded the one seen in the reign of Tiberius had
been prior to it less than two hundred and fifty
years^ and^ therefore^ it was questioned whether the
present could be the real and genuine phoenix.
There was but one such prodigy upon the earth at
a time; and when the term of its years was
completed^ it built its nest in its oi^^ii country of
Arabia^ and after its death, its successor arose in
its place. The first care of the youthftil bird was
to inter the body of its parent; and when, after
proper experiments, it found itself equal to the
weight, it carried it, inclosed in m^Trh, to the
temple of the sun in Eg3rpt. Such are the fictions
with which the ancients entertained their fancies
respecting this bird : but though Tacitus acknow-
ledges that fables were reported of it, he says, it
was not doubted, that it sometimes appeared in
Egypt.
At Rome the decennial games were celebrated, Dion. mh.
as if for the purpose of renewing the emperor^s aof 30 ""'
02
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190 HISTOBY OF
TxBMi^rB, authority ; and the consuls had no sooner presided
A. D. 34. over them^ than they were put to death. Fomponius
^"•^'^^ Laheo^ the governor of Moesia, heing accused of
receiving bribes^ killed himself by opening his
veins^ and his wife followed his example. For
persons^ who saw that their destruction was certain,
were anxious to save themselves from the hands of
the executioner, and from exposure after death;
because if they were condemned, they were deprived
of burial, and their property was confiscated; but
if they passed sentence upon themselves, their
bodies were interred, and their estates descended
to their children or heirs. By these rewards
Tiberius invited men to execute themselves; as if
by such an artifice he himself escaped the odium
arising from their deaths*
Mamercus Scaurus, a man of infamous life, but
illustrious for his birth and eloquence, was next
accused. He had incurred the hatred of Macro,
who was usurping, though in a more secret manner,
the power which had been possessed by Sejanus ;
and he also offended Tiberius by a tragedy which
he had written under the title of Atticus. Farts of
the performance were applied by the emperor to
himself, who declared that he in revenge would
make the author an Ajax. Scaurus anticipated
his condemnation by a voluntary death, his wife
being both his instigator and partner in the deed.
The informers themselves were sometimes over-
whelmed in the punishment which they wished to
inflict upon others. Abudius Ruso, having accused
Lentulus Getulicus, under whom he had held a
command in the army, of having intended to marry
his daughter to the son of Sejanus, was himself
condemned and banished from the city. Getulicus at
this time was commander of the legions of Upper
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THE ROMAN £MPERORS.
107
Germany^ and had acquired great popularity with tibbriuh,
the troops on account of his clemency ; nor was he a. d. 34.
devoid of influence in the adjoining^ province, where ^^-^-^
his father in law, L. Apronius, was general. In
reliance upon this power, it was reported that he
sent a letter of remonstrance to Tiberius, declaring
that he had sought an affinity with Sejanus, not
by his own wish, but by the advice of the emperor;
that he was liable to mistake as well as Tiberius,
and that the same error ought not to be innoxious
to one, and fatal to the other } that his allegiance
was unshaken, and would remain so, unless he was
attacked ; that he should consider the appointment
of a successor as a sentence of death } and therefore
it would be most prudent for them to stipulate with
one another, that while the Prince governed the
rest of the empire, he should retain his province.
However bold this expostulation appeared, it was
believed that Getulicus really made it, because he
alone, of all the persons who were allied to Sejanus^
remained in safety and favour. Tiberius was
probably intimidated, when he reflected upon the
feebleness of his old age, and the public hatred
which he had incurred ; or, perhaps, he only dis-
sembled his anger until he found a more favourable
opportunity of indulging it. It is remarkable,
however, that Terentius and Getulicus, who man-
fully resisted his tyranny, experienced a far better
fate than others who timidly submitted to it.
Although three years had elapsed since the death tibbrius,
of Sejanus, yet Tiberius was neither softened by com- ^^^ ^^
passion, nor wearied by satiety, in prosecuting the thc. Ann. vi.
unfortunate adherents of that minister. Falcinius Dio^iviu.
Trio, who had been a friend of Sejanus, and had also
ingratiated himself into the favour of the emperor
by exercising the office of an informer, killed
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198 HISTOBY OF
TxBBsius, himself, when he found that he was doomed to
A.D.3d. encounter the fury of the accusers. In his will
''"^^^^^ he inserted many bitter invectives against Macro
and the emperor's principal freedmen; he also
reproached Tiberius himself for the mental im-
becility of his old age, and for his continual absence
from Bome^ amounting almost to exile. When
his children M'ere anxious to suppress this document^
Tiberius ordered it to be produced^ and read in
the senate; either wishing to show an affected
contempt for any insults that could be offered, him^
or thinking it better to learn the truth even by the
reproaches of his enemies^ than to be kept in such
ignorance as Sejanus had cast around him. Sextius
Faconianus was strangled in prison for some verses
which he had composed there in ridicule of the
emperor ; and some other persons were condemned
for treason. Tiberius was no longer in Caprece,
but received at a short distance from Rome the
account of the cruelties in which he delighted.
The death of Poppeeus Sabinus was considered
happy^ as it occurred before he was the victim of
any prosecution ; although he had been four-and-
twenty years governor of the two Moesias and
Macedonia^ and had enjoyed the consular and
triumphal dignities. He was not a man of high
origin^ nor extraordinary talent; but had main-
tained himself in the great offices which he held^
by being equal to the business of them^ and not
superior,
ive. Ann. yi. Ambassadors from the nobles of Farthia arrived
at Rome this year^ without the knowledge of their
king Artabanus. This monarchy being no longer
awed by the arms of Germanicus^ and despising
the indolent feebleness of Tiberius, began to treat
the Romans with arrogance^ and his own subjects
31—37.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 100
with cruelty. He was so elated by his victories tibbbius,
orer surrounding* nations^ that when the king of a.d.^.
Armenia expired^ he placed his own eldest son, Ar- ^-^^— ^
saces, upon the throne of that country, and claimed
from the Romans the ancient dominions of the
Persians and Macedonians, which he threatened to
seize by conquest. Sinnaces, a man of high rank
and wealth, and Abdus an eunuch, formed a con-
spiracy against him, and urged the nobles to send
a secret embassy to Bome. As most of the race of
the Arsacidae had been killed by Artabanus, or had
not yet grown up, they besought that Fhraates,
who had been given as a hostage to Augustus,
might be sent to them, alleging that his presence,
and the authority of Caesar, would be sufficient to
confound the plans of their tyrannical ruler.
The proposal was agreeable to Tiberius, who was
accustomed to employ an artful policy in the
management of his foreign afiairs, and he, there-
fore^ sent Fhraates to take possession of his pater-
nal throne. When Artabanus was apprized of the
league that was concerted against him, he had
recourse to stratagems, which the bold spirit of
the barbarians generally rejected as dishonourable ;
for^ having invited Abdus to a feast, he killed him
by slow poison, while he dissembled with Sinnaces,
giving him presents, and embarrassing him with
employments. Fhraates, who had been accus-
tomed to the Boman mode of living, died in Syria,
by attempting to accommodate himself to the habits
of the Farthians. Tiberius, however, selected Tiri-
dates, a member of the same family, to pursue the
contest for the Farthian throne : he also engaged
Mithridates, brother of Fharasmanes, king of
Iberia, to attempt the recovery of Ai-menia.
L. Vitellius, father of the emperor of that mime,
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200 HISTORY OF
TiBBBius, having been appointed governor of Syria^ was
A.B.36. entrusted wiHl the management of all ihe affairs
^^^^^^ of the East; and he discharged his duties with
great renown^ although he disgraced himself by
his abject flattery in the reig^ of Caligula and
Claudius.
Mithridates secured the assistance of his brother ;
and by their plans the ministers of Arsaces were
bribed to destroy him^ and the Iberians invading
Armenia with a large army^ took possession
of the city of Artaxata. Artabanus sent his son
Orodes^ with some Parthian troops^ to avenge the
death of his brother^ and engaged the assistance of
a body of Sarmatians. Another portion of this
people hired themselves to Fharasmanes^ who also
procured the succour of the Albanians^ and by the
situation of his kingdom was enabled to admit his
own allies into Armenia^ and obstruct all those
who came to the aid of the Farthians. Confident^
therefore^ in the superiority of his forces^ he endea-
voured to provoke Orodes to battle by^riding up to
his posts^ obstructing his supplies^ and almost
besieging him in his camp. The Farthians^
unaccustomed to such defiance^ surrounded their
prince^ and demanded that he should lead them to
action^ although all their strength consisted in
cavalry. Fharasmanes had a powerful infantry^
as the Iberians and Albanians^ who claimed their
descent from the Thessalians that accompanied
Jason into Colchis^ were a race of hardy moun-
taineers. When the engfagement commenced^ the
Farthians^ who were equally skilful in attack and
in flighty dispersed their troops^ and endeavoured
to occupy as much ground as possible; but the
soldiers of Fharasmanes threw aside their bows^
and strove to bring them to a closer combat. The
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THE ROMAN lACPERORS. 201
chiefs of the two armies were every where con- tibsbius,
spicuous^ encouraging their men; and at last a.d.35.
Fharasmanes wounded Orodes through his helmet, ^-^>^— ^
but, being hurried along by the impetuosity of his
horse, was prevented from renewing the blow.
Orodes was saved by his guards; but a false
rumour of his death terrified the Farthians, and
made them relinquish the contest.
Artabanus marched with the whole strength of
his kingdom to retrieve his disgfrace, but the Ibe->
rians, being better acquainted with the country,
defeated him ; at the same time, Yitellius, having
collected his legions, and spread a report that he
was about to invade Mesopotamia, inspired him
nith additional alarm. He retired, therefore, from
Armenia ; and in a short time all his subjects, by
the persuasions of Yitellius and the intrigues of
Sinnaces, were induced to desert him. He fied
with a few foreign guards to the borders of Scythia,
hoping to gain assistance from the Hyrcanians and
Carmanians, who were bound to him by the ties
of affinity, and trusting to the fickleness of the
Farthians, whose regard to their princes was
always greatest, when they were separated from
them.
Yitellius, finding that Artabanus had fled, and
that the people were favourably disposed towards
their new monarch, escorted Tiridates with a
Roman army to the banks of the Euphrates.
After some superstitious sacrifices they crossed the
river upon a bridge of boats, and were received by
Sinnaces, his father Abdageses, and other powerful
nobles. Yitellius, thinking it was sufficient merely
to have displayed the Roman standard, returned
into Syria, after having exhorted Tiridates to re-
member his benefactors, and the people to reverence
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202^ HISTOBT OF
TiBBEzua, their king. The Farthians opened their towns to
^D.^ TiridateS; and welcomed him with adulation and
-Jt^T^ joy, hoping that his character, softened hy Boman
41—44. civilization, would exhibit a pleasing contrast to the
cruelty of Artabanus. At Ctesiphon, which was
the seat of empire^ he was invested with the diadem;
although some of the most powerful governors of
provinces, who had begged for a short delay of
the ceremony, were not present. If he had imme-
diately visited the interior of his dominions, he
would have received (it is supposed) the submission
of the whole nation ; but by wasting time in the
siege of a fortress, which contained the treasures
and concubines of Artabanus, he gave the dis-
affected an opportunity of withholding their alle-
giance. Hiero, and other nobles^ who had not
been present at his coronation, were instigated by
fear and jealousy to turn their thoughts to Arta-
banus, and resolved to attempt his restoration.
They found him in Hyrcania, in a squalid
condition, and seeking subsistence by his bow.
At first he was alarmed by their appearance,
suspecting their designs to be treacherous; but
when they assured Mm that their wish was to
restore him to power, he enquired what sudden
revolution had occurred in the empire. Hiero
complained that Tiridates was a weak youth,
soft;ened by foreign luxury, and that while he bore
the name of king, all real power was vested in the
family of Abdageses. Artabanus, reflecting that
men are generally sincere in theur hatred, although
hypocritical in their love, yielded to their proposals.
Having waited merely to collect some Scythian
auxiliaries, he marched with great rapidity, in
order to anticipate the stratagems of his enemies,
and the mutabilitv of his friends : he retained his
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THE BOBiAN EMPERORS. 203
sordid appearance^ to excite the compassion of the tibbeius,
people^ and neglected no artifice nor entreaty ^s.^.
which could increase and encourage his adherents. ^^— v— '
He had approached the neighbourhood of Seleucia
with a large force, when Tiridates, alarmed and
perplexed, was deliberating whether he should
march to oppose him, or should endeavour to
prolong the war. Although some of his friends
advised an immediate attack upon Artabanus, while
his followers were weak and disunited ; yet Abda-
geses recommended that they should retreat into
Mesopotamia, where they might be safe until they
had collected their forces, and the Armenians and
Bomans took up arms in their behalf. This advice
was adopted, both on account of the superior au-
thority of Abdageses and the timid disposition of
Tiridates. But during his retreat, the Arabians
first deserted him, and afterwards all his other
followers returned to their homes, or flocked to the
camp of Artabanus ; till at last he fled into Syria
with such pusillanimity, as acquitted all men from
feeling any shame in forsaking him. Thus Artaba-
nus was left in possession of his former dominions.
Armenia had been given to Mithridates, the son niou. iviu.
of the Mithridates before mentioned ; but it seems
uncertain how long he possessed it. The Parthian
monarch entertained such an aversion to Tiberius, Suet m. eo.
that in one of his letters he upbraided him with
his indolence, luxury, and cruelty, and advised
him by a voluntary death to satisfy the deep and
just hatred of the Boman people.
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804 HISTOBY OF
CHAPTER VII.
The revolt of the Clita. — VibulentufAgrippa poisons
himself in the senate. — TigraneSy grandson of
Herod the Greaty put to death. — Sis cousin
Agrippa east into prison. — Disgrace of Pontius
Pilate, procurator of Judcea. — Fire on Mount
Aventine. — Power of MacrOy and his subserv-
iency to Caius Casar. — Tiberius deliberates conn
ceming his successor. — Death of L. Arruntiusy
and of Sex. Papinius.'- — Hlfiess of Tiberius^
who continues his ordinary pleasures, but dies at
Misenum. — Various accounts of his death. — tToy
of the people. — Character and attainments of
Tiberius. — His eocterior. — The chief authors of
his reign.
TiBimius, The Clitee^ a Cilician people under the sway of
A.S. 36. King Archelaus^ were indigtiant at being* subjected
Tac^juir^ to a census^ and tribute to the Eoman people^ and
41.' therefore seceded to the heights of Mount Taurus.
The strength of their situation enabled them to
resist the unwarlike troops of their king; but
some forces that were sent by Vitellius^ haying
enclosed the hiUs on which the barbarians had
pitched^ killed those who ventured to sally down,
and compelled the rest to surrender from want of
water.
Tte.Aim.vi. At Home the execution of the citizens had
Dion. wuL bccomc SO commou^ as to inspire but little horror.
It^ however^ appeared a novelty in the annals of
misery^ when Yibulenus Agrippa^ a Boman knight,
after listening to the attacks of his accusers^ took
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 205
poison from his ring^ and drank it in the senate tibskixts,
house. When he fell in the agonies of death^ ▲.s.ae.
the lictors seized him and dragged him to prison ; ^— x— '
and his body^ after he had expired^ underwent the
process of strang*ulation.
Tigranes^ grandson of Herod the Great^ and of J<»-Ant
Archelaus king of Cappadocia^ being accused of
some offence^ was put to death like an ordinary
citizen. He had been king of Armenia^ but it is
uncertain at what time^* and had apostatized
from the Jewish religion.
Agrippa^ another grandson of Herod the Great^ Jo*. Ant.
was thrown into prison by order of Tiberius. He '
had been a friend of Drusus^ the emperor's son^
and after the death of that prince had left
Borne in great pecuniary distress^ arising from
his generous and prodigal disposition. He had
returned to Italy this year^ and was amicably
reeeiyed by the emperor^ who recommended him to
attach himself to his grandson Tiberius. But his
inclination^ or his interest^ led him to court rather
the friendship of Caius ; and one day^ when they
were riding together in a chariot^ he very freely
expressed his wish that Tiberius might soon die^
and Caius be derated in his place. This conver-
sation was OTcrheard by Eutychus^ Agrippa's
freedman^ who for a time forbore to divulge it;
bnt afterwards^ having stolen some of his master's
clothes^ he ran away^ and being apprehended
informed the prsefect that he had something to
communicate relative to the emperor's life. He
was therefore sent bound to Capreoe ; but Tiberius^
recording to his dilatory habits^ omitted for some
time to investigate the business. Agrippa^ little
• M. TUfaaoat thiaka that Im wm proUbly klsf of AroMnU Minor,
k* Mitbl IwTO bifcwlinl from Wm putiMtm ArehtkM.
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XTiiL4.
200 HI8T0BY OF
TxBBBiut, guspecting the danger which was impending^ over
▲.D.36. hxaiy was anxious that his freedman should be
^"^^'^^^ examined ; and after much importunity his request
was gfranted^ when the emperor happened to be at
Tusculanum. The chargpe made by Eutychus was
believed by Tiberius^ and Agrippa was immediately
bound and cast into prison. Josephus relates that
a German^ who saw his degradation^ predicted to
him that it would soon end^ and that he would be
elevated to great dignity.
jo^ AAt. The Samaritans^ deluded by a certain impostor,
intended to hold a meeting on Mount Gerizim;
but before they could execute their purpose^ Pontius
Pilate^ the procurator of Judaea^ attacked them at
the village of Tirathaba, slew part of them^ and
took a great many prisoners^ the chief of whom
were afterwards executed by him. The Samaritan
council complained of this aggression to Vitellius,
protesting that their countrymen had no intention
to revolt from the Bomans^ but merely wished to
escape the outrages of Pilate. The procurator was
in consequence ordered to depart for Bome^ to
justify himself before the emperor ; but he did not
arrive there until after the death of Tiberius. He
b. iL 7. was banished for his offence to Yienne in Gaul^ and
is said to have perished by his own hand. He had
been governor of Judeea about ten years^ had been
violent and arbitrary in his conduct^ and had shown
little regard to the religious sentiments of the Jews.
Tut. Ann. ti. At Bomc^ part of the circus^ and the buildings
on Mount Aventine^ were destroyed by fire; but
Tiberius mitigated the calamity by defraying the
cost of the various houses. This generosity ap-
peared the more worthy of praise^ as he himself
was moderate in his private edifices. Unlike
Augustus^ he had erected but two public buildings^
and these he forbore to dedicate.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 207
Gn. Acerronius and C. Pontius were the last per- Tnmv,
sons inrested with the consulship under Tiberius^ A.D?a7.
whose health was now visibly declining*. Macro^ ^— v— ^
the preetorian preefect, had by this time acquired
an unjust and exorbitant power ; and as he had
always attached himself to Gains Geesar^ so he now
endeavoured to gain his favour with increased assi-
duity^ and by the most base and unnatural arts.
Glaudia^ the wife of Gaius^ being dead^ Macro did
not scruple to prostitute his own wife Ennia to the
wishes of the young prince. Suetonius relates that siMt w. is.
Gains himself commenced the intrigue^ in order
that she might secure for him ti^e assistance
of her husband in obtaining the sovereignty ; but
both he and Tacitus agree, that he promised to
marry her, in case he should succeed to the impe-
rial dignity. He was willing to submit to any
stipulation for the attainment of his wishes ; for
though his disposition was naturally open and
violent, yet he had learned the arts of falsehood
and dissimulation in the society of Tiberius.
The emperor was not ignorant of the plots that Tae. Ann. jt
were in agitation, and he was greatly perplexed as ^*
to whom he should nominate for his successor.
His own grandson, Tiberius Gemellus, seemed to
have the principal claim by consanguinity and
natural affection ; but as he was only about seven-
teen years of age, he was considered too young
to sustain the burden of the empire. Gains was
in the flower of youth, and enjoyed the favour of
the people ; but that very popularity was the cause
of die emperor's aversion to him. Glaudius, the
brother of Germanicus, seemed sufficiently recom-
mended both by his age and by his peaceable
character; but the imbecility of his mind was a
powerful objection. These were the only persons
among his own kindred, from whom Tiberius could
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208
HISTORY OF
Dion. IvtlL
Tac. Ann. iL
47—49.
choose liis successor^ and he was unwilling to dis-
honour the family of the Caesars hy selecting a
stranger. Harassed in mind^ and enfeebled in
hody^ he at last (according to Tacitus) abstained
from making any decision; hut he had sufficient
discernment to foresee the events which were likely
to occur. He openly upbraided Macro for desert^
ing the setting and worshipping the rising sun*
When Caius in conversation presumed to deride
the character of L. Sylla^ he predicted to him that
he would exhibit all the vices of that Roman^ and
none of his virtues. He is said^^ also^ to have
embraced his grandson with much apparent grief,
and to have observed to Caius, ^^ You will kill this
youth, and another will kill you *•" Dion relates
it as a current report, that he felt a malignant
satisfaction in leaving the empire to Caius, because
he considered that his own vices would be con*
cealed by the greater enormities of this prince,
and that he would destroy the chief of those sena-
tors whom he himself had left survi^ong. But this
is similar to the reason which was sdleged, why
Augustus appointed Tiberius his successor. It
is also imputed to Tiberius, that he used to
declare that Priam was happy because his whole
kingdom was destroyed with him; and that he
often uttered an ancient verse t^ implying a wish,
that at his death the earth might be consumed
with fire.
In conformity with these inhuman sentiments,
he continued his cruelties until the last days of his
life. Albucilla, a woman infamous for her amoui*s,
* The ttorj related by Joeephas, (Ant. zriii. 0,) that Tiberiw determined to
leave the empire to whieherer of the yoong princea should make hk ap-
pearaooe fint on the foUowliigmomiiif, does not seem entitled to much
credit.
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THE ROMAN EMFEROBS. 200
was accused of impiety * agfainst the prince^ vhfle ti»mht»,
Cn. DomitiuSy Yibius Marsiis^ and L. Armntius^ a. d.'s?.
all men of eminence^ were implicated in the crime ^— ^^*"
as her accomplices and adulterers. Macro was
supposed to he the chief instigator in this trans-
action^ and to have invented great part of the
charges on account of his enmity with Arruntius.
Alhucilla^ after inflicting on herself a wound
which was not fatali was carried to prison hy order
of the senate. Domitius and Marsus survived the
emperor, the former of them gtuning time by pre*
paring for his defence, and the other by pretending
a resolution to starve himself. But Arruntius,
when his friends besought him to practise a similar
delay, firmly resisted their entreaties, declaring
that he was weary of submitting to the t}Tanny of
such fiivourites as Sejanus and Macro; and that,
even if he should outlive Tiberius, there was no
prospect of anything but misery and servitude
under a prince like Caius, who had been educated
amidst the worst examples, and was guided by the
counsels of Macro. With these correct anticipa-
tions of the doom which awaited his countr}*, he
ordered his veins to be opened, and expired. He
is the same man whom Augustus is said to have
pronounced worthy of the supreme power, and
bold enough to aspire to it, if an opportunity
should be offered him.
The death of Sex. Papinius, a man of consular
fiunily, disclosed a horrible instance of maternal
depravity ; for he precipitated himself from some
height, in order to escape the solicitations of his
mother, who tempted him by luxur}* and caresses
to accede to her incestuous desigfns. When she
was accused of this unnatmral crime, she threw
* Vtkrtmr impietaiiM in piiocipeiii.
VOL. I. P
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72—76,
DioD. Iviil.
210 HISTOBT OP
herself at the knees of the senators and abjectly
implored their pity; but she was banished firom
Rome for ten years^ until her younger son had
passed the dangerous period of youth.
Tae. Ann. tl The malady with which Tiberius had been seized
saet-ui. (probably at the end of the preceding year) ad-
vanced with slow but fatal certainty. He had
travelled to a distance of about seven miles from
the city, but was deterred from entering its walls,
because a favourite serpent, which he used to feed
from his own hand, was found destroyed by ants ;
and this was interpreted as an admonition, that he
should not expose himself to the violence of the
multitude. On his return he was attacked with
a lassitude at Astura, but, having recovered a
little, was enabled to proceed to Circeii. Anxious
to conceal his infirmity, he was not only present at
the exhibition of some gtunes, but hurled javelins
at a boar which was let loose in the arena : this
effort, however, produced a still more dangerous
attack of illness. He was carried as far as Mise-
num, without evincing any apprehension of death,
either because his dissimulation accompanied him
to the last, or because he confided in the know-
ledge of Thrasyllus, who had assured him that he
would live ten years longer. The astrologer, how-
ever, who died the preceding year, and who is said
to have accurately predicted the day and hour of
his own dissolution, was either deceived himself,
or deceived Tiberius with the humane intention of
frustrating his cruelty, and delaying the execution
of some criminals. The emperor, therefore, la-
boured to preserve his usual look and style of
conversation, presided at entertainments, and in-
dulged in all his ordinary pleasures. Nor was his
ferocity softened ; for when he learned that some
persons, who had been accused in a trifling and
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THE BOMAX EMPERORS. 211
incidental manner, were dismissed without ezami«- tibbrius,
nation by the senate^ he complained that he was a.x>/37.
treated with contempt^ and resolved to return to ^— v— ^
Caprese^ as a place from which he might safely
revenge the insult. He was detained^ however^
at Misenum by sickness^ and by tempestuous
weather^ and ^ed there soon afterwards in the
villa of Lucullus.
He had always enjoyed the most vigorous healthy
and used to deride persons who after thirty years
of age consulted others to ascertain what was salu-
tary or injurious to their constitution. Occasionally^
however^ he resorted to the advice of an eminent
physician named Charicles, and this man is said to
have adopted the following artifice^ in order to
learn the real state of his health. Alleging some
cause for his departure from the emperor^ he took
hold of his hand under pretence of kissing it^ and
contrived to feel his pulse. Tiberius^ having dis*
covered his motive^ commanded him to stay^ and
protracted the festivities in which they were en-
gaged beyond their usual length. Charicles^ how-
ever, assured Macro that his life was fast decaying^
and that it could not endure beyond two days;
in consequence of which^ deliberations were held
by the parties present, and messengers were dis-
patched to the armies. On the 16th of March his
respiration appeared to cease, and he was supposed
to be dead ; so that Caius^ amidst the congratula-
tions of his friends^ began to assume the imperial
functions. Information, however, was suddenly
brought, that Tiberius was recovering his senses^
and was calling for food. The flatterers of the
young prince were seized with consternation, and
hastily dispersed themselves, each assuming an
appearance of grief, or pretending to be ignorant
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ir. IS.
212 HISTORY OF
of what had occtirred» Caius^ absorbed in silent
fear^ expected death as the termination of his late
glorious hopes : Macro alone remained undaunted^
and gtive orders that a great quantity of clothes
should be thrown over the emperor, and that every
one should quit his chamber. In this way (accord-
ing to Tacitus) Tiberius expired, in the seventy-
eighth year of his age.
Suet. iii. 73; Yarious reports, however, were propagated, some
consistent, and others at variance, with the preced-
ing account. According to the relation of Seneca
(quoted by Suetonius), when the emperor felt his
strength departing, he took off his ring and held
it in his hand for a short time, as if about to
deliver it to some one ; he afterwards replaced it,
and lay a long while motionless with his left hand
compressed; on a sudden he called for his at*
tendants, and when no one answered, he rose up,
and expired at a short distance from his bed.
Other rumours were, that food had been denied
him ; that Caius had administered to him a slow
poison ; that he had taken his ring from him, while
he was still alive, and when he appeared to resist
had ordered a pillow to be placed over his face,
and had strangled him with his own hands ; and
that he commanded a freedman, who expressed his
abhorrence of the crime, to be immediately cru-
cified. Suetonius considers this account as not
improbable; because some authors related, that
Caius used constantly to boast, that he once
entered the chamber of Tiberius, while he was
asleep, with an intention to kill him, in revenge for
the death of his mother and brothers, but that
he was overcome by commiseration, and retired
without effecting his purpose ; that Tiberius even
discovered his design, but never ventured to take
any notice of it. This might, however, have been
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THE BOMAN EMPEROJBS. 213
an inveutioii of Caius^ by whicli he hoped to gain txbbrica,
a little empty glory for his professed resentment z. d. a?,
at the injuries of his family. Tacitus certainly ,^,^^"2^^!
describes him as submitting to them with the most ^.
silent acquiescence.
Some writers have placed the death of Tiberius Dion. wui.
on the 26th of March, although the authority ofS?"^*^'*'
Tacitus and Suetonius, who relate that he died on ^^^^' ^ ^^•
the 16th, ought most to be relied upon. He had
been in sole possession of the imperial power for a
period of twenty-two years, seven months, and some
odd days. As soon as his death was announced suet lu. 75.
at Bome, the people began openly to express their
hatred against him, some proposing to throw his
body into the Tiber, or expose it on the Gemonian
steps, others pra^dng to mother Earth and the
Manes not to receive him except into the abodes* of
the impious. For they were exasperated not only
by his past cruelties, but by the execution of some
criminals on the very day on which the intelligence
of his death arrived. When these men implored
for mercy, no one, in the absence of Caius, ven-
tured to interpose and save them, but they were
strangled, and their bodies treated with the usual
barbarities. The people, therefore, execrated Tibe-
rius, as the effects of his cruelty were felt even
beyond his death. Some condemned persons, how-
ever, were saved, in consequence of the respite of
ten days which the law allowed them. The body
of Tiberius was carried to Borne by soldiers, and,
notwithstanding the threats of the people, was
honoured with a public funeral, and burned.
His character, according to the changes which Tac. Ann. vi.
it underwent at different periods of his life, is
accurately discriminated by Tacitus. As long as
he was in a private condition, or invested with
command under Augustus, he enjoyed a high
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214 HISTOBY OF
TzBXBxus, reputation for his conduct; while Germanicufl and
▲.D.37. Drusus were alive^he was careful to assume the
^T'^-*^ appearance of virtue j during the existence of his
mother his character seemed a mixture of good
and vicious qualities; while he was attached to
Sejanus^ or was fearfiil of his designs, he exercised
the most merciless cruelty, but concealed his in-
famous lusts ; at last, being free from every re-
straint of shame and fear, and following the bias
of his natural inclination, he indulged without dis-
gxuse all his vindictive and licentious passions. In
short, the end of his life was disgraced by the most
sanguinary and monstrous crimes; and in his
earUer days, when his character was purest, he was
sombre, proud, fierce, suspicious, and dissembling.
Soei. iii. 70, He had cultivated both Latin and Oreek litera-
^^' ture with great diligence; but he obscured his
style by affectation and fastidiousness, so that his
extemporaneous productions were reckoned better
than his premeditated ones. He composed a lyric
poem, of which the title was, A Lamentation on the
Death of Julius Casar; and he was also the
author of some Greek poems, in which he proposed
Euphorion, Rhianus, and Parthenius as his models.
He was so much pleased with these poets, that he
deposited their writings, and placed their statues,
in the public libraries. His favourite study was
fabulous history, and he used to perplex the gram-
marians, in whose company he delighted, with
fruitless questions like the following: Who was
the mother of Hecuba? What name did Achilles
bear, when he was concealed among the virg^ins ?
What were the Sirens accustomed to sing ?
Although he was well acquainted with the Greek
language, he was sparing in the use of it, and
especially in the senate. Once, when he was
about to use the word monopolinmf he asked par-
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 215
don for emplo}n[ng a foreign term. When the tibbrius,
word ifi^Xfifia was inscribed in a decree of the a.s.'97.
senate^ he thougpht that it should be altered^ and, ^~>^— '
if an equivalent one could not be found in the
Latin language, that a circumlocution should be
used* On this, or on some other occasion, when nioa. iru.
he was deliberating on the propriety of a certain
word, Ateius Capito observed^ that if no one else
had ever used it, the emperor^s authority would be
sufficient to give it currency; but Marcellus re-
plied, with much more becoming freedom and
truth, that Caesar was able to incorporate men
into the Eoman state, but not words.
In person, Tiberius exceeded the ordinary sta- soet lu. ea.
tore; he was broad in his shoulders and chest,
and of equal proportion in the other parts of his
body. He had more strength and agility in his
left hand than in his right, and had such hard
joints, that he could bore a fresh apple with his
finger, and wound the head of a youth with a fillip.
His complexion was fair^ and his face handsome^
except that it was disfigured with a great num-
ber of pimples. His eyes were very large, and,
though they were weak in the day, had the power
of discerning objects in the darkness of night, for
a short time after he awoke. He walked with his
neck awr37 his look was generally rigid, and he
seldom deigned to enter into conversation with
those who were near him.
The age of Tiberius was not distinguished by saet.iii.6i.
many eminent writers. The emperor himself, as 1.24!
we are informed by Suetpnius, composed a summary
of his own life and actions. Yelleius Paterculus,
who had been his lieutenant in the Pannonian war,
was author of a compendium of Roman history ;
but a great part of it has perished. His Latinity is
good and elegant; but in speaking of the chai*acters
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216 HISTOBT OF
TiBBBius, of his own age^ he has disgraced himself by adu-
A.D.87. lation and injustice. Tiberius and Sejanus are the
^"^'"^ objects of his highest panegyric^ while he endea-
Tours to disparage Germanicus and Agrippina.
His work is addressed to M. Yinicius^ and com-
veii. pmt iL prehends the first sixteen years of Tiberius : if he
^'^' had written it a little later, he would doubtless
have abstained from his praises of Sejanus.
Vfti. Mas. ix. Yalcrius Maximus has left nine books of memor-
^^' able deeds and sayings, which he appears to have
published after the death of Sejanus. Although
his materials are not uninteresting, yet his style
possesses so little merit, that some persons have
thought he could hardly have lived in the reign of
Tiberius. There is, however, no compulsory law
in the republic of learning, that every one who
aspires to be a writer in a refined age, should
attain beauty and elegance of style. Erasmus
observes, that it would scarcely be believed that
Valerius was bom in Italy; that he might be
supposed to be an African ; and that he resembles
Cicero no more than a mule resembles a man.
Strabo, the author of a valuable work on g^eo*
graphy, died at an advanced age, in the reign of
Tiberius. He was bom at Ainasia, a dty of
Pontus, and wrote in Greek.
Phsedrus, who has given an elegant Latin version
of the fables of iBsop, also died under Tiberius.
He was a native of Thrace, and supposed to be a
freedman of Augnstus.
Thrasyllus, the astrologer, b believed to have
written some works on philosophy and poetry.
L. Fenestella distinguished himself in history and
poetry ; but his works, and those of other con-
temporary authors, have not descended to us.
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THE EMPEROR CAIU8 JULIUS C^SAR
GERMANICU8 CALIGULA.
CHAPTER I.
Birth and ediicatian of Caivs. — He obtains the
imperial power to the exclusion of the young
Tiberius. — Performs many popular acts. — As-
sumes the consulship, making his uncle Claudius
his colleague. — Honours conferred upon him. —
Oives the kingdom of Commagene to Antiochus.
— Liberates Agrippay and makes him King. —
Vitellius concludes a favourable treaty with the
Parthians. — Caius attacked with illness^ after
which his conduct becomes altered. — Orders the
young Tiberius to be killedy and causes the death
ofAntonia. — Restores to the people their right
of electing the magistrates. — His cruelty in the
gaines. — Puts to death MacrOj Enniaj and
Silanus. — The death of his sister DrusilUij who
is deified. — Caius marries Paulina. — Pretends
to be a gody and claims divine worship. — Persecu-
tion of the Jews at Alexandria^ and banishment
qfliaccus the governor.
Caius^ who succeeded Tiberius in the imperial caiub,
dignity^ was the youngest son of Gennanicus and a. 0.37.
Agrippijia. He was born on the 81st of Augfust, ^T^T^g
in the 12th year of the Christian era, during- the
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218 raSTORY OP
consulship of his &ther^ and was nearly twenty-
five years old at the death of Tiberius. One author
relates that he was born at Tibur ; but others say^
that his birth took place in the camp of the Roman
legions in the country of the Treviii. Suetonius^
however^ declares that he discovered from the
public records^ that he was bom at Antium ; that
Caius always showed a great preference for this
town^ and ^at he was said to have even entertained
the intention of making it the seat of empire.
Tte. Ann. L If he was not born in the camp^ he was soon
^ee. de rcmovcd thither^ and became a great favourite with
^J2j*-8*p. the soldiers^ whom he flattered by wearing" the
common military leg-dress^ called caliga. From
this circumstance he received the appellation of
Caligula^ but he considered it an afi^ont to be
addressed by it after he became emperor. The
ancients always called him Caius^ and although
this is not the name by which he is best known
in modem times^ it seems most proper to adhere
to it in the history of his life.
siMCif.10,11. He accompanied his father into Syria^ and on
his return resided with his mother Agrippina
until her banishment He afterwards lived with
Augusta^ and when she died^ with Antonia his
grandmother; but in his nineteenth year he was
commanded to go to Caprece^ and continued to
reside with Tiberius. Artful endeavours were
made to urge him to complain of the treatment
which himself and relatives experienced ; but they
were all firuitless^ and he showed himself as skilful
a dissembler as the emperor himself. But while
he assumed the most profound obsequiousness^ he
exhibited su£Scient tokens of a cruel and licentious
disposition. These did not escape the penetration
of Tiberiusy who declared that he was nourishing a
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 210
hydra for the Roman people^ a Phaethon for the
whole world^ and that Caius would live for the
destruction of himself and all others. The people^
however^ entertained very di£ferent anticipations ; suet w. is.
for his early popularity in the provinces and the
army^ and the revered memory of his father Genua-
nicus^ inspired all classes with the most earnest desire
of seeing him elevated to the dignity of prince.
According' to Josephus^ Caius wrote a letter to jot. Ant xviiL
the senate^ informing them that Tiberius was dead^ ^
and that he had succeeded to his power. As he snet it. 13.
escorted the emperor's body from Misenum^ great ^^' "*'
crowds flocked to meet him^ with demonstrations of
joy very unsuited to a Ameral procession: the
altars smoked with victims^ and he was addressed
with every appellation of the fondest endearment.
He had requested from the senate^ that the same
honours should be paid to Tiberius^ as Augustus
had received; but as the fathers were doubtful of
the real sentiments of the young prince^ they
deferred the consideration of that question until
his arrival at Home. When he came^ he conducted
the body into the city by nighty and having exposed
it in the mornings gave it the mere honours of a
public frmeral. He pronounced an harangue over
ity but as it was difficult to praise the deceased^ he
expatiated concerning Augustus and Germanicus^
and recommended himself to the protection of the
people.
It appears probable that Tiberius before his tu. adh. vi.
death had not openly appointed any one as his^^^t. ui.76;
successor : but after his decease^ his grandson and jJj^JlJ^f '
Caius were found to be nominated joint heirs by
his will*. As soon as Caius arrived at Eome^ the
* Dion (Uju) ststei that Tiberius left the empire to hii gnndaon ; but
thie Is inoonebteot with the accoanti of Tadtiu and Suetonius, and with
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220 HISTORY OF
senate rescinded this will^ and invested him alone
with the supreme power. The people rushed into
the senate house^ participating by their clamours
in this imjust decision; and so great was the
public joy^ that sixty thousand victims are said
to have been sacrificed in less than three months.
Tiberius had bequeathed legacies to the vestal
virgins^ to all the soldiers^ to the whole Roman
people^ and some of the magistrates. These were
faithfully discharged by Caius^ with an augmenta-
tion made by himself. He also paid the bequests
of Livia Augusta^ whose will had been suppressed
by Tiberius.
Caius assured the senate and the heads of the
people^ that he intended to share with them the
administration of affairs^ and in every respect to
comply with their wishes; nor were his actions
at first inconsistent with these gfracious promises.
He refused to receive any of the titles attached
to the imperial power^ nor would he accept
the consulship^ which the senate decreed to him^
until those who were in possession of it had
fulfilled the time originally appointed for them.
He liberated all those who were confined in prison^
restored the exiles^ and abolished suits for treason
and libel^ which had been so destructive to the
happiness of the citizens. As soon as he had
performed the obsequies of Tiberius^ he set sail for
the islands of Pandataria and Pontia^ although it
was tempestuous weather^ in order to collect the
what Dion hlmaelf has alleged in his preceding book. According to Tadtns,
the emperor left the decision respecting his successor to fate, (faio permuii ;)
but Suetonius twice decltres that his will appointed the two princes as Joint
heirs. The historians, perhaps, may be reconciled by the explanation which
I haTe giyen in the text ; and we may also consider that to appoint the two
princes as Joint heirs was in a manner to leare the dedsion to &te. The
subseqaent book of Tacitus, in which probably his meaning was more fully
explaiiied, is unfortunately lost.
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THE ROMAN EMPER0B8. 221
ashes of his mother and brother. Haying himself
placed them in ums^ he conveyed them to Ostia^
and thence to Rome^ where they were deposited
with great pomp in the mausoleum of Augustus.
AQ the documents relative to the fate of Agrippina
and her unhappy sons were carried into the forum^
and^ Caius having solemnly declared that he had
not perused them^ they were professedly burned^
in order that they might not serve as materials for
future informations. As^ however^ many persons
who were implicated in their death were afterwards
killed^ it was believed that he destroyed merely
some copies of the original documents. In honour
of his father he called the month of September
Germanicus. His grandmother Antonia received
by a single decree of the senate all the titles and
honours that had been given to Augfusta. His
three sisters enjoyed the privileges of the vestal
virgins^ and in vows and public acts were named
conjointly with Caius. Thus the following singular
form was added to oaths : ^^ I do not hold myself
nor my children more dear than Caius and his
9tsttrs»
The consulship of Cn. Acerronius and C. Pontius suet. v. 7.
having expired in the month of July^ Caius con-
sented to imdertake the office^ and selected his
uncle Claudius for his colleague. Claudius^ although
he was forty-six years old^ had hitherto lived in
the rank of a knight^ and had not been admitted to
any honours on account of the imbecility of his
character. It is related that the first time he
entered the forum with the fasces^ an eagle^ that
was flying by^ rested on his right shoulder^ which
of course was considered as an omen of his future
greatness. Caius^ in entering upon his consulship^
addressed the senate, enumerating the faults which
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222 HISTORY OF
he reprehended in Tiberius^ and making ample
promises concerning his own conduct; and for
fear that he should deviate from them^ the senate
ordered that his harangfue should be read every
year. He afterwards dedicated the temple of
Augnstus^ which Tiberius had left unfinished,
and exhibited splendid games^ in which it was
remarked as a novelty^ tlmt the triumphal chariot^
in which he was carried^ was drawn by six horses.
He showed so much interest in the sports^ that he
commanded the courts of justice to be closed^ and
was displeased if any one absented himself from
the theatre^ or quitted it before the spectacles were
concluded. The senators^ who had hitherto sat on
the bare boards^ were indulged with the luxury of
cushions. After holding the consulship two months
and twelve days^ Caius resigned it to those who
had been previously nominated to the office.
soetjT. Among the instances of popular conduct, which
are ascribed to him^ it is related that he refused to
receive an information^ which concerned his own
life^ declaring that he had done nothing to incur
the hostility of any man, and that he would not
open his ears to informers. He allowed the works
of Cordus Cremutius, and other interdicted writers,
to be perused, considering it his interest that
nothing should be concealed from posterity. He
published the financial accounts of the empire,
which, in opposition to the example of Augustus,
Tiberius had suppressed. He permitted the autho-
rity of the magistrates to be absolute, and not
subject to an appeal to himself. He made a
strict but not unfair scrutiny into the conduct
of the knights, and degraded those who had been
guilty of misconduct. He remitted the tax arising
from auctions, and displayed many instances of
16. 16.
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THE BOMAN EMPEB0B8. 233
liberality. These laudable actions were acknow-
ledged by various honours. A golden shield^
which was decreed to him^ was to be carried every
year into the Capitol by the priests^ the senate
following the procession^ and a company of noble
girls and boys singing Ins praises. It was also
ordered that the day on which he succeeded to
the imperial power should be called Palilia^ which
was the name given to the day on which Rome
was founded : such a distinction^ therefore^ implied
that he was to be considered as the restorer of the
cily.
He bestowed upon Antiochus the kingdom ofi>ion.iix.
Commagene^ which after the death of his father had
been added to the Boman dominions ; he also gave
him some of the maritime parts of Cilicia^ and
reimbursed him the revenues of his kingdom which
had been confiscated.
Agrippa^ the grandson of Herod^ who had been jm. Ant.
imprisoned by Tiberius partly on account of his *^**** ^'
attachment to Caius^ was soon set at liberty. Caius
would have restored him his freedom on the same
day that he arrived in Kome^ if his grandmother
Antonia had not represented to him^ that such
precipitation would be disrespectful to the memory
of Tiberius. He waited^ therefore^ a few days, and
then sending for Agrippa placed a diadem upon
his head^ and bestowed upon him the tetrarchies of
Philip and Lysanias. He also presented to him
a gold chain of the same weight as the iron
one which he had lately worn. MaruUus was
appointed procurator of Judeea in the place of
Pontius Pilate.
It was probably about the same time that saet iv. u.
Yitellius^ the governor of Syria, made an advan- joTAnt
tageous treaty for the Eomans with Artabanus, the ^^^' ^'
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224 HISTORY OF
Parthian monarch.* They met on a bridge^ that
was constructed over the Euphrates^ and Vitellius
gained such an ascendancy over the king as to
induce him to send his son Darius a hostage to
Rome^ to pay adoration to the Boman standards^
and even to sacrifice to the images of Augustus
and Caius. When the terms of peace were
arranged^ Herod the tetrarch entertained him in
a splendid tent; which he had erected upon the
bridge^ and sent such rapid intelligence to Home
that he anticipated the messengers of Yitellius^
who was greatly incensed at his artifice. Many
presents were sent with Darius the hostage^ and
he was accompanied by a Jew^ named Eleazar^
who was seven cubits high.
8o«tiT.i4,M. About the end of October Caius was attacked
with a severe illness^ which arose from his excessive
indulgence in feasting and other pleasures. The
grief of the people was so great^ that they
passed the night in anxious expectation around
the palace; some in the fervour of ignorant
superstition engaged to fight for his safety^ and
even vowed to sacrifice their lives for his. After
his recovery^ his character appeared to have
sensibly deteriorated^ either from the efiects of the
malady on his brain^ or because he was unable
to resist the seductions of absolute power^ or be-
cause all his virtues had hitherto originated in
hypocrisy and fear. Whatever, was the real cause
of the alteration^ he no longer acted with the dis-
cretion of a virtuous prince^ but with the ferocity
of a monster^ or the eccentricities of a madman.
Dion. lix. After having refiised the titles annexed to the
^ ^' ' ' imperial power^ he assumed them all in one day^
* JoMphut, who i« by no means aecnnte in Roman a&in, p\mem the
•Yent nwtor Um nign of Tiberias.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 225
except that of Father of the country^ and this he
did not long decline. He distin^ished himself
by some new and extraordinary appellations, such
as Pious, the Son of the camp, the Father of the
armies, and Ceesar Optimns Maximus. Although
he had adopted the young Tiberius, and given him
the title of Prince of the youth, yet he naturally
viewed him with suspicion, as having a better
right than himself to the sovereign power. He
accused him, therefore, of wishing and expecting
his death during his late illness. He also alleged
that he had recourse to an antidote (although it
was nothing but a remedy for a cough) j and in
the arrogance of his power he derided the folly
of using an antidote against Ceesar! Such a
precaution, if it had been employed, was indeed
useless^ for a military tribune was sent to Tiberius,
and destroyed him, while he was little expecting
so sanguinary a fate. Many other persons were
killed under the same pretence of having desired
the emperor's death; and those who had been
senseless enough to engage to fight with gladi-
ators, or to slay themselves for his preservation,
were compelled to fulfil their promises.
His grandmother Antonia, an illustrious woman
who was the daughter of Mark Antony, and the
widow of the eldest Drusus, terminated her life,
either in consequence of his express command, or
of the indignities with which he mortified her:
according to the opinion of some, she was de-
stroyed by poison. When she requested a private
interview with him, he refused to see her except in
the presence of Macro ; and on another occasion
he silenced the advice which she offered him, by
bidding her remember that he had absolute power
over all persons. It was the freedom of her re-
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Dion. lis.
220 HISTORY OP
proof^ which made her so irksome to him^ that he
desired her death.
In the following* year Caius forbore to take the
consulship^ but suffered the candidates^ who had
been previously elected^ to hold the office. The
senators swore to observe the ordinances of Augfus-
tus and Caius; but those of Tiberius were not
mentioned^ and the same disrespect was shown to
them in subsequent ag'es. Yows were made for
the sisters of Caius^ as well as Caius himself.
He gratified the people by restoring to them
their ancient right of electing the magistrates^ of
which Tiberius had deprived them^ and by abolish-
ing the tax of a hundredth part that was paid upon
all vendibles. But these^ and some other popular
actions^ were counterbalanced by striking instances
of cruelty and folly. He procured as many com-
batants as possible for the gladiatorial games^ and
asked permission from the senate^ that tiiey should
fight not merely in pairs^ but in collected bodies^
and in a kind of battle array. Besides numerous
other victims^ siz-and-twenty knights were killed^
and it was observed with dismay^ that he seemed
to feel an extravagant pleasure in the slaughter of
men^ and never to be satiated with spectacles of
blood. When the number of those who were
condemned to be destroyed by wild beasts was
insufficient^ he ordered persons to be seized horn
the surrounding crowd^ and after their tongues
had been cut out to prevent their just complaints^
they were thrown as a prey to the animals.
Macro/ who had been so instrumental in pro-
curing the empire for Caius^ was rewarded with
the government of Egypt; but before he took
possession of his office^ he and his wife Ennia
became odious to the emperor, and were ordered
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 227
to destroy themselves. The Roman people^ who
knew how greatly Caius was indebted to them^
were surprised at their deaths ; but as the league
between them had been cemented by the most gross
and detestable crimes^ Caius naturally spumed
them^ when they were no longer necessary for
the execution of his projects.
M. Silanus^ whose daughter Claudia he had
married^ (though she did not long survive the
union^) deserved a better fate. He was a man of
noble birth^ and so much honoured even by Tibe-
rius^ that he dismissed all appeals that were made
firom his decisions as a magistrate^ thinking it un-
necessary to hear them. But Caius was offended
with his virtue, and endeavoured in every way
to effect his mortification and disgrace. Although Tae. niA. w.
the proconsuls of Africa, under the reigns of Au- ^'
gustus and Tiberius, possessed the command of
the legion and the auxUiary troops stationed there,
yet when Silanus held the office, Caius deprived
him of his military authority, and transferred it
to a lieutenant expressly appointed by himself*.
Observing also that Silanus, on accoimt of his age diouaix.
and authority, was generally asked by the consuls
to give his opinion first in the senate, he com-
manded that persons of consular rank, as well as
others, should deliver their sentiments according
to the order in which they had borne office. After Suet. it. 23.
pursxung this system of vexatious insult, Caius one
day put to sea in an abrupt and hasty manner;
and when Silanus declined following liim for fear
of illness, the emperor pretended that he staid on
shore with the view of gaining possession of the
• Dion Qlx.) rtklM that tbi* appointment of a Ueataiant took plaoe In
the following year, when L. Piso was proeonaol; bnt the authority uf
TKitoa ooght to hare greater weight.
Q2
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228
HISTORY OF
8iiet.iT.84,85.
citj; in case any accident befell him duringf the
voyage^ and for this offence he compelled him to
TicTyitT^ cut his own throat, Julius Greecinus, a man of
^9^^ ^ senatorial rank^ and distinguished for his love of
eloquence and philosophy^ was commanded by
Caius to accuse SUanus ; and when he would not
comply with the unjust demand^ he .was put to
death. He was the father of that Agricola, whom
Tacitus has immortalized by writing his life.
Dkm.ux. Caius ordered many individuals to be put to
death^ under pretence that they had been con-
cerned in the conspiracy against his parents and
brothers^ but with the real object of replenishing
his treasures, which were exhausted by his bound-
less extravagance. The death of his sister Dru-
silla was another cause of disgust and persecution
to the Romans. Caius had three sisters, and with
all of them it is unequivocally affirmed that he
lived in habits of incest. His unnatural attach*
ment to Drusilla was so great, that he took her
away from her husband, L« Cassius Longfinus,
and openly lived with her as if she had been his
lawful wife. During his illness, he had nominated
her to succeed to the possession of his property,
and even to the government of the empire. After
her death, which happened this year, she was
honoured with a splendid public flmeral: it was
also ordered that she should be deified, that a
golden image of her should be placed in the
senate-house, that in the temple of Venus in the
forum, a statue of her should be placed of the
same size as that of the goddess, and be honoured
with the same worship, that she should also have
a shrine appropriated to herself, that whenever
women gave their testimony, they should swear
by her name, and that on her birth-day games
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 229
should be celebrated^ and an entertainment given
to the senators and knights. She was conse-
quently distingfoished by the name of Panthea^
and received divine honours in all the cities of
the empire. One of the senators swore that he
saw her ascending into heaven^ and mixing with
the inunortal gods 3 and for this shameless false*
hood he obtained a pecuniary recompense. All
persons were greatly perplexed to know what
was the exact medium between joy and grief to
be observed in their behaviour ; for it was equally
dangerous not to lament her fate as a mortal^ and
not to rejoice at it as a goddess. It was a capital
offence for any one to laugh^ to bathe^ or to sup
with his wife and children ; and a man was put
to death for being guilty of the impiety* of
selling warm water !
Caius^ in the first transports of his grief for the
loss of Drusilla^ suddenly left Home by nighty and
having traversed Campania^ went to Syracuse ;
but he soon returned^ having allowed his beard
and hair to grow. On all subsequent occasions^
even in the assembly of the people^ and before the
soldiers^ he never swore by any name but that of
Drusilla. It was not long, however, before he
married Lollia Paulina, the wife of C. Memmius
Begulus, a man of consular rank, and holding a
military command in one of the pro\dnces. He
happened to hear that her grandmother had been
a woman of eminent beauty, and upon this rumour
he suddenly sent for Paulina from the province,
and compelled her husband to surrender her to
him. In a short time he dismissed her, and com-
manded that she should never be united to any
other man. His treatment of Livia Orestilla,
* 'Oc ivt0fi9avTa, — Dion.
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290 HISTORY OF
whom he had married some time previous^ had
been equally arbitrary. She had been betrothed
to C. PisO; but the emperor^ who was invited to
the nuptial entertainment^ ordered her to be con-
ducted to his own home, instead of the lawful
bridegroom's. He repudiated her in a few days,
and afterwards banished both her and Piso^ for
resuming their former intimacy.
SiMt iv. 89. From cruelty and licentiousness Caius proceeded
to the most open impiety. When some kings^
who had come to Eome to pay their respects to
him, happened to dispute at supper concerning
the splendour of their families, he exclaimed in
Mom.iLii« the words of Homer, ^^Let there be one lord^
one king;'' and in consequence of this sudden
caprice, he was very near assiuning the diadem,
and reducmg his government to the form of a
monarchy. When, however, he was reminded
that his dignity exceeded that of all earthly kings
and princes, he was so elated with his g^randeuf,
that he resolved to equal himself to, and to claim
the same honours as, the gods of his country. He
gave orders that the statues of the heathen deities,
which were most remarkable for the beauty of
their workmanship, and the homage that was paid
to them, should be brought to Rome, and tiieir
heads being removed, tibat his own should be
affixed in their place. Having extended part of
his palace as far as the forum, he converted the
temple of Castor and Pollux into a kind of vesti-
bule, in order, as he said, that the sons of Jupiter
might be his door-keepers. He used to place
himself between the twin gods to receive the
adoration of the Romans, and sometimes he was
saluted by the appellation of the Latin Jupiter.
He had also a temple dedicated to himself, in
which an image of gold was placed, representing
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THE BOMAX EMPEBOBS. 231
his likeness^ and arrayed every day in a dress
corresponding* to his own. He had a body of
priests^ selected from the richest of the citizens^
who were obliged to pay for the office^ and con-
sider it a very high distinction. Peacocks^ and
birds of the most rare species^ were sacrificed
to him every day ; and at nighty when the moon
was full and splendid^ he constantly invited her to
descend to his embraces. He pretended to confer
with Jupiter Capitolinus^ sometimes in a whisper^
sometimes in a louder tone ; nor was the conver-
sation between the rivals always amicable^ as he
once threatened to banish the god into Greece !
Soeemus received this year the government of
the Iturean Arabians. Cotys obtained Armenia
Minor^ and afterwards part of Arabia^ relinquish-
ing his Thracian dominions to Rhcemetalces. Po-
lemon was instated in the rule of that part of
Pontus which had belonged to his father.
Agrippa^ who had been so suddenly raised to the Jo^ Ant
dignity of a king^ gained permission from Caius to pI^; fn Fiace.
visit his dominions in Palestine^ and resolved to J2^,"*
travel thither through Eg3rpt. On Ids arrival at
Alexandria^ although he entered the city by nighty
the splendour of his retinue soon attracted notice^
and inspired the inhabitants^ who hated the Jews^
with sentiments of envy and malice. The governor
of the city at that time was Avillius Flaccus, a
Boman knight^ who under Tiberius had filled the
office with considerable distinction. But under
Caius his rigour relaxed^ and as he was greatly
afraid of that prince^ he endeavoured to secure the
affection of the Alexandrians, and with this view
weakly indulged them in their animosity against the
Jews. While Flaccus treated Agrippa with marks
of friendship and respect^ the Alexandrians amused
themselves by turning his regal state into ridicule.
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282 HISTOBY OF
They dressed up a poor idiot in the style of a
king^ placed a diadem on his head^ and pre-
tended to ascribe to him all the pomp and autho-
rity of a prince. Perceivingf that this insult was
tolerated by their governor, they began to show
their hostility against all the Jews resident in their
city, by proposing to fix statues of the emperor
in their oratories, or houses of prayen They not
only effected this malicious project, but set fire to
many of their sacred edifices, defaced others, or
pulled them down to the groimd. Instead of
punishing this act of violence, Flaccus, a few days
after it was committed, issued an edict, declaring
that all the Jews at Alexandria were aliens*
Free licence being granted to the rage of the
populace, they began to attack the houses of the
Jews, to pillage their merchandize and all other
property, to pursue them like wild beasts in every
part of the city, scourging, burning, tearing them
to pieces, and crucifying them with savage exul-
tation. This persecution lasted about two months;
and although at first the emperor was greatly
pleased with the intelligence of it, believing that
the Alexandrians were actuated by a zeal for his
honour, yet afterwards, upon the representations of
Agrippa, his anger fell upon Flaccus. For when
the king was informed, that an act which the
Jews had passed in honour of Caius had never
been transmitted by Flaccus, he sent a copy of
the document to the emperor, acquainting him
with the manner in which it had been delayed.
For this neglect the governor was apprehended
and banished to the island of Andros, and in the
following year when the exiles were put to death
by the order of Caius, he perished among the
number*
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THE BOMAK EMPERORS. 283
CHAPTER II.
Cruelty and extortion of Caius. — His regard for
his horse Incitatns.— Justifies Tiberius before
the senatey and revives the actions for treason
and libel. — Builds a bridge over the sea from
BauB to Puteoli. — Orders the persons j who were
in banishment J to be put to death. — Pardons
Bomitius Afer^ and is jealous of the eloquence
of Seneca. — Worshipped as a god by L. ViteU
lius. — Beprives the consuls of their office^ and
the people of the right of eUctiony and orders the
commemoration of the battle of Actium to be
abolished. — His ridiculous expedition against the
Germans^ and his unjust methods of enriching
himself. — Puts to death Getulicus and others
for an alleged conspiracy y and banishes his sis^
ters. — Repudiates Paulina and m/irries Casonia.
— Birth of a daughter, named Julia Drusilla. —
The Germans repulsed by Galba.
Caius this year assumed his second consulships
and both in entering* upon it and in resigning* it^
he took the usual oaths like a private individual.
He held it only for thirty days^ but allowed his
colleague L. Apronius to remain in office for six
months. Sarinius Maximus^ the prefect of Rome^
was substituted in the place of the emperor.
The lives of the citizens were sacrificed with
little scruple : many of those w^ho had been liber*
ated from prison were punished for the same
offences^ for which they had been apprehended by
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Dion. lix.
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2U
HI8T0BY OF
Soot. It. Se.
Dion lis.
Suet It.
dS-48.
Tiberius^ and many were destroyed by the gladi-
atorial combats. Caius no longer courted nor
enjoyed the favour of the multitude ; but as they
thwarted his wishes^ so he took every opportunity
of showing his resentment against them. The
contest^ however^ was very unequal ; for while ihey
manifested their displeasure merely by shouts and
gestures^ he caused them to be apprehended in the
midst of the games^ and on their return from the
theatres^ and had them put to death. Once when
he was disturbed by the noise of the people taking
possession of the seats in the circus^ he ordered
them to be driven out by men armed with clubs^
and an immense number of persons were killed or
injured in the tumult. They incurred his dis-
pleasure by not admiring the same performers as
he did^ and by being lax m their attendance upon
the games^ aldiough he himself did not observe the
appointed hour^ and sometimes did not come till
night. He was angry also at being styled by
them the young Augustus^ which he considered to
be not so much a congratulation of his good for-
tune^ as a reflection upon his youth. His revenge
prompted him to utter the diabolical wish^ that the
whole Roman people had but one neck^ and could
be annihilated by a single blow. When they be-
gan to exclaim against the informers^ he left them
in silent indignation^ and departed into Campania.
He returned, however, on the birth-day of Dru-
silla, and exhibited splendid games, five hundred
bears being killed on one day, and as many wild
beasts from Africa on another.
As his profusion had exhausted his treasures,
there was no extortion so violent, and no method
of gain so contemptible, that he disdained to re-
sort to it* At sales over which he presided, some
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 286
citizens were compelled to purchase so immensely^
that they lost all their property^ and destroyed
themselves. It was a known fact that when Apo-
nius Satominns^ a man of prsetorian rank^ hap-
pened to fall asleep at an auction^ Caius ordered
that the nodding of his head during his unfortu*
nate slumbers should be considered as a signal of
his intention to bid; and when he awoke^ he found
that he had been made the purchaser of thirteen
gladiators at an enormous price. Taxes were laid
upon almost erery article^ and every transaction
between man and man ; nor did he scruple to open
a brothel in the palace^ and to derive from it an
abominable gain.
While he did every thinir to show his contempt suet. w. 55.
Dion llg.
and abhorrence of human creatures^ his regard for.
his horse Incitatus was so extravagant^ that the
day before the games of the circus^ he appointed
soldiers to maintain quiet^ and prevent his rest
from being disturbed. He used to invite him to
supper^ setting before him gilded com^ and wine
in golden goblets^ and to swear by his health and
fortune. The animal was provided with a marble
stable^ an ivory crib^ purple coverlets^ and a collar
of precious stones ; besides which he had a house^
widi furniture and slaves^ in order that the per-
sons invited in his name might be splendidly
entertained. It was intended even to make him
consul^ but the emperor's premature death pre-
vented this folly.
Although Caius had hitherto inveighed against
the conduct and principles of Tiberius^ and had
encouraged others to do the same^ yet this year he
entered the senate-house for the express purpose of
defending his character. He declared that he him-
self^ as emperor^ had a right to censure Tiberius^
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1^86
HISTOBY OF
Suet. W. 19.
Dion. lis.
but that the senators had none; because they
had been the authors of all the deaths which had
taken place^ some by becoming* accusers^ others by
giving* their testimony^ and all by their votes of
condemnation. In this charge there was certainly
a poition of truth, because if the senators had man-
fully asserted the rig'hts of justice and humanity,
there can be little doubt tibat they might have
awed Tiberius and restrained his cruelties. Caius
proceeded to argue that it was impossible for him-
self to expect anything good from them, and that
it would be wiser to command their fear by his
severity, than to make a fruitless attempt to win
their affection by gentleness. After this speech,
which corresponded with a sentiment that was
often in his mouth, ^^ Let them hate me provided
they fear me,'^ he ordered that the vexatious
actions for treason and libel should be revived,
and that the law for that purpose should be en*
graved on a brazen column. He then hastily left
the house, and retired to the suburbs. Both the
senate and the people were fiUed with great con-
sternation at the sudden change in the sentiments
of their emperor, especi<illy as they had often in-
dulged themselves in free censures of Tiberius. On
that day their terror prevented them from adopting
any resolution; but on the following, they voted
him many praises, as a most just and pious prince,
they thanked him for not taking away their lives,
resolved to sacrifice to his clemency every year, on
the anniversary of the day on which he had de-
livered his humane speech, and decreed him an
ovation as if he had gained a victory over his
enemies !
Caius despised these honours as trivial, having
projected in his mind a scheme of the most extra-
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THE ROHAN EMPERORS. 237
ordinary but useless nature. He resolved to con-
struct a bridge over the sea from Baiee to Puteoli^
a distance of more than three miles ; and for this
purpose vessels of burden were collected from all
quarters^ and when these were insufficient^ new
ones were built. They were stationed at anchor^
in a double row^ and earth being thrown over
them^ a road was formed^ in which there were
places of rest and entertainment^ supplied with a
flow of fresh water. When the structure was
completed^ and the day of his amusement arrived^
he armed himself with a cuirass^ which he alleged
to have been Alexander's^ wearing over it a superb
cloak^ adorned with gold and precious stones ; he
also took a shield and sword^ and placed an oaken
crown upon his head. Having sacrificed to Nep-
tune^ and likewise to Envy (lest his great felicity
should be disturbed)^ he mounted his horse and
passed over the bridge from Baiae to Puteoli^ at*
tended by a great company of armed men^ and
moving quicUy as if he was marching against an
enemy. He rested at Puteoli, and on the following
day re-crossed the bridge in a chariot drawn by
horses that had been victorious in the games.
Darius the son of the Parthian king went before
him^ a body of the preetorian guards escorted him^
and his friends and companions followed in
chariots. In the middle of the bridge a rostrum
had been erected^ which he ascended in order to
harangue his army. After praising himself as the
projector of so great an undertaking, he extolled
the soldiers on account of the labours and dangers
they had encountered, and especially for the won-
derful achievement of crossing the sea on foot.
He afterwards distributed money among them;
and while he himself remained on the bridge, they
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288 HISTORY OF
were stationed in boats moored around him^ and
spent the remainder of the day and the whole of
the night in feasting*. Darkness was completely
excluded by the number of lights on the bridge^
and on the adjoining shore^ which was in the
form of a crescent^ and glittered like a brilliant
theatre. After he had feasted to repletion he
amused himself by casting his companions from
the bridge into the sea^ and by overturning the
boats. Some lost their lives by this frolic^ but
most were saved on account of the calmness of the
waters.
Caius was so elated by his performances on the
sea^ that he boasted that he had terrified Neptune
himself; he considered also that he had far sur-
passed die achievement of Xerxes^ who had thrown
a bridge over the Hellespont. His rivalry of the
Persian monarch was^ according to the account of
most persons^ the principal motive which instigated
him to the work ; others believed that he wished
to frighten the Britons and Germans^ whose
count^ he intended to attack^ with the fame of
8iMLiT.i9. gome immense undertaking. Suetonius^ however,
relates, that he had been informed by his grand-
father, that the work was caused by the declara-
tion of the astrologer ThrasyUus, who had assured
Tiberius that Caius would no more be emperor
than he would ride over the bay of Baise on horse-
back. Whatever his motive was, the work origin-
ated in caprice and folly, and ended in the most
serious injuries to the Romans. For so many ves-
sels were employed upon it, that the importation of
com was neglected, and a grievous famine ensued
over all Italy, and especially at Rome ; so much
money also was lavished, that Caius endeavoured
to repair the expense by killing and plundering
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 230
the citizens. Some were thrown into prison^
others precipitated from the Capitol^ or compelled
to destroy themselves. Even those who were
banished did not always save their lives^ but were
often killed in their place of exile^ or on their
journey to it. Titius Ruius was accused of saying*, nion. lix.
that the real sentiments of the senate were differ-
ent from what they professed, and for this he was
obliged to put himself to death. Jimius Priscus,
a preetor, was killed on the supposition that he
was a wealthy man, and when it was discovered
that he was not so, Caius observed, ^^ I have been
deceived ; he might have lived, for his death was
fruitless.''
A person who had been exiled by Tiberius, and soet. it. ss.
restored by Caius at the beginning of his reign, ^^•*"^'^*^
being asked by him how he had employed his time
during his banishment, replied : ^^ I constantly
besought the gods that Tiberius might perish, and
that yon might succeed to his power.'' This an-
swer, which was suggested by the adulation or
gratitude of the speaker, produced an unhappy
effect upon the mind of the emperor; for reflecting
that those, whom he had banished, would in like
manner be tempted to pray for his dissolution, he
sent persons round the various islands to put them
all to death. This is the account of Suetonius; but
Philo relates, that during one of his sleepless
nights he began to reflect upon the condition of
the exiles, and imagining that they enjoyed far
too much happiness, he ordered the principal of
them to be executed. The motives assigned by
the two writers for the same deed are not incom-
patible.
Domitius Afer, who was an object of the em- diod. ux.
peror^s resentment for having formerly accused the
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240 HISTORY OF
cousin of his mother A^ppina^ erected a statue
to him^ with an inscription declaring that he held
his second consulship in the twenty-seventh year
of his age. But this attempt to propitiate the
tyrant kindled his displeasure^ as he conceived
that Domitius intended to upbraid him with his
youth, and with the violation of the laws, which
did not allow a person to become consul at so
early an age. Caius, therefore, delivered a long
harangfue against him in the senate, and as it was
his ambition to be accounted the chief orator of
his age, so he was particularly anxious to surpass
Domitius, who was an eloquent speaker. The ac-
cused, being sensible that a competition of skill
would be fatal to him, artfully abstained from de-
fending himself, but expressed a profound admira-
tion of the emperor's speech, and falling on the
ground supplicated him, as if he stood in much
greater awe of his eloquence than his authority.
Caius^ believing that he had really overpowered
him by the force of his oratory, was pacified^ and
even appointed him to the consulship. When his
freedman Callistus, who had befriended Domitius,
ventured to blame him for undertaking the accu-
sation, he replied, ^^ It was not proper that such
a speech as I delivered should be suppressed.'^
Dioii.iix. His jealousy of the talents of others was so
great, that he nearly killed the philosopher Seneca
for no offence whatever, except that he had pleaded
a cause in an able manner before the senate. He
countermanded the order which he had given for
his death, upon the assurance of one of his concu-
bines, that he was afflicted with consumption, and
suflLiT.AS. could not live long. He attempted to decry the
merits of Seneca, by sajring that he wrote mere
exercises, and that his style resembled sand with-
out lime.
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THE RDMA]^ EMPERORS. 241
L. YitelliiLS^ who had distinguished himself as caius,
governor of Syria, was envied by the emperor for a. i. sq.
his achievements, and dreaded for his power. He jy^^'^
was ordered, therefore, to return from his province, tm. JLanlru
and would have been put to death, if he had notsuetviteiLs.
softened Caius by the most base and impious
adulation. Having approached him in an humble
dress, he fell at his feet, shed tears, saluted and
reverenced him as a god, and vowed, that if his
life was saved, he would offer him sacrifices. For
Una impious adoration, which he was the first of
the Bomans to practise, he was not only rewarded
with his life, but was admitted to the favour and
friendship of Caius. On another occasion, when
the emperor, who pretended to have an amour
with the moon, asked him if he had seen him in
the company of that goddess, Vitellius, castings
down his eyes, and pretending gi^ent awe, replied,
'^ You gods cannot be lawfully seen except by one
another.'^ By such conduct, he gained the charac-
ter of being the most bold and consummate of all
flatterers, and disgraced the virtues of his youth
by the infamy of his old age.
The emperor resolved to deprive the consuls ofDion.iix.
their office, because they had forgotten to com- ^'^^^ *^' *^'
mand the observance of his birth-dav on the 31st
of August, and because they had kept the anniver-
sary of the battle of Actium, in compliance with
the established custom. Being the descendant of
Mark Antony as well as of Augustus, he was deter-
mined to ensnare them in an inextricable dilemma;
for, as he intimated to his friends, they were sure
to commit an offence, whether they sacrificed on
account of Antony's defeat^ or forbore to do so on
account of his rival's victory. He, therefore,
stripped them of their authority on the same day,
VOL. I. R
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242
HISTORY OF
8imL !▼. 88.
DioD. lis.
Suet. iT.
43—46.
and broke their fasces ; and one of them was so
grieved at this indignity^ that he slew himself.
For three days there were no consuls at all^ but
afterwards Domitius Afer was chosen to bear the
office^ in conjunction with the emperor. Although
the right of election had been restored to the
people^ yet they showed great indifference to the
exercise of it. There were seldom more candidates
than could be chosen^ and if they exceeded that
number they adopted some arrangement among
themselves^ or were nominated by the authority of
the emperor. After a time^ therefore^ Caius took
away the shadow of power which he had bestowed
upon the people^ and suffered the elections to be
conducted in the same manner as under Tiberius.
He declared that the battle of Actium was calami*
tons to the Boman people^ and ordered that the
festival in commemoration of it should be abolished.
And in other respects^ he showed so little regard
for the memory of Augustus^ and his own nearest
relations^ that he alleged his mother to have been
the offspring of incest^ committed by that prince
with his daughter Julia. He would not allow
himself to be considered the grandson of Agrippa^
on account of his ignoble birth^ and was angry if
that general was ever mentioned as allied to the
family of the Ceesars.
Having wearied and impoverished himself at
Bome and in Italy^ Caius now resolved to indulge
his rapacity and other vices abroad; and for this
purpose^ when he was reminded of recruiting his
Batavian troops^ he suddenly declared his inten-
tion of attacking the Germans. linmediately the
legions and auxiliary forces were called into ser-
vice, levies were everywhere made with the greatest
rigour, and immense supplies of provisions of all
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 243
Borta were collected; dancers^ gladiators^ race-
horses^ women^ and all the other apparatus of
luxury^ followed in his train. Sometimes his
march was performed with so much rapidity^ that
his giiards could scarcely follow him ; and at other
times he was carried slowly in a litter^ having
commanded the roads to be swept and watered
by the inhabitants of the adjoining cities. When
he arrived at the camp^ he affected the severity of
a strict commander by disgracing the officers^ who
had been slow in bringing up their troops ; he also
discharged many of the old centurions^ in order to
defiraud them of the recompense due for their ser-
vices. Having crossed the Bhine^ and advanced
a little way^ he returned without inflicting the
slightest injury upon the enemy; for he was sosafit.iT.51.
alarmed for his own safety^ that^ when his march
happened to be obstructed in some defiles^ and
it was accidentally remarked that there would
be great consternation if the barbaiians should
appear^ he immediately mounted his horse^ rode
back with all his speed to the bridge^ and^ finding
it blocked up^ was lifted from man to man^ and
carried over the heads of the soldiers. The arrival, Suet iy. 44.
however, of Adminius, who was son of one of the
British princes, and who, having been expelled by
his father, came with a small force to offer his
submission to Gains, was deemed a glorious event.
For, as if he had subjugated the whole island, he
sent pompous letters to Bome, strictly charging
the couriers to drive into the forum, and not to
deliver their despatches to the consuls except in
the temple of Mars and in full senate.
As he was afraid to encounter a real enemy, he suet. iv. 45.
ordered that some of his German guards should
cross the Bhine, and conceal themselves there, and
R3
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244 HISTORY OF
that after dinner intelligence should be brought
him^ that the enemy were approaching. This arti-
fice being put in execution^ he sallied forth with his
friends^ and part of the praetorian gfuards^ into an
adjoining wood, where they hewed down some
trees, and cut them into the form of trophies. He
then returned, and upbraided those who had not
followed him with their timidity and sloth, but
rewarded the companions of his victory with a new
species of crown, marked with figures of the sun^
the moon, and the stars. Another of his exploits
was, to order some of the hostages to be led out
on the road, and then to pursue them with his
cavalry, and bring them back loaded with chains^
as if they had attempted to escape. After this
labour he exhorted his troops, in the words of
Virgil ♦, to practise fortitude, and reserve them-
selves for more happy times. He published a
very severe edict, reproving the senate and the
people for indulging in feasts and spectacles, and
other pleasures, while their Csesar was sufiering
the hardships of war and encoimtering so many
dangers.
DUm.uz. Such were the achievements of a Boman em-
peror, with an army amounting to two hundred
thousand, or, according to some accounts, to two
hundred and fifty thousand men ; and for these he
was seven times saluted Imperator^ although no
engagement was fought, and none of the enemy
were killed I His actual successes over the bar-
barians amounted to no more than the capture of
a few of them by stratagem. But the spoils which
he failed to g^n from them, were extorted from
his wretched subjects and allies. All that were
rich were plundered upon the slightest pretence,
* Dunte, et TOMnat rebui Mirate lecundis. — Ma, I. S07.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 245
and cities and individuals were compelled to offer ^^'Y''
him immense presents : some persons were accused a. u. 89.
of rerolutionary designs, others of plots against ^"^^^"^
his life^ although their real offence was that they
were in possession of wealth which he coveted.
The sale of their property was another source of
gain to him^ as purchasers were constrained to huy
it at a sum far exceeding its value. His success
induced him to send for the most precious articles
in the imperial treasury^ and to put them to sale^
announcing their value by such recommendations
as the following: ^^This belonged to my father,
this to my mother, this was used by Antony in
Egypt, this was won in battle by Augustus.**
Sometimes he employed more expeditious ways of
enriching himself; for once when he was plaj-ing at
dice, and was in want of money, he called for the
register of the property of the Gauls, and having
ordered the most wealthy persons on the list to be
put to death, he returned to his companions, boast-
ing what an immense sum he had gained, while
they were playing for trifles. His cruelty to his
soldiers was as great as his rapacity to his allies ;
for he was not satisfied with putting them to death
singly, but destroyed them by whole companies,
without deigning to investigate their separate
offences.
A conspiracy, real or imaginary, furnished oc-
casion for shedding the blood of the citizens.
Lentulus Getulicus and M. Lepidus were the
most eminent persons implicated in it. The for- Tac. Ann vi.
mer had held the command of the legions in^^nij,,
Germany for a period of ten years, and in this
situation had almost set Tiberius at defiance; but
he was now put to death for no other offence,
according to Dion, than that he had won the
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246 HISTOBT OF
attachment of the soldiers. Lepidus is supposed
to have been the cousin of the emperor^ and en-
joyed such favour with him^ that he had mafried
his late sister Drusilla^ and also carried on infa*
mous intrigues with his other sisters Agrippina
and Livilla. Caius had allowed him to bear the
magistracies five years before the legal age^ and
had even promised to make him his successor ; but
he now ordered him to be killed^ and^ in conse-
quence of the detection of the conspiracy^ bestowed
a largess upon the soldiers^ and sent to Rome
three daggers to be consecrated to Mars the
Suet iT. Avenger- He accused his sisters, Agrippina and
' ' Livilla, of being concerned in the plot, and charged
them with their criminal amours, although he him-
self had laboured to debase them, and extingfuish
in their bosoms every sentiment of chastity and
honour. They were banished to the isle of Pontia,
with an intimation that the emperor had swords
as well as islands under his command. He ordered
Dion. lix. that Agrippina should carry all the way to Borne
an urn containing the ashes of Lepidus; and to
discountenance the honours which had been paid
to his sisters in deference to his own example, he
forbade that any distinction should in future be
saetif.sQ. showu to his relatives. He sold the ornaments,
furniture, slaves, and even freedmen of his sisters,
at an immense price; and it was afler this (accord-
ing to Suetonius) that he sent for the treasures of
his own palace, with the view of profiting by their
sale. The conveyance of them employed so many
beasts of burden, that there did not remain suffi-
cient to work the miUs, and furnish the ordinary
supply of bread at Home.
Suet T. 9. When the senate was informed by the emperor
of the alleged conspiracy, they decreed him an
Dkm. Ux.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 247
ovation^ and despatched an embassy to congratu-
late him on the danger which he had escaped.
His uncle CSlaudius was nominated one of the
ambassadors; but this selection displeased Caius^
who imagined that he was sent as a kind of
guardian and monitor; and therefore (according
to some accounts) he ordered him on his arrival
to be precipitated into the river. He treated the
other deputies as spies^ and would admit but few
of them into his presence^ commanding the rest to
return, before they had entered Gaul. As he com-
plained that the deputation was too small, a larger
one was afterwards sent, and had the good for-
tune to be favourably received by him. For he
was exceedingly fastidious respecting the honours
which were decreed to him : if they were small,
he despised them; and if they were great, he was
ang^ that the senate should pretend to have the
power of exalting his dignity.
Many persons were brought to trial at Rome in
consequence of their friendship with the emperor^s
sisters, or with the conspirators who had been put
to death ; and even some of the ediles and preetors
were obliged to resign their office, and appear
among the accused. The citizens naturally appre-
hended that the cinielty and folly of Caius would
be inflamed to a still greater height, especially as
they knew that he was accompanied by the kings
Agrippa and Antiochus, whom they considered to
be teachers and abettors of tyranny. Among other
auctions at Rome, the heat was so oppressive,
that it became necessary to extend awnings over
the forum.
Caius having become weary of his wife Paulina, nion. hx.
repudiated her, and married Milonia Ceesonia, with 25, 50. '
whom he had been living in habits of adultery.
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248 HISTOBY OF
She was a woman of a most luxurious and disso^
lute character^ but remarkable neither for her
youth nor beauty^ and had been the mother of
three daughters by a former husband. Caius^
however^ loved her with greater ardour and con-
stancy than his other wives^ and used to exhibit
her to the soldiers arrayed in a military garb^
with buckler and helmet. The Romans believed
that she had administered to him a love potion^
which had the effect of inflaming him to madness.
Thirty days after she was declared his wife^ (or^
according to Suetonius^ on the very same day), she
was delivered of a daughter, who was called Julia
Brusilla. Caius, carrying her round the temples
of all the goddesses, placed her in the bosom, and
commended her to the care^ of Minerva* The in*
fant exhibited early symptoms of cruelty^ which
were deemed no slight evidences of the blood from
which she was sprung,
siut Tii. 6. The Germans, in revenge probably for the pro-
jected invasion of their own country, made an
irruption into Gaul; but Galba (who was after*
wards emperor), having succeeded to the conunand
of the legions in the place of Getulicus, promptly
repulsed them, and both he and his army were re-
warded with great honours*
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 240
CHAPTER III.
Caius receives nenhyear^s gifts^ and exhibits games
at Ijyons. — Some mthout any Consul. — Death of
Xing Ptolemy. — The JEmperor^s pretended inva-
sion of Britain. — Wishes to slaughter part of his
legions^ and returns to Home greatly incensed. —
Persists in his pretensions to divinity. — Orders
his statue to be placed in the Temple of Jeru'
salemy but is frmly resisted by the Jews. — King
Agrippa intercedes for them. — Embassy of Philo.
— Chorea^ Sabinus and others conspire against
the Emperor^ and assassinate him as he returns
from the theatre. — The burial of Caius. — JBRs
person^ and probable insanity. — JSis arrogance
and luxury. — His style of dress and eloquence. —
His fondness for singing and danciiigj and his
attachment to actors. — The works which he
undertook or projected.
At the beginning' of the year Caius was the only
consul^ as his intended colleague had died^ and
there had not been sufficient time to nominate any
one in his place. Caius was at Lyons^ and on the sma^'
first day of January he placed himself in the^^'^^'**'
vestibule of his house to receive the presents, which
all classes were constrained to offer him. These
new-year's gifts had been accepted by Augustus
himself; but Caius after the birth of his daughter
complained that he had the expenses of a father as
well as an emperor to support, and demanded con-
tributions for the education and dowry of the child.
Dion. liz.
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260 HISTOBT OF
He was at last seized with so extravagant a love
of money^ that he used to walk with naked feet^
and sometimes roll himself^ over the heaps of gold
which he had accumulated.
He exhibited various g^ames at Lyons^ and also
contests of eloquence in the Greek and Latin
languages. The persons who were defeated in
these intellectual trials were condemned to supply
prizes for the victors^ and also to compose their
eulogies. If their performances were extraor-
dinarily bad, they were ordered to efface them
with a sponge or with their tongfue, unless they
submitted to be caned, or to be plunged in the
adjoining river.*
At Rome considerable perplexity was occasioned
by the want of consuls ; for the prsetors, whose
duty it was to discharge their junctions, were
afraid to undertake them, lest they should appear
to encroach upon the authority of the emperor.
The senators, however, having ascended to the
Capitol, offered up sacrifices, paid their adoration
to the seat of Caius which was placed in the
temple, and presented gifts of money, as if he
himself had been there to receive them. They
aft;erwards assembled in the senate house, with-
out being convened by any of the magistrates,
and spent the whole day in proposing eulogies
and vows in behalf of a prince, whom they de-
tested. They were convoked on the third day by
the joint authority of all the praetors 3 but no
business was transacted until the twelfth day,
when it was announced that Caius had resigned
the consulship. The persons who had been elected
to the office then undertook its regular duties;
* JaTenal (Sat. i. 49) is tnppoMd to allude to thflse paniihmwiti :
Palleat, ut nudiA presrit qal calcibiu angiieniy
Aat LagdumoMm rhetor dictnnu ad aram.
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THE BOIIAN EMFEBOBS. 251
and among* other acts it was decreed that the birth- caiv,
days of Tiberius and Drusilla should be observed a.b.40.
with the same ceremonies as that of Augustus. ^— v— ^
Gaius put to death Ptolemy^ prince of a part of snet. !▼.
Africa^ sftev he had sent for him from his king- Dionf iix.
dom^ and received him with marks of distinction.
He perpetrated this crime either with the view of
gaining* possession of his riches^ or, as Suetonius
alleges^ from a spirit of mere envy^ because during
some games the monarch's purple robe had at-
tracted the notice and admiration of the spectators.
Ptolemy was the son of Juba^ king of Mauritania^
and the grandson of Mark Antony and Cleopatra:
he was therefore cousin of Germanicus^ the father
of Gains.
As a sequel to his ridiculous attack upon the snet !▼.
Germans^ Cains now amused himself with the pro-^^o^iu.
ject of invading Britain. For this great enterprize
he descended to the opposite coasts of Gaul^ and
drew up all his army^ and arranged his engines of
war^ upon the sea shore. Having embarked in his
triremes^ and sailed out a little way^ he returned
to land; he then ascended a lofty throne^ and
after giving the signal of battle^ and commanding
the trumpets to sound^ he suddenly ordered the
soldiers to gather up the shells on the shore^ and
fill their bosoms and helmets with them 1 These^
he declared^ were the spoils of the ocean^ to be
reserved for the decoration of his palace^ and the
Capitol! In commemoration of his victory, he
built a very lofty tower, which was to serve as a
light-house to the coast; he also rewarded the
soldiers, and congratulated them upon their great
wealth and felicity. The shells were to be carried
to Borne, where he intended to celebrate a triumph
on account of his achievements in Germany and
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aSii HISTOBY OF
(xaul. In addition to the few captives and de-
serters^ that were in his army^ he selected the
tallest * of the Gauls^ and some of their princes^ to
swell the dignity of the procession ; and they were
commanded to let their hair grow^ to learn the
German language^ and in every respect to make
themselves resemble the people whom they were
intended to counterfeit. The triremes^ in which
he had entered the ocean^ were sent to Bome^ and
for a great part of the way were conveyed thither
by land. He wrote^ also^ to his procurators^ com-
manding them to prepare such a triumph as had
never before been e^bited; but they were to
disburse as little as possible of his money^ because
they had absolute power over the possessions of all
others.
Before he departed from Gaul^ he conceived the
atrocious design of slaughtering the legions^ who
had revolted after the death of Augustus^ and had
resisted his father Germanicus^ when he himself
was an infant in the camp. Being with difficulty
dissuaded from executing the whole of his bar-
barous wishes^ he resolved that the offenders should
at least be decimated } and they were^ therefore^
summoned to an assembly without their arms and
swordS; and surrounded by a body of cavalr}-.
When^ however, they began to suspect his designs,
and stole away to fetch their weapons, he fled with
terror from the assembly, and hastened to Bome,
in order to pour his vengeance upon the unfortu-
nate senate. He was angry with that bod}* for
not regarding his exploits with the same admira-
tion as he himself did; and although he had
forbidden them, a little time before, to decree him
any honours, yet he now complained that they
* ThflM he csltod, by a Greek compound, AHiaOptafipivrov^,
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. S58
defrauded him of the triumph which was his due.
While he was in this resentfiil mood, he was met
by the ambassadors who were sent to beseech him
to hasten his return to Home. ^^ Yes ^ (he replied)
^^ I will come^ and this with me/' striking his hand
upon the hilt of his sword. He ordered that none
of the senators should come out to meet him^ and^
havings abandoned or deferred his triumph, he
entered the city on his birth-day in a mere ovation.
He was near destroying* the whole senate^ for
not having decreed him more than human honours;
but among the people^ whom he considered less
unfriendly to him^ he distributed a great quantity
of gold and silver. Many persons lost their lives
in the scramble^ because (as it was rather incredi-
bl}' alleged) small daggers were thrown with the
money. He ordered Cassius Betiliinus to be
killed^ and Capito^ his father^ though not accused
of any offence^ to be present at the execution.
When the unhappy parent asked if he might shut
his eyes during the appalling deed^ he himself was
put to death.
ProtogeneS; whom the emperor employed as the
minister of his atrocious cruelties^ having one day
entered the senate^ and being addressed by a crowd
of persons^ who were anxious to pay their court to
him^ looked sternly upon Scribonius Proculus^ and
asked him^ ^^ Do you dare to salute me^ while you
entertain such hostility to the emperor?'' Upon
this intimation the senators surrounded the unfor-
tunate victim^ and tore him to pieces ; and Caius
was so pleased with this act of barbarous ven-
geance^ that he declared himself reconciled to the
senate. They in turn decreed that he should sit on
a loAy throne in the senate-house^ and be attended
there by a military guard; they also flattered him
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254 HI8T0BY OF
with extraordinary appellations^ sometimes styling
him a hero^ and sometimes a god.
He himself still maintained his pretensions to
divinity^ and usurped the honours not only of the
gods hut of the goddesses of Ol3^mpus. Not content
with representing himself as Jupiter^ he sometimes
pretended to be Juno, and sometimes Venus or
Diana, and he arrayed himself in the ornaments and
garb appropriated to these goddesses. An honest
Gaul, who beheld him on a certain occasion assum-
ing the majesty of Jupiter, could not abstain from
laughter; and when Caius called him and asked
him what he considered him to be, he candidly re-
plied, a great fool. This offence went unpunished,
as the man was only a shoe-maker; though to a
person of greater dignity, it would certainly have
been fatal. Caius commanded the celebrated statue
of Jupiter at Olympia to be brought to Home, in
order to be transformed into a likeness of himself;
but fortunately the plan was not executed, and,
according to Dion and other writers, the removal
of the statue was prevented by miraculous interposi-
tions. His wife Ceesonia, his uncle Claudius, and
other persons of distinguished wealth, were enrolled
in his priesthood; he also acted as priest to him-
self, and his horse was admitted to the same office.
He had a machine for imitating thunder and light-
ning, and when the lightning fell, he used to cast
a stone into the air, exclaiming in the language of
HAm,iLxxiiL Homer, '^ Destroy me, or I will destroy you.*^
^^ While the Bomans and the rest of the pagan
world seemed indifferent about acknowledg^g the
vhiL Legal, diviuity of Caius, the Jews displayed much nobler
^^^ sentiments of religion, and boldly resisted his im-
pious claims. Some of the inhabitants of Jamnia,
instigated by Capito the procurator, who was
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 255
anxious for a sedition in order to cover his own
acts of extortion^ raised a brick altar to Coins;
and the Jews^ incensed at the indignity which was
offered to their law^ immediately pulled it down.
Capito^ pleased at this occurrence^ wrote such an
account of it as he thought proper to Caius ; and
the emperor ordered that instead of this brick altar
a colossal statue of himself should be made^ and
erected in the temple of Jerusalem^ which was
hereafter to be called the temple of the illustrious
Caius^ and the ^ new Jupiter ! Petronius^ the
governor of Sjrria, was intrusted with the exe-
cution of this impious order^ and was to take a
sufficient number of troops to force the Jews^ in
case they offered resistance.
He accordingly collected his army at Ptolemais^
and announced to the chief men of the Jews the
emperor's determination^ advising them to submit
peaceably^ and not expose themselves to the hor-
rors of a destructive war. As soon as the Jewish
people were informed of the sacrilegious project^
they almost universally left their habitations and
flocked to Ptolemais^ where they presented them-
selves before the governor with all the humility of
suppliants^ and with every demonstration of the
profoundest grief. They offered no violence, but
endeavoured to move his compassion by tears,
beseeching him not to attempt an act that would
be a violation of their sacred law. When he de-
clared that he was under the necessity of obeying
the emperor^s commands, they replied that they
were under a much stronger necessity of obeying
the commandments of their God, and they evinced
their determination to do so, however perilous
might be the contest. Surprised at their firmness,
and wishing to obtain a more accurate knowledge
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256 HISTORY OP
caius, of their affairs^ he removed to Tiberias; but thither
JL.D.40. also he was followed by myriads of importunate
^^'^^^ suppliants. When he asked them, if they would
venture to make war with the Bomans^ they an-
swered that they wished not for war, but they
would die rather than submit to the open infringe-
ment of their laws. At the same time they threw
themselves on the ground, offering their necks to
his sword ; and this extraordinary scene continued
for forty days, while all business was suspended,
and the cultivation of their lands neglected.
Moved by their admirable patience and firmness,
Petronius at last consented to write to the em-
peror in their behalf, although of course he could
not assure them that his interference would be
successful. Their hopes, however, revived; and
when they were suddenly visited with great
showers of rain in a clear sky, and after a long
drought, they tioisted that the God, whose honour
they vindicated, would be ready to protect them.
Caius was rather exasperated by the letter of
Petronius, than induced to abandon his design;
and even King Agrippa, who addressed an epistle
to him on the same subject^ obtained no better
success. When, however, the monarch invited
him to a sumptuous entertainment, Caius, pleased
with the splendours of the feast, and elated with
the hilarity of wine^ promised to grant him what-
ever he should desire; and Agrippa, instead of
seeking his private aggrandizement, requested,
even at the hazard of his own life, that he would
forego the intention of placing his statue in the
Temple of Jerusalem. The emperor so far yielded,
that he commanded Petronius, that if the statue
was erected, it should remain; if not, he should
desist from any further attempts. But he soon
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 257
resumed his project^ intending*^ when he travelled
into Egypt^ to cause his statue to he placed
secretly in the Holy Temple. This, however, was
frustrated by his death ; as were also the orders
which he sent to Petronius, bidding* him pass sen-
tence on himself, as a person who valued the pre-
sents of the Jews more than the commands of his
emperor. The ship which conveyed this intimation
to the gt)vemor, sailed so slowly, that before it
arrived he was apprized of the death of Cuius.
PhUo, the learned Jew, who has written an
account of the above transactions, was at Home
in the month of September, bein^ deputed by his
countrymen of Alexandria to complain of the loss
of their rights, and of the injuries which had
been inflicted upon them, in that city. He was
opposed by a deputation of the Alexandrians,
headed by Apion the grammarian*, who is the
person against whom Josephus has directed one
of his works. Philo and his friends were received
by the emperor with ridicule and contempt: he
asked them why they did not eat pork, with other
* AolutGcUins (r. 14) relates, that when Apion was at Rome, he witnessed a
wonderftal recognition between a lion and aslave named Androelns. Thisman
had been eompellad by the emeltj of his master, who was prooonsnl of
Africfty to mn awaj and conceal himself in a care. In the same place a
woonded lion took reftige, and instead of attacking Androclus, gently
qpproadied him with hU extended paw, and seemed to beseech his assistance.
The slavey by extracting a great splinter, speedily cured the animal, who
eheriabed the most lasting gratitude for the service. The roan and the lion
Ured In the same cave for three years, the lion always bringing him the bent
portbHia of his prey, which for want of fire he used to bake in the sun.
Weary, at length, of this savage life, Androclus left the cave, was captured,
and carried to Rome. The same fttte befell the lion ; and when the slave's
poBlshment was to engage with wild beasts in the circus, the libn, who was
oaeof his antagonists, recognized his old companion and bene&ctor, and,
thoogh bo had previously appeared to be of the most ferocious character,
ferbora to molest him. The slave and the lion were afterwards shown
about the eity, and thus described by the admiring spectators, Hie ut leo
kNp98 komMif Me eat homo medieue leonie: which signifies, '* This is the
lion who entertained the man, and this is the man who cured the lion."
VOL. I. S
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SS8 HISTORY OF
foolish questions^ and terrified them by the horrid
blasphemies which he uttered. He at last dis-
missed them^ observing that they did not appear
so wicked^ as unfortunate and stupid^ in not be-
lieving that he was a god. But he did not redress
their wrongs^ nor prevent the Alexandrians firom
pursuing their outrages ag^st them.
The time^ however^ was approaching^ when his
career of frenzy was to be terminated^ and he
was no longer to trample with impunity upon the
sense and feelings of the whole civilized world.
e. deCon- Amoug his Other vices^ he was remarkable for the
Tte.Aiin.zLi. most iusultiug raillery^ although no one could
afford juster materials for ridicule than himself.
By this dangerous propensity he had provoked
one of his intimate friends^ Valerius Asiaticus^ a
powerful man of consular rank^ and of a dispo-
sition too haughty to submit to the contumel}^ of
others. After having debauched his wife^ he had
the shameless efirontery to taunt him with indecent
remarks concerning her^ both at an entertainment
and in a public assembly. Asiaticus was so stung
with this insult^ that he became one of the chief
instigators in forming a conspiracy against the
emperor's life^ although he was not engaged in the
actual assassination.
P*®"*-.^'.- The most active and zealous in the plot was
Suet. !▼• fie. , ,- i» -I -
Tac. Aim.i.38. Cassius Chcerea^ a tribune of the preetonan
^. iT^' guards. As a young man he had distingfuished
himself during the revolt of the German legions
after the death of Augustus ; for while the other
centurions yielded to the seditious troops^ or were
overpowered by their numbers^ he resolutely cut
his way through them with his sword in hand.
He had conceived an unconquerable aversion to the
tyranny of Caius^ who had employed him in col-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORd. 269
lecting the arrears of tribute, and in acts of
cruelty repulsive to his generous nature. He had
also his own private insults to revenge ; for though
he was a man of unquestionable valour, yet the
advance of age, and especially a weak voice and a
languid way of speaking, had given him an ap-
pearance of effeminacy very inconsistent with his
real character. These imperfections furnished an
inviting theme for the coarse raiUery of the tyrant.
Whenever Chserea, in the order of his military
duty, applied to him for the watch-word, he used
to give him VenuSy or PriapuSy or some other
word indicative of-the contemptuous opinion which
he entertained of him. These insults, which made
Chaerea ridiculous in the eyes of his fellow officers,
became so insupportable, that he resolved to de-
stroy Caius, and endeavour to persuade others to
join him in the perilous enterprize. Caius is said
to have been warned of his fate by an oracle, which
bade him beware of a certain Cassius ; but his sus-
picions, instead of falling upon Cheerea, who bore
that name, induced him to kill Cassius Longinus,
who was proconsul of Asia, and a descendant of
that Cassius who conspired against Julius Caesar.
While Chaerea was revolving his plan, Pompe-
dius, an eminent senator, was accused of speaking
disrespectfully of the emperor, and Quintilia, an
actress of great beaut}', to whom he was much
attached, was cited to give testimony against him.
She refused to bear witness against her lover,
especially as she knew that the accusation was
fedse; and therefore Chaerea, who was often en-
trusted with such sanguinary duties, was com-
manded to put her to the torture. As she was
acquainted with the plot that was meditated
against the emperor's life, much fear wns enter-
S2
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860 HISTOBY OF
tained that she would divulge it ; but when she
was going* to the torture^ she trod upon the foot of
one of the conspirators^ as an assurance that their
secret was safe^ nor were all the dreadful pains to
which she was subjected sufficient to overcome her
fortitude. After her body had been cruelly man-
gled^ she was led before Caius^ who being moved
with an unusual compassion^ acquitted both her
and Pompedius^ and at the same time rewarded her
with a sum of money for the heroic firmness which
she had displayed,
Cheerea, disgusted at the cruelties to which
he was thus made instrumental^ began to open his
complaints to Clemens^ the prsefect of the prse-
torian gfuards^ and Papinius^ one of the tribunes.
He observed that they were indeed faithful ser-
vants of the emperor^ as they had killed all who
had conspired against his life^ or tortured them to
such an extent^ as to excite even his compassion.
When Clemens held his peace^ but showed by his
countenance that he was sensible of the justice of
the reproof^ Cheerea declared that they themselves
were the persons who were really culpable for the
barbarities that were practised by the emperor^
because^ instead of resisting his cruelty^ they car-
ried it into execution^ and made themselves sub-
servient to the purpose of enslaving their country-
men; that notwithstanding their unjust submission
they themselves would at last be destroyed by their
tyrannical master; and^ therefore^ it was much
wiser to protect the liberty of others, and secure
themselves from danger. Clemens commended his
resolution, but advised him to exercise caution,
lest his intentions should be divulged ; he pleaded
his own age as an excuse for not taking an
active part in an undertaking, which he acknow-
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 261
ledged would most highly exalt the reputation of
Chserea.
Corneliua Sabinus^ to whom Chcerea next ad*
dreaaed himself^ g^ve him a much more cordial
reception. He was a tribune in the prcetorian
guards^ was an ardent friend to liberty^ and had
secretly cherished the desigfn of overthrowing the
tyranny of Caius; he therefore readily embraced
the proposal which Choerea made^ and is to be
considered after him the most active person in the
conspiracy.
Having communicated their sentiments^ they
waited upon Annius Minucianus^ a man of great
reputation and dignity^ but suspected by the em-
peror on account of hb friendship with Lepidus^
who had been put to death for an alleged con-
spiracy. When Cheerea was asked by hun^ what
watchword he had received from Caius that day^ he
replied ^^ Do thou give me the watchword of liberty r
He declared that he knew what a correspondence
existed between the sentiments of Minucianus and
his own^ and that he was ready to follow him
as a gfuide^ or, if required^ to lead the way, in the
liberation of their country. Minucianus, pleased
with his zeal, embraced him, and exhorted him to
persevere in the enterprise which he had under-
taken. Many senators and knights became privy
to the plot; the most powerful of the freedmen
were also concerned in it, and especially Callistus,
who was remarkable for his great wealth. The
emperor had alienated those who were nearest his
person by suspecting them of being engaged in
the conspiracy of Lepidus ; and as he continued to
reproach them upon this topic, they thought it
safer to take away his life, than to trust their own
to his forbearance.
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202 BISTOBYOP
It is reported that as Chserea was one dajr en-
tering the senate^ a voice issued from the crowd^
exhorting* him to execute his purpose^ and to
seize the opportunity which providence gave him.
He was at first apprehensive that the conspiracy
was discovered^ but he preserved his composure^
and the occurrence proved harmless. He was
anxious^ however^ to expedite the deed^ considering
that the earliest opportunity was the best ; but his
friends recommended delay^ in order that success
might be more certain. They at last agreed that
Caius should be killed during the Palatine games
which were celebrated on the 21st of January^ and
the three following days^ in honour of Augustus ;
for at such a time they thought he might be
attacked without receiving protection from his
guards. The first day of the g^ames was selected
for the enterprise^ but it passed away^ as well as
the next two, without anything being effected.
Chserea^ therefore^ summoned the conspirators^ and
upbraided them for their timid delay; he reminded
them that Caius intended soon to set sail for Alex-
andria^ and that it would be an indelible disgrace
to them^ if an Egyptian or some one else should
accomplish what they dared not^ and slay the
tyrant ; he protested that he would submit to no
more procrastination^ and that if they would not
be persuaded by him^ he himself would encounter
the whole danger. By these remonstrances he
roused their courage^ and they resolved that the
last day of the games should not be neglected like
the preceding.
Dion relates that a certain Egyptian named
Apollonius^ having predicted the death of Caius^
was sent to Home to receive the punishment of his
temerity^ and was brought before the tyrant on
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 203
the veiy day of his assassination ; that he was to
have been executed shortly afterwards^ but escaped
by the accomplishment of that event which he had
foretold. Suetonius recounts some presages of the
emperor's death^ which would excite little attention
at present^ but which might have appeared im-
portant in an age when the belief in superstitious
omens was universal.
On the morning which was doomed to be his
last Caius offered sacrifices to Augustus^ and
took his seat in the theatre^ which was constructed
in front of the palace^ in order to view the spec-
tacles. He was attended by Chserea^ and other
tribunes of the guards^ and displayed a more than
usual mii'th and affability in his conversation.
A quantity of fruit being thrown among the peo-
ple^ he was amused with the tumult and contests
which the scramble excited. Those who were ac-
quainted with the plot sat in anxious expectation
of more important events. A senator having
asked Cluvius, a man of consular rank who sat
near him^ whether he had heard of any news^ was
answered in the negative. ^^ Know then/' said he,
" that to-day will be represented the slaughter of
the tyrant." Cluvius, understanding his allusion,
advised him to take care that they were not over-
heard by their enemies. It was remarked that it
was the same day on which Philip king of Mace-
don had been killed on his entrance to the theatre,
and that the same tragedy was performed as on
that occasion ; but there is no coincidence beyond
these accidental circumstances, as it would be the
greatest injustice to compare Philip of Macedon
with Caligula of Home.
The spectacles were to be continued during the suet tv. 64.
night, and it was believed that Caius intended to
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204 HISTORY OF
take advantage of the revelry^ in order to exhibit
himself on the stage in the character of a dancer
and perfoimer of tragedy. In the mean time
Chaerea had left the theatre^ and was anxiously
waiting for the emperor to return to the palace:
Minucianus rising to follow him was detained by
Caius^ but when he made a second attempt was
allowed to depart. Caius^ however^ regaled himself
with eating and drinking in the theatre^ and hesi-
tated whether he should quit it at all^ as it was the
last day of the games ; and Cheerea was so disap-
pointed by this delay^ that he began to think of
attacking him in the theatre^ notwithstanding the
bloodshed and confusion which such a scene would
create. But Caius was at length persuaded by one
of the conspirators to go to the palace for the pur-
pose of bathing and dining^ and afterwards to
return to the spectacles. He rose^ therefore^ from
his seat about one or two o'clock, being preceded by
his uncle Claudius, and his sister's husband, while
the conspirators, under pretence of clearing the way,
studiously kept the crowd at a distance. When he
entered the palace, he did not follow the direction
which Claudius had taken, and in which his servants
were waiting for him, but turned aside into a
narrow gallery, to view some singing boys, who
were of noble families, and had been brought from
Jos. Ant. Asia, in order to perform in the games. While he
was speaking to them, Chserea, according to the
narrative of Josephus, applied to him for the watch-
word, and when he received one of an insulting
nature, he drew his sword, and struck him a violent
blow between the neck and shoulder. Caius was
staggered with the wound, and, without calling for
assistance^ endeavoured to flee ; but Sabinus pushed
him down on his knees, and all the conspirators
xix. i.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 205
attacked him with their swords^ until Aquila gave
him his death blow. Suetonius relates^ that there
were two accounts of the catastrophe. According
to the first^ Chaerea coming behind him^ while he
was addressing the singing boys^ gave him a severe
wound in the neck^ and Sabinus afterwards wounded
him in the breast. According to the other account^
Sabinus asked him for the watchword^ and when
Jupiter was given^ Chcerea struck him a blow^
which cleft his jaw-bone. As he lay upon the
ground^ exclaiming that he was not dead^ the con-
spirators gave him no less than thirty wounds^
encouraging one another with the signal which
they had chosen^ Strike again. They continued to
lacerate his body after he had expired^ and^ accord-
ing to Dion^ some g^tified their revenge by eating
part of his flesh. They afterwards fled from the
palace in diflerent directions.
The corpse of Caius was placed on a bed^ and jm. adc
covered, by King Agrippa, who was not unmindful oion/ux.
of the great benefits which he had received from 8"«^^^-59,eo.
the emperor. It was afterwards conveyed secretly
to the Lamian gardens, and being half-burnt was
laid under the turf; but when his sisters returned
from exile, they gave it a more regular sepulture.
Suetonius constrains us to smile, when he reports it
as an undisputed fact, that before the body of
Caius was interred by his sisters, the gardens were
infested by spirits, and that the part of the palace
in which he was killed was disturbed with nightly
alarms, until it was consumed by fire. He says
also, it was generally remarked, that all the Caesars
who had borne the name of Caius, were destroyed
by the sword, reckoning from the one who was slain
in the time of Cinna.
Caius was assassinated on the 24th January,
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200 HISTOBT OF
beiug in the twenty-uinth year of his agef, and
having possessed the imperial dignity for the space
of three years and ahout ten months. His rices and
crimes were a stigma upon human nature : though in
his infatuation he deemed himself a god^ and exacted
the pa}anent of divine honours. After having lately
wished that the Roman people had but one head^
he experienced that he himself had but one^ while
they possessed many hands for its destruction.
soet.iT.fio,6i. He was tall in his stature^ of pale complexion^
Cooitan. 18. exceedingly slender in his neck and legs^ but with
large feet : his eyes were fierce and sunken^ he had
but little hair on his head^ and none on the crown^
though the other parts of his body were rough. In
consequence of this deformity^ it became a capital
offence to look down upon him from an eminence
as he was passing by^ or on any account to make
mention of a goat. The natural ferocity of his
countenance was heightened by art, and he used to
labour before a mirror to give himself a terrific
appearance. The health of his body was not robust y
for when a boy he was subject to epilepsy^ and in
youth his strength often sunk under severe labour.
As to his mind^ he himself was sensible of its infir-
mity^ and used to talk of purifying his brain ; nor is
it easy for any one to conceive that his intellect was
not seriously disturbed. His insanity appears still
more probable^ when we read that he seldom slept
more than three hours in the nighty and that during
these he was terrified with various phantasms; that
he used to lie awake on his bed^ or wander through
the porticoes of the city^ anxiously praying for and
expecting the break of day. Although at times he
pretended to despise the gods^ yet at the slightest
storm of thunder and lightning he would cover his
face^ and if it became violent^ he would rise and hide
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 207
himself under his bed. During his visit to Sicily^
he ridiculed many of the alleged miracles there^ but
fled hastily from Messana by nighty being terrified
by the smoke and murmurs of Mount Etna.
Of his monstrous cruelty sufficient instances
have been already adduced. His arrogfance was
equally great. When Pompeius Pennus^ an aged senec. da Ben.
and illustrious senator, whose life he had forborne to
destroy^ came to thank him for such mercy, he gave
him h^ left foot to kiss. Some persons imagined
that this proceeded from his vanity as much as his
insolence, and that he wished to display his golden
shoe studded with pearls. Dion, however, relates
that he gave his foot as well as his hand for the
salutation of the once haughty Romans.
His luxury and prodigality were unbounded. Suetir. 37.
He was washed with warm and cold perfumes,
drank the most costly pearls melted in vinegar,
and displayed golden loaves at his entertainments,
declaring that it was proper to live like a frugal
man, or like a Caesar. He had gallies built of
cedar, their poops adorned with precious stones,
and their sails of various colours, with spacious
baths and other luxuries, and a variety of finiit
trees and vines; reclining in these siunptuous
vessels he coasted along the shores of Campania
amidst concerts of music and singing. In the
construction of villas and other buildings he was as
extravagant as possible, desiring nothing so much
as to effect what was deemed impracticable. Piers
were, therefore, made in deep and rough parte of
the sea, the hardest rocks were cut through, plains
were elevated to the mountains, and mountains
levelled to the plains; and such arduous works
were performed with incredible celerity, because
death was the penalty of delay. By these extra-
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268 HISTORY OF
yag^nces he consumed in the space of a year
immense sums^ and all the wealth which had been
accumulated by the avarice of Tiberius.
sw^iv. His general style of dress was neither that of a
' ' Boman^ nor of a man^ nor of a human being. He
often wore female habiliments^ but generally ap-
peared with a golden beard^ wielding thunder^ and
holding a trident or caduceus.
Although he had paid but little attention to
learning in general^ yet he had carefully cultivated
eloquence 3 and it is acknowledged that he pos-
sessed a considerable promptitude in speakings ac-
companied with a vehemence of delivery. He
despised a gentle and refined mode of composition,
and for thb reason disregarded the writings of
saetiT.34. Seneca. He is said to have meditated the de-
struction of the poems of Homer, declaring that
he had the same right as Plato, who had banished
him from his republic. Virgil he condemned as
possessing no genius and but little learning; and
Livy he censured for verboseness and negligence ;
and he was very near removing the writings and
statues of these two celebrated authors from all
the public libraries.
He devoted hinself to fencing, driving, singing,
and dancing with much more dacrity than to any
Suet. iv. 54. intellectual pursuits. One night he sent for three
persons of consular rank, who came to the palace
in great trepidation, expecting instant death. But
after they had been admitted, Caius suddenly ap-
peared before them, amidst the sound of various
instruments, and arrayed in a tragic dress; and
when he had danced and sung for a certain time,
Dion, liz.^^ he left them to enjoy their wonder. Odious as the
memory of Tiberius was to the Romans, yet the
conduct of Caius almost made them regret him; for
SiMt. It. 55.
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THE ROMAN^ EMPERORS. 2G0
whfle Tiberius governed by himself or ministers^
Cains was ruled by gladiators^ charioteers^ and
actors. He scourged with his own hand those
who created the slightest disturbance during the
exhibition of his favourite performers ; and when
a Roman knight happened to be guilty of such an
offence^ he ordered him to depart immediately into
Mauritania^ and carry letters to king Ptolemy^
containing the following instructions: ^^Let the
man whom I have sent^ receive from you neither
kindness nor injury/^
Of the immense sums, which he lavished, but Jm. Ant.
little was spent on useful undertakings. He com- siMt iv. 21.
menced an harbour at Rhegium for the ships that
conveyed com from Egypt ; but the work, though
useful^ was not completed. He ako began an
aqueduct, which was finished by Claudius, and an
amphitheatre, which was discontinued. He re-
stored the walls and the temples of S3rracuse,
and had intended to build a city on the top of the
Alps, and to cut through the Isthmus of Corinth.
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THE EMPEROR CLAUDIUS.
CHAPTER I-
Commotian excited at Borne upon the death of
Caiusy and the violence of the German troops. —
ClaudirAS is carried by the soldiers to the camp,
and declared Emperor. — The senate desirous of
restoring freedom. — Chorea commands the Tvife
and child of Cains to he hilled. — King Agrippa^
being sent by the senate on a deputation to Clau-
diuSy advises him not to resign his power. — Tlie
senatCy deserted by their soldierSy are compelled
to achnowledge Claudius. — Sis previous life and
disposUion. — Orders Chorea and some others to
be put to death. — Acquires popularity by vdrimts
good avians. — Recalls Agrippina and Julia from
exile. — The latter is again banishedy and afters
wards put to death by Messalina. — Seneca sent
into banishment. — Generosity of Claudius to
several princes. — Extends the dominions of
Agrippay and issues edicts in favour of the Jews.
— Taies the title of Imperator on account of the
success of his generals. — Mauritania subdued and
divided into two provinces. — Claudius builds a
harbour at the mouth of the Tiber y and attempts to
empty the Lake Fucinus. — His love of bloodshed.
CniBBEA and the other conspirators^ after the assas- ci-fttintf,
sination of Cains^ took refuge in the house of Ger- a.j>.'4i,
manicus vhich adjoined the palace. As soon as a
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272 HISTORY OF
Claudius, commotioii was excited by the emperor's death^ the
A.D.'4i. slaves who used to carry his litter ran to the spot
joi^A^tj^i ^^^^^ ^® ^^y> ^^^ ^^^^ ®^^ followed by some of
jSiiet.iY.58. ' the German troops who composed his body g^uard.
These foreign mercenaries^ being attached to Cains
on account of his munificence to them^ resolved to
avenge his death^ and for this purpose placed
themselves under the direction of one of the tri-
bunes named Sabinus^ who had formerly been a
gladiator. The first person they encountered was
a senator named Asprenas^ whom they imme-
diately killed. His garments had in the morn-
ing been accidentally stained with the blood of the
sacrifices; and Josephus^ writing more like a pagan
than a Jew^ interprets this circumstance as a
manifest omen of his death. The next person the
Germans met was Norbanus^ one of the most illus-
trious men of the city ; he wrested a sword from
the first of those who attacked him^ but was over-
powered by their numbers. Anteius^ a senator^
having come to gratify his revengeful feeling by
inspecting the dead body of Caius^ who had killed
his father^ was also murdered. The soldiers in-
flicted vengeance upon some of the actual con-
spirators^ but in the blindness of their fury did not
scruple to massacre the innocent as well as the
guilty.
j<M.Ant.ziz.t When the first report of the emperor's death
reached the theatre, where the people w^ere still
assembled, it excited an indescribable variety of
sentiments. Every one attempted to believe or dis-
believe it^ according as his hopes or fears made him
desire or dread such an event : some deemed the
contingency impossible, and many suspected that
the rumour was disseminated by Gains himself, in
order to ascertain the feelings with which the people
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 273
would receive it. It also began to be affirmed claudiu«,
that he was not dead^ but only wounded; so that a. 0.41.
no one dared to avow his sentiments to others, for '^-^v— ^
fear that he should afterwards be made responsible
for them. But all other feelings were absorbed in
the sense of imminent danger, when it was under-
stood that some of the Geimans had surrounded
the theatre, and were meditating an attack upon the
spectators. The people endeavoured to soften the
soldiers by tears and entreaties^ protesting that
they were innocent of any designs either to de-
stroy the emperor, or raise a sedition. Their terror
was increased, when they beheld the heads of
Asprenas, and the others who had been killed,
placed upon the altar which was in the theatre.
By degrees, however, it was ascertained that Caius
was really dead, for Arruntius, one of the public
heralds, clothed himself in mourning, and openly
announced the fact The soldiers were exhorted
by their tribunes to put up their swords, and ab-
stain from all further violence ; and as they re-
fleeted that they had given sufficient demonstrations
of their zeal, and that any further aggression
could procure them no reward from Caius, but
might expose them to the anger of the senate, they
abandoned their sangfuinary intentions, and allowed
the people to depart without injury.
The consuls, Pomponius Secundus and Sentius oion. lu. u.
Satuminus, having arranged guards throughout j^Vnt,*^"
the city for the preservation of order, convened the *^*- *•
senate in the Capitol, instead of the Julian court,
which was odious on account of its name. Some of
the senators even proposed that the memory of
the Coesars should be abolished, and their temples
destroyed. An active search, however, was made by
the people for those who had killed Caius, until it
VOL. I- T
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274 HISTORY OF
cuLUDiva, was stopped by the bold declaration of Valerius
A.D.'ii. Asiaticus^ who^ being asked respecting the perpe-
''~^''~^ trators of the deed^ promptly replied ; "Would that
I had done it!^ The consuls issued an edict,
enjoining the people and the soldiers to remain
tranquil ; and the conspirators^ finding that their
lives were no longer in danger^ avowed themselves
and took part in the deliberations of the senate,
snet T. 10. Claudius had no sooner heard of the death of his
xiz.3. nephew^ than he endeavoured to conceal himself
behind some curtains covering a door in an obscure
part of the palace. A soldier, who was accidentally
passing, having observed his legs^ dragged him
from his hiding-place. Claudius prostrated himself
before him in great trepidation; but when the man
ascertained who he was, he saluted him Emperor,
and led him forth to his comrades, who placed him
in a litter, and carried him to the camp in a state
of deep perplexity and dismay. The people who
saw him in the hands of the soldiers imagined
that they were conducting him to punishment:
they intended, on the contrary, to invest him with
the imperial dignity, and for this purpose detained
him in the camp during the whole night.
Suet. T. 10. The consuls, supported by the senate and the city
jM.'xnt.' cohorts, had taken possession of the forum and the
***' *• Capitol, and had resolved to espouse the cause of
public freedom. One of them named Satuminus,
although he knew the intentions of the militar}^
respecting Claudius, boldly gave his opinion in
favour of liberty, and advised the senate to
bestow the highest honours upon those who had
conspired against Caius, and especially Chserea,
whom he commended as a greater benefactor to his
country than Brutus or Cassius. The senators
protracted their deliberations during the night, and
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 37.5
though they were not unanimous^ the majority of Claudius,
them were desirous of restoring the republican a.d.'4i.
goyemment. Cheerea applied to the consuls for "— v— '
the watchword: they gpave him Liberty y and he
communicated it to that portion of the troops,
which acknowledged the authority of the senate.
As he did not consider it safe that the wife and jos.Aotxiz.2.
daughter of Caius should be allowed to live, he sent ^"*** *^' ^'
a centurion named Julius Lupus to destroy them.
This officer found Csesonia lamenting over the
mangled body of her husband ] and as soon as she
was apprized of the object of his coming she
boldly presented her neck to his sword, and her
child was dashed to death against the wall. These
acts of cruelty were condemned by some of the
conspirators as unnecessary.
On the following day, which was the 35th of jot.Ant.zix.4.
January, the partisans of Claudius increased both ®"**' ^" ^^'
among the soldiers and the people, who began to
reflect that the nomination of an emperor would be
most conducive to their interests, and might prevent
the miseries of a civil war. The senate were
divided in their counsels, and intimidated by the
opposition which was offered to their authority. In
their perplexity they sent for king Agrippa, who
declared that he was willing to sacrifice his life for
their honour, but suggested that, if they were desi-
rous of wielding the government, they stood in need
both of arms and soldiers. When they expressed
a confidence in their resources, he reminded them
that their troops were weak and inexperienced in
comparison with the praetorian guards : he advised
them, therefore, to send deputies to Claudius, in
order to dissuade him from usurping the chief power,
and declared that he himself was ready to be one of
the number. He was accordingly sent in company
T2
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276 HISTORY OP
ciAUDius, with some others j but when he arrived at the camp^
A.D.'4i. he treacherously deserted the cause of the senate,
'^'^'^'^^ informed Claudius of their weak condition^ and
advised him to return such an answer as would
indicate a consciousness of his power. Emboldened
by so many encouraging circumstances, Claudius
replied to the deputies, that he was not surprised
that the senate were averse to the imperial autho-
rity, after the tyranny which they had experienced
under it ; that he, however, would cause them to
enjoy the blessings of a mild and equitable govern-
ment, and that while he nominally held the chief
power, they should all have a share in the adminis-
tration of the state ; and he added^ that the tenor
of his past life was a sufficient assurance that they
might safely confide in him. Having dismissed
the deputies with this answer, he harangfued the
soldiers, and allowed them to take the oath of alle-
giance to him : he also promised each man fifteen
sesterces*, being the first of the Caesars who pur-
chased the fidelity of the troops by a pecuniary
donative,
jof. Ant. The senators now found themselves placed in a
fearful position; and many of them^ instead of obey-
ing the order issued by the consuls for their convo-
cation^ concealed themselves or retired from Rome.
Not more than a hundred of them assembled on the
26th of January; and while they were deliberating
upon the public affairs, they were suddenly assailed
by a cry from the soldiers of their own party, de-
manding that they should choose an emperor,
whomsoever they thought most worthy, and # not
endanger the state by subjecting it to many rulers.
Finding, therefore, that it was impossible to pursue
* Jowphof makes the stun much larger^ bat there is probably an error in
the copies.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 277
their own plans of govemment^ they begtin to think cuiuoiut,
of electing some one who was more worthy of the A.o.'ii.
imperial dignity than Claudius. Several candidates "^--v—^
were proposed ; but when it was known^ that the
gladiators and others were hastening to the camp
for the purpose of acknowledging Claudius^ they
ceased to desire so dangerous a pre-eminence.
CEserea endeavoured to hai*angue the soldiers^ but
they refused to listen to him^ and persisted in de-
manding an emperon He reminded them of the
disgraceful treatment which they had experienced
from Caius^ and expressed his astonishment that
they should desire to be ruled by so silly a person
as Claudius. His reproaches^ however^ were ineffec-
tual^ as they raised their standards and marched to
the camp to offer theii* submission to Claudius. The
senators^ thus deserted^ had no resource but to
follow the steps of the soldiers. When they arrived
at the camp^ they were at first received with rude-
ness and even violence ; but Agrippa interceded in
their behalf^ and obtained for them the protection of
Claudius. Being thus acknowledged emperor by
all ranks of the state^ Claudius left the camp^ and,
having offered thanksgivings to the gods^ quietly
withdrew to the palace.
He was now in the fiftieth year of his age, having suet. v. 2—10.
been bom at Lyons on the Ist of August, in the con-
sulship of Julius Antonius and Fabius Africanus.
He had received the names of Tiberius Claudius
Nero Drusus, and after the adoption of his elder
brother into the Julian family had assumed the title
of Germanicus. His father Drusus was the son of
livia, and his mother Antonia was the daughter of
Mark Antony: he was nephew therefore of Tiberius,
brother of the celebrated Germanicus, and uncle of
the emperor Caius. He had been subject from his
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278 HISTORY OF
ciauBius, youth to violent attacks of dbease^ which had so im-
A.D.Ui. paired his bodily strength^ that his head shook^ his
' "" hands trembled, and his utterance was imperfect.
He had enjoyed a liberal education, and had made
such a proficiency in learning, as to venture to
publish some of his compositions. Notwithstanding^
his attainments he was long deemed unfit for any
public emplo}anent, and was treated by his nearest
relatives with the most undisguised contempt. His
mother used to describe him as a monster of a man,
only half-finished by nature ; and if she had reason
to revile any one for dulness, she would call him
inore stupid than her son Claudius. He was
scorned by Livia, and neglected by Augustus ; and
when he applied to Tiberius to grant him the con-
sulship, his request was denied. He withdrew,
therefore, into retirement, living in the suburbs of
Bome, or in Campania; but from the profligate
company, to which he was abandoned, he contracted
the vices of ebriety and gambling. He was also
much addicted to amours, and in the seasons of his
licentious pleasures was easily overcome by the
artifices of others. Having passed much of his
time Tidth women and freedmen, he was greatly
deficient in manliness and energy of character. His
disposition was timid, and when he was inspired
with fear, he was unable to act with reason or pro-
priety: those, therefore, who wished to subjugate him
to their will, readily took advantage of this weakness.
Notwithstanding the imbecility of his character, the
people of Rome had generally treated him with a
considerable degree of regard, arising either from
compassion at his neglected situation, or from
respect for his illustrious relatives. Caius, as we
have related, had invested him with the consulship ;
but of all the various contingencies of the future,
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 270
none ever seemed more improbable^ than that Claudius,
Claudius should be raised to the imperial power. a.d/4i.
When he arrived at the palace^ he consulted ^T^T^
with his friends concerning the manner in which xu! 4.
Chserea and the other conspirators ought to besuetir.
treated. Although they had been the cause of his "' ^*-
elevation^ yet it seemed dangerous in a prince not
to discountenance such actions as theirs^ especially
as he knew that they had desired his death as
well as that of Caius. Cheerea^ Lupus^ and some
others^ were therefore condemned to die. Choerea
submitted to his fate with calmness and fortitude.
He reproached Lupus for his lamentations^ and
when he complained of the cold^ jestingly told him
(in allusion to his name) that the cold could not
injure a wolf. He desired to be killed with the
same sword which he had used against Caius^ and
the executioner dispatched him by a single blow.
At the Parentalia^ or feasts for the dead^ which
were observed a few days afterwards^ the Romans
offered honours to the Manes of Chaerea^ and
prayed him not to be incensed at the ingratitude
with which they had deserted him. Sabinus was
offered a free pardon ; but as he scorned to sur-
vive his friend and confederate^ he fell upon his
sword^ which pierced his body to the very hilt.
After these punishments Claudius desired that
there should be a perfect* oblivion of every thing
said or done on the two days following the death
of Caius. Persons^ therefore^ who had wished to
restore the ancient govenmient, or had been con-
sidered fit candidates for the dignity of emperor^
were not only forgiven by him, but raised to
honours.
Although he was capable of such generosity, he
was afraid to enter the senate for the space of
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280 HISTOBY OF
thirty days. Mindfiil of the fate of Caius^ and
aware that several of the citizens had heen deemed
more worthy of the supreme power than himself^
he ordered all persons, hoth male and female^ to be
searched before they entered his presence^ in order
that no weapons might be concealed under their
garments. This degrading custom was abolished
by Vespasian ; but another which Claudius intro-
duced; of having military guards at his entertain-
ments^ was not abandoned by his successors.
The usual titles being decreed to him by the
senate^ he at first declined that of Father of his
country, but afterwards accepted it. Suetonius
says that he abstained from prefixing Imperator
to his name: he did not; however^ refuse it^ when it
was given to him in its ancient acceptation^ as a
title of victory. Discountenancing the impious
practices of Caius^ he ordered that no adoration
should be paid^ and no sacrifices offered to himself.
He allowed but three statues at first to be erected
to him^ alleging that the temples and other places
were filled with such works of art^ and that the
number of them had become burdensome to the
city. He did not wish the marriage-days and
birth-days of his family to be honoured with any
public solemnity^ but observed them merely as
domestic occurrences. He married his daughter
Antonia this year to Cn. Pompeius^ and betrothed
his other daughter Octavia to L. Junius Silanus.
The sons-in-law did not receive any remarkable
honours; but Pompeius was allowed to resume
the surname of Magnus^ which the absurd jealousy
of Caius had compelled him to lay aside.
Claudius abolished all actions for alleged im-
piety against the prince^ and liberated those who
were imprisoned for such offences. Although
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 281
many had treated him^ when in a private station^ Claudius,
with great contempt and injustice, he did not revenge j,, J; 41 .
himself upon them, unless they were convicted of ' — >^^^'
other charges. He repealed the taxes imposed
by Cains, and gradually rescinded his other un-
popular acts. He recalled, vnth the sanction of
the senate, such persons as had been unjustly
banished, and restored to them their property.
He ordered the poisons which Caius had provided
in great quantities to be thrown into the sea ; he
also executed Protogenes the infamous informer,
and destroyed his documents. The letters of ac-
cusation which Caius had pretended to burn, were
found in the palace, and after being shown to the
senators, and perused by all the parties concerned,
were at length committed to the flames. When,
however, the senate proposed to stigmatize the
memory of his nephew, he interfered, and ordered
all his statues to be removed privately by night.
But the name of Caius, as well as that of Tiberius,
was omitted in the list of emperors, who were
mentioned in the public oaths and vows ; although
no decree of the senate had inflicted this disgrace
upon either of them.
Claudius evinced a generous disregard for money
by rejecting the new-year^s gifts which had been
received by Augustus and Caius; by forbidding
persons who had relatives to nominate him as their
heir ; and by restoring the money, which had been
extorted by Tiberius and Caius, either to the actual
owners or their children. In order to reform the
manners of the populace, he demolished the low
taverns in which they assembled to drink, and
prohibited. any one from selling dressed meat, or
even warm water. He also returned to the various
cities the choice statues, of which they hnd been
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282 HISTOBY OF
ChAVDiva, plundered by Caius. The knights and the females
A.D.'4i. who had danced on the stage in the time of Caius^
^"^^^"^^ appeared there once more^ and never afterwards
while Claudius was alive. By such conduct he
acquired great popularity among the Romans, who
cherished the hope that they were at length going
to enjoy a mild and equitable government. But he
was too weak to pursue a consistent and undeviating
course of virtue, and it was soon discovered that all
his good intentions would be frustrated by the pro-
fligate arts of his freedmen and his wife Messalina.
' Among the persons whom he had recalled frt)m
banishment were his nieces Agfrippina and Julia,
the daughters of Germanicus. Messalina was soon
provoked by the want of deference and adulation
which she experienced from Julia^ and was also
jealous of her beauty, and of the familiarity
which she enjoyed with Claudius. She accused
her, therefore, of adultery and other offences, and
without allowing her any opportunity of de-
fending herself^ drove her into banishment, and
soon afterwards caused her to be put to death.
The philosopher Seneca, being implicated in the
accusation, was also exiled.
Claudius restored to Antiochus the kingdom of
Commagene, which Caius had first given to him,
and afterwards taken away.
He liberated Mithridates, king of Armenia (who
had been imprisoned by Caius), and sent him home
to take possession of his dominions. Another
Mithridates, descended from the celebrated mon-
arch of that name, received the country of the
Cimmerian Bosphorus, for the loss of which King
Polemon was repaid with part of Cilicia.
jot.Aiitzix.5. Agrippa, who had been so instrumental in pro-
curing the sovereign power for Claudius, was
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 283
rewarded with a considerable augmentation of his clauj>iu8,
dominions. He was put in possession of Judsea a.d.'4i.
and Samaria^ over which his grandfather had ^-*>^"*^
reigned^ and was invested with the consular
honours. His brother Herod received the pree-
torian honours^ together with the kingdom of
Chalcis^ at the foot of Mount Lihanus. Both the
princes were permitted to enter the senate^ and
to return thanks to the emperor in the Greek
language. Through their solicitation^ also^ the
whole Jewish people were favoured with the extra-
ordinary protection of Claudius. For he issued an
edict, commanding that the Jews of Alexandria
should enjoy without molestation all their ancient
rights and privileges in that city ; and this was
followed by another edict, permitting the Jews
IB all parts of the empire to observe their laws and
customs in a free and peaceable manner. Dion,
however, relates that the Jews of Rome, who
had become very numerous, were not allowed to
hold assemblages there.
Claudius was persuaded to accept of the trium-
phal honours on account of some success gained
over the Moors, who had risen to revenge the death
of their king Ptolemy ; but the victory, whatever
it was, occurred before he was emperor. Sulpicius
Galba defeated the Catti ; and P. Gabinius, besides
other exploits, recovered from the Germans the last
eagle which remained in their possession from the
slaughter of the legions of Varus. For these
achievements of his generals, Claudius received the
title of Imperator.
In the following year he held the consulship for claudic*,
two months, but permitted his colleague C. Liu*gus a. 0.4^.
to retain the office for the whole year. He himself, Dion. u.
in conjunction with others, swore to obsen^e the
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284 HISTORY OF
CLAUDicff, laws of Augfustus^ but did not require a similar
▲.D.42. assurance to be given respecting* his own. When
^'^^^'^^ he resigned the office he took the same oath as
other individuals^ and submitted to this ceremony
in all his consulships.
The Moors^ having renewed the war, were de-
feated by Suetonius Paulinus, who ravaged their
country as far as Mount Atlas. Cn. Geta, who
succeeded him, gained one or two victories over
them, and when they retreated into the sandy
country was tempted to follow them. Having
consumed the water which he had carried with him,
and being unable to procure a fresh supply, he was
reduced to the greatest distress ; for the barbarians
were more inured to thirsty and from their know-
ledge of the country were better able to provide
against it, while to his own troops it seemed
equally fatal to advance or to retreat. In this
difficulty he was advised by one of the natives to have
recourse to incantations and magical arts, by which,
it was alleged, supplies of water were often obtained.
When the expedient was tried, copious showers
(according to Dion) descended from Heaven, so
that the Moors, imagining that their enemies were
befriended by miraculous aid, voluntarily sub-
mitted to them. Claudius divided the conquered
country into two divisions, named Tingitana and
Ceesariensis, and placed them under the govern-
ment of two knights. About the same time the
neighbouring barbarians infested some parts of
Numidia, but were subdued.
Dion. ix. A gfrievous famine having arisen, Claudius was
18%? anxious not only to relieve the present necessity,
but to prevent the recurrence of so formidable an
evil. Almost all the corn which the Romans con-
sumed, was imported from other countries ; but as
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THE B03CAN EMPEBOBS. 285
the coast near the mouth of the Tiber was danger- Claudius,
ous and without harbours^ the trade during the a.^.a%.
winter was impracticable^ and they were forced to ^"^v—^
depend upon die supplies of the summer months.
Claudius^ therefore^ resolved to form a harbour
opposite Ostia, and he executed his design ;
although Julius Csesar^ after contemplating such a
work, is said to have been deterred by its great
difficulty. To make the port more secure^ he built
a lofty tower^ which served as a light-house. The
reproaches and insults of the people^ on account of
the dearth which they experienced^ induced him to
propose certain emoluments to merchants who
imported com in the \idnter season^ and so insure
them against all loss arising from tempests. He
also offered great advantages to those who built
vessels for the purpose of merchandize.
The emptpng of the lake Fucinus was another
great undertaking commenced by Claudius this
year ; but the result was unsuccessful^ as we shall
hereafter relate.
The emperor evinced such a love for the gladia-
torial combats^ as appeared reprehensible even to
the Bomans. Numbers of men were destroyed in
eng^agements with one another^ or with wild beasts;
but he appeared more lavish of human bloody than
that of brute creatures. He conceived a deep
abhorrence of the slaves and freedmen who had
plotted against their masters under the preceding
emperors^ or who had been guilty of perjury and
false accusations: most of these offenders were^
therefore^ slaughtered^ or given up to the anger of
their masters. So numerous were the persons who
were publicly massacred^ that he thought fit to
remove the statue of Augustus^ which was near
the scene of bloody to another situation^ lest it
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286 HISTORY OP
clajjdixi; should be condemned to behold such spectacles^ or
A.D.'42. to be constantly veiled I It naturally excited the
^•^'^^ ridicule of the citizens^ to think that an insensible
statue of brass ought not to look upon scenes^ in
which a living emperor delighted ! He beheld with
the highest pleasure human creatures cut to pieces
about the hour of his dinner ; but^ to prove his sen-
sibility^ he ordered that a lion who had been taught
to devour men^ and was^ therefore^ a great favourite
with the people^ should be put to death^ because
such a sight was unfit for the Romans.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 287
CHAPTER II.
Cangpiracy of Messalina against her father-dn-law
Silanus. — The revolt of ScribonianuSy and the
cruelties consequent upon it. — Death of Arria. —
Claudius abolishes a great many festivals. —
Deprives the Lycians ^ their freedom. — Vena^
litffy licentiousnesSy and cruelty of Messalina. —
Claudius sends an expedition into Britain. —
Visits the island himself. — Is saluted Imperator,
and obtains a triumph for his successes. — Vespa-
sian distinguishes himself in that war. — Achaia
and Macedonia restored to the Senate. — Cottius
receives the title of King. — The Bhodians deprived
of their freedom. — Death of King Agrippa, in
coTisequence of which Cuspivs Fadus is inade
Procurator of Judaa. — Various acts of Claudhis.
— Valerius Asiaticus resigns his consulship. — M.
Vinicius poisoned by Messalina. — Asinius Gallns
is banished for aspiring to be Emperor.—
Intrigues of Messalina with Mnester the dancer.
— Thrace becomes a RoTnan province.
Claudius having inured himself to spectacles of Claudius,
hlood^ was more ready to acquiesce in the sangui- a.d.'42.
nary schemes suggested to him hy Messalina and jji^7"J^
his freedmen. Whenever they wished to destroy suet.' v. '37.
the lives of their adversaries^ they operated upon
his fears^ until he granted them full power for
the accomplishment of their plans. Under the
mfluence of sudden terror he often ordered the
execution of persons^ for whom he afterwards
inquired^ and regretted to learn that they were
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288 HISTORY OF
Claudius, dead. The first victim of his unthinking^ cruelty
▲. D.'42. was Appius Silanus^ a man of noble family^ whom
^^"^^"^ he had married to the mother of Messalina^ and
had reckoned for a time in the number of his
closest friends. But Messalina^ who was actuated
by the most shameless and wanton passions, hav-
ing failed in enticing him to the commission of
incest, resolved to be revenged for his denial, and
persuaded Narcissus, one of the emperor's ireedmen,
to assist her in her nefarious plot. As no actual
offence could be alleged against their victim, Nar-
cissus with feigned consternation entered the
chamber of Claudius before day-light, pretending
that he had dreamt that the emperor had been
murdered by Silanus. Messalina, assuming an
appearance of great astonishment,' declared that
she herself had for some nights been disturbed by
the same dream. While they were relating this
audacious fiction, the arrival of Silanus was an-
nounced; for he had on the previous day been
commanded to be present at that time. Claudius,
therefore, being persuaded that his guilt was indis-
putable, ordered him to be put to death ; and on
the following day he related the occurrence to the
senate, and thanked his faithful freedman, who con-
sulted his master's safety in his very dreams !
After this instance of imbecility, the Romans no
longer entertained any favourable hopes of their
emperor, and several eminent persons conspired to
Jot. Ant deprive him of his authority. Among these was
DkJii!k Marcus Minutianus,* who, having been considered a
siMLT. IS, 86. fit candidate for the imperial dignity after the death
* Dion cftlU him Anniiu Vinleitniu. Joiephiu, from wbom the i
given aboTO, is taken, clearly distinguishes him from that Annios Minud*
anus who orged Chssrea not to desist from attempting the swawineHoo of
Cains. (See onle, page 261.)--Ed.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 289
of Gaius^ had reason to dread the jealousy of Clau- Claudius,
dins. But as he had no military foree^ he sought a.d.'48.
the co-operation of Furius Camillus Scribonianus, ^— v— ^
who had also been deemed worthy of the imperial
power^ and who^ as governor of Dalmatia^ had the
command of a powerfiil army. Scribonianus had
himself been meditating a revolt ; and when he re-
solved to hazard the attempt^ he was joined by many
partisans among both the knights and senators.
Alluring the soldiers by the hope of liberty and
the restoration of the popular government^ he
induced them to renounce their allegiance to the
emperor. With the view of intimidating Claudius,
he addressed to him a reproachful and threatening
letter, commanding him to relinquish the sove-
reignly, and to seek the retirement of a private
station J and Claudius was so far ten*ified, as to
deliberate with the chief persons of the state,
whether he ought not to comply with the demand.
But the rebellion of Scribonianus was suppressed
within the space of five days. For when his legions
were preparing to march, the standards, either by
accident or contrivance, adhered so firmly to the
ground as to appear immovable; and the super-
stitious soldiers, interpreting this as a fatal omen,
began to reflect upon the labours and perils of
their enterprize, and refused to obey their com-
mander. He fled, therefore, to the island of Issa Tac. iiist n
on the coast of Dalmatia, and was killed by a^^'
private soldier named Volaginius, who was highly
promoted for this acceptable action. Dion says,
that he perished by a voluntary death.
Vengeance next alighted upon his accomplices, Dion. ix.
many of whom were put to death, while Minutiauus
and others fell by their own hands. Messalina,
with Narcissus and the rest of the freedmen, com-
VOL. I. u
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290 HISTOBY OF
Claudius, mitted the most atrocious cruelties. Slaves were
A.S.42. encouraged to give information against their
^^•^'^^ masters; and not only foreigners^ but citizens of
the equestrian and senatoriar orders^ were put to
the torture^ although Claudius had sworn at the
beginning of his reign^ that he would not subject
any free person to such a punishment. While
numbers of both sexes were executed^ and their
bodies exposed upon the Gemonian steps^ some of
the most gfuilty were allowed to escape^ if they
possessed interest with Messalina and Narcissus,
or were able to purchase impunity by their wealth.
The only act of mercy was, that children were not
involved in the punishment of their parents ; and
some of them even received their hereditary pos-
sessions. The investigations were conducted by
Claudius in the senate house, where he was
surrounded by his ministers and the praetorian
prsefects. Galeesus, the freedman of Scribonianus,
defended himself with great boldness in his exami-
nation ; and when Narcissus came forward, and
inquired what he would have done, if his master
had become emperor, he checked such unbecoming
officiousness by replying, "I would have stood
behind him, and have held my tongue.**
Dion. ix. The conduct of Arria, the wife of Csecinna Peetus,
16. ' ^ * has been highly celebrated by the writers of anti-
quity. Her husband, who was a man of consular
rank, having been implicated in the late revolt, was
placed on board a ship, in order to be conveyed to
Bome. Arria begged permission to embark with
him, offering to perform, in the place of his slaves,
all the offices to which he was both accustomed and
entitled. On its being refused, she hired a fishing
boat, and in this manner followed the vessel, in
which her husband sailed. When she appeared
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THE ROMAN £MP£RORS. Q^l
before Claudius^ and the wife of Scribonianus Claudius,
ofiered to make disclosures respecting the plot; a. ^42.
^^Am I to listen,*' she said,"to you, who deign to live ^— v— '
after your husband has been slain in your arms ?*'
This reproach sufficiently intimated that she had
calmly adopted the resolution of not surviving
Psetus; although, from the friendship which she
enjoyed with Messaliua, she would have been
suffered to live in her former rank and dignity.
After the condemnation of her husband, she was
carefully watched by her friends and attendants ;
but she perceived their intentions, and assured
them, that their vigilance could not prevent her
death, although it might make her die more
wretchedly. To prove her words, she sprung from
her seat, and violently dashed her head against
the waU ; and as soon as she recovered from the
blow, she said to her friends : ^^ I told you, that if
you debarred me from an easy mode of death, I
should discover a more painful one/' Her invin-
cible courage impelled her at last not merely to die
with her husband, but to encourage him by her
example ; for when she observed that he hesitated
at inflicting the fatal blow upon himself, she
plunged a dagger into her own bosom, and drawing
it forth presented it to him, saying ; " Paetus, it is
not painful.''
Pliny, who highly extols this action of Arria,
considers that it was less noble, because she had
the prospect of immortal renown before her mind ;
and he contends that she acted with greater mag-
nanimity on another occasion, when she concealed
the death: of her son from Psetus because he was
ill, ordering the funeral to be privately performed,
and assuming an appearance of composure and even
joy. But this heroic woman seems not to have been
U8
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292
HISTORY OP
Claudius, actuated by the love of glory, but by a devoted
A. d'4s. attachment to her husband. For when her son-in-
^^"^^"^ law Thrasea attempted to divert her from her pur-
pose, by asking her, ^^ Do you wish your daughter
to die with me, in case I am doomed to death \^
she replied, ^^ If she shall have lived as long with
you, and in as great affection^ as I have with
Peetus, I do wish it.'' She made no allusion to the
glory of such a deed, and it seems unjust to believe
that she was not impelled by some more generous
motive. The position, which is advanced by Pliny,
that the most renowned actions are not always the
greatest, is certainly true ; but he is unfortunate in
selecting instances from the conduct of Arria,
whose heroism seems to have been chiefly grounded
on an enthusiastic aflection for her huslmnd.
Claudius having assumed his third consulship,
abolished a great many sacrifices and festivals,
because they occupied a considerable portion of
the year, and obstructed the public business. He
recalled some of the gifts which Caius had weakly
and unjustly bestowed upon certain persons; and
ordered that those who were elected governors of
provinces should not prolong their stay at Borne,
but should depart before the middle of April.
The Lycians, who had been guilty of violent
tumults, and had killed some of the Bomans^ were
deprived of their liberty, and incorporated into
the province of Pamphylia. When one of their
ambassadors, who had become a Roman citizen,
was unable to understand a question which was
put to him in Latin, Claudius took away his
freedom, declaring that he was not qualified to
be a Roman, who was ignorant of the Roman lan-
guage. Many other unfit persons were also deprived
of their freedom, and some, who unjustly assumed
Claudtus,
3.
A. D. 43.
Dion. Is.
Dion. Ix.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 293
it^ were beheaded. Still the privilege became ex- cuiudius,
ceedingly common; for Claudius bestowed it with- a.d.'4c.
out discrimination^ and his wife and fireedmen sold ^— v— ^
ityso cheaply that it might be procured (as was
said) for a broken glass. Nor was their venality
in other respects less criminal ; for not only em-
ployments in the army and the state^ but things of
every description were put up to sale by their
shameless rapacity.
Messalina^ not satisfied with indulging her own
lustful passions^ compelled other women to be
equally licentious^ and made them prostitute them-
selves in the palace even in the presence of their
husbands. The men who consented to this disgrace
were protected and honoured; but those who refused
to submit to it were persecuted and destroyed. Such
atrocities^ though openly committed^ were concealed
from Claudius^ because the daring Messalina either
silenced by rewards^ or prevented by punishments^
those who were able to make disclosui*es. Catonius
Justus^ the pnefect of the pnetorian guards^
having intended to divulge her criminality^ was
put to death by her. She also killed Julia^ the
niece of Claudius^ and grand-daughter of Tiberius;
but to this crime she was instigated by jealousy.
Ckiudius^ being ambitious of obtaining the glory suct. v. 17.
of a real triumph^ determined to send an exjiedi- ^^^^' ***
tion into Britain^ which had been left unmolested
by the Romans since the time of Julius Coesar.
llie islanders were dissatisfied that some of their
deserters had not been restored to them ; and one
of their exiles named Bericus instigated the em-
peror to undertake the invasion of their country.
Aulus Plautius^ an eminent senator, was entrusted
with the command of the Roman troops, m ho ex-
pressed great reluctance at the service, as if they
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S94 HISTOBT OF
CLAvmvB, were going to carry their arms beyond the pale of
the civilized world. Narcissus^ the emperor^s
freedman, was sent to appease their anger^ and. he
ascended the general's tribunal with the intention
of haranguing them ; but^ instead of allowing him
to speak^ they ridiculed him with the cry of lo
Saturnalia, because at the Satumalian feast it
was customary for slaves to be arrayed in the
dress of their masters. They consented, however,
to follow Plautius, and were separated into three
divisions, in order that they might experience less
obstruction in landing. In their first attempt to
cross the sea, they were driven back by the
weather, and began to be discouraged ; but their
spirits were revived by the appearance of a
meteor, which traversed the heavens from the east
to the west ; in which direction they were going*.
They, therefore, set sail again, and landed without
opposition^ because the inhabitants, from the intelli-
gence which they had received, did not expect their
arrival.
The Britons retreated into their forests and
marshes, hoping either to elude their enemies, or
to weary and exhaust them by delay. Plautius,
after much labour in searching for them, defeated
Caractacus* and Togodumnus the sons of King
Cynobellinus ; and, having put them to flight,
entered into a treaty with part of the Boduni,
with whom he left a garrison. Advancing into
the country, he found the Britons negligently
stationed on the opposite side of a river, which
they imagined the Romans could not pass without
the aid of a bridge. But some German troops,
who were accustomed to cross the most rapid
streams with their arms, swam over, fell upon
* Dion calls him Catantucus.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 205
them unexpectedly^ and^ instead of attacking the Claudius,
men^ endeavoured to disable the horses which drew
the chariots. Vespasian, who was afterwards
emperor^ also crossed the river, and made a
slaughter of the heedless barbarians. The next
day, however, they rallied their forces, and fought
a battle, in which neither side was victorious. A
subsequent defeat compelled them to retire to the
marshy lands near the mouth of the Thames, and
their knowledge of the soil enabled them to cross
the river without difficulty. When the Romans
failed in their attempts to follow them, the Ger-
man troops again swam across, and a detachment
was sent to pass a bridge which was higher up the
stream. These forces attacking the barbarians at
different points, put them to the sword ; but when
they pursued them too hastily, many of them were
ensnared in the marshes and destroyed. Dis-
couraged by their difficulties, and observing that
the Britons, instead of being intimidated by the
death of their prince Togodumnus, were incited
to avenge his fall, Plautius did not think it pru-
dent to advance any further, but, being content
with securing his conquests, dispatched a messenger
to Claudius. For the emperor, who had made
g^eat preparations for the expedition, and had
even collected a number of elephants, had ordered
that he should be sent for, in case any difficulty
arose.
Having entrusted the care of the city and the
troops in it to L. Yitellius, who had been his
colleague in the consulship this year, he sailed
from Ostia to Marseilles, and, journeying by land
to Boulogne, embarked for Britain. He found his
army waiting for him on the banks of the Thames;
and having crossed the river he defeated the bar*
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Suet Veiip. 4
206 HISTORY OF
Claudius, borians^ and took possession of Camalodunum^*
A. o.'43. the royal residence of the late King Cjmobellinus.
^"^'^^ In consequence of the successes which he gtdned
either by arms or by treaty^ he was saluted Im-
peratar several times; although it was not cus-
tomary for the Boman genersls to take that title
more than once for the same war. Having dis-
armed the Britons who submitted to him^ and
commanded Plautius to reduce the rest of the
island^ he hastened to Bome^ sending his sons-in-
law before him^ as the heralds of his victory.
Agr. 13. Jn this expedition Vespasian laid the foundation
' of his renown and eminent fortune. Under the
command of Plautius^ or the emperor^ he fought
thirty engagements with tl^e enemy^ conquered
two powerful nations^ took above twenty towns^
and reduced the isle of Wight. If these achieve-
ments are not e:saggerated^ the resistance of the
Britons must have been exceedingly vigorous.
Dioo.iz, When the senate heard of the successes of
Claudius^ they decreed him a triumph and other
honours^ and also bestowed upon him the title of
Britannicus. The same appellation was g^ven to
his son^ and it is the one by which he was com-
monly distinguished.
Claudius, Claudius returned to Bome at the beginning of
the following year^ having been absent six months,
of which only sixteen days were spent in Britain.
He celebrated his triumph with great splendour^
and among the hostile spoils hung up a naval
crown^ as a memorial that he had crossed the
ocean, and in a manner subjected it to his sway.
In order that the unconquered parts of Britain
might be more easily reduced, it was decreed, that
all treaties which Claudius or his lieutenants should
* SuppoMd to be MaMen in Emcx.
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4.
A. D.44.
THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 207
make^ were to possess as fiill force^ as if they had Claudius,
been ratified by the Roman senate and people. a. d.'44.
The provinces of Achaia and Macedonia^ which g^^[7^
Tiberius had placed under his own administration^ Dion. u. '
were restored to the senate by Claudius. He in-
creased the territories which M. Julius Cottius
inherited in the Cottian Alps^ and g^ve him the
title of King. The Rhodians^ who had been guilty
of the offence of impaling some Roman citizens^
were deprived of their liberty.
The care of the treasury^ which had been for
some time in the hands of the prsetors^ was re-
turned to the quaestors^ who originally possessed it.
The office^ however^ was not made annual^ but two
quaestors held it for the space of three years^ and
then received the preetorship as some reward for
their services.
This year King Agrippa, after having killed acu, xu.
St. James and imprisoned St. Peter^ expired at jo8.Ant.xix.
Ccesarea ; and the manner of his death^ as related
in the Acts of the Apostles, is more fully parti-
cularized by Josephus. He was exhibiting games
in honour of Claudius ; and on the second day of
the festival, when he was to give audience to the
ambassadors of Tyre and Sidon, he entered the
theatre arrayed in a gorgeous robe of silver, which
emitted an extraordinary splendour as it was struck
by the rays of the sun. The people, when he
harangued them, exclaimed that it was ^^ the voice of
a god and not of a man,'' and the weak monarch
listened with silent satisfaction to their impious
adulation. As a punishment for his arrogance he
was afflicted with a severe disorder in his entrails,
and began to deplore that he, whom a foolish multi-
tude had staled immortal, would soon become the
victim of inevitable death. After lingering in tor-
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298 HISTOBY OF
Claudius, ment for five da3rs^ he was eaten of worms^ and died.
▲.D.'44. Claudius was disposed to gfive his kingdom to his
^'•^^^^'^ son Agfrippa^ who was about seventeen years of age^
and was then residing at Rome ; but hia fireedmen
persuaded him that he was too young to be invested
with so arduous a dignity. Cuspius Fadus was
therefore made procurator of the country^ and the
Jews were again condemned to be governed by
Roman magistratesof inferior rank.
Claudius, At the beginning of the next year Claudius took
A. D.'46. ^ ^^^ customary oaths } but he did not compel each
Dion. ix. of the senators to swear separately^ as had been done
in the time of Tiberius. The ancient practice was
revived^ for one of the preetors^ tribunes^ and other
magistrates to pronounce the oath in the name of
himself and colleagues.
Such was the profusion of works of art at Rome^
that a great many statues were removed to dif-
ferent situations because they encumbered the cit}'^
and it was ordered that no private person should
erect any in future without the permission of the
senate.
Claudius^ having banished a governor who had
been accused of receiving bribes^ confiscated all the
property that he had acquired in the administration
of his province.' That such offenders might nut
elude justice^ he strictly enforced the laws^ that no
persons should receive one province immediately
afler another^ and that they should not remain
abroad^ but return to Rome to answer any charges
that might be preferred against them.
He was desirous that the senators^ who wished
to travel out of Italy^ should ask his permission^
instead of that of the senate ; and a decree was
passed in the following year^ conferring upon him
this privilege.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 209
'Being apprized that an eclipse of the sun would clavdiub,
happen on the first of August^ which was his birth- a. d.'46.
day, he was afraid that the Romans might put a ^'•>''~'
wrong construction upon the event, and entertain
forebodings injurious to his safety. He, therefore,
published an edict, announcing that such an occur-
rence would take place, specifying its commence-
ment and duration, and explaining the physical
causes firom which it arose.
Valerius Asiaticus^ who had received the consul- Claudius,
ship for the whole year^ abdicated the office before a. d.*46.
the expiration of that time. Others had adopted ^^^ ^'
this course on account of their poverty, which was
unable to support the immense expense of the games
of the Circus, but the motives of Asiaticus were of
an opposite nature. As it was his second consul-
ship, and he was in possession of great wealth, he
submitted to the humiliation in the vain hope of
appeasing the envy to which he knew he was
obnoxious.
M. Yinicius, an illustrious man, who had married
Julia, the sister of the Emperor Caius, was living
in retirement, unmolested by Claudius, on account
g{ his mild and unambitious disposition. Messa-
lina, however, who had contrived the death of his
wife, effected his destruction also, by means of
poison, in revenge for his refusal to gratify her
licentious passions. Yet she did not prevent him
from receiving a public funeral and panegyric;
for these empty distinctions were granted to many
persons.
Asinius Gallus, who was the son of the first wife
of the Emperor Tiberius, conspired this year
against Claudius^ but was punished with exile
only^ instead of death. He had neither provided
troops nor collected money for his great under-
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dOO HI8T0BY OF
Claudius, takings but imagined that the Romans would
▲.0/46. voluntarily receive him as emperor on account of
^•v* his birth. This infatuation^ together with his
mean stature and deformed appearance^ made him
an object of ridicule rather than danger^ and were
supposed to be the reasons why so light a sen*
tence was inflicted upon him.
dSmLL^" Claudius expressed great indignation at freed-
men^ who brought actions against their former
masters; and he ordered that those who were
guilty of ingratitude^ or gave their patrons suffi-
cient cause to complain of their conduct^ should
again be reduced to slavery. The people^ however,
were grieved to observe that he himself lived in the
most abject subserviency to his freedmen and to
Messalina. The audacious criminality of this
woman was manifest to every one in Rome^ but
him who was most concerned to know it. In a
gladiatorial combat^ when Claudius and others
wished that a certain Sabiuus should be put to
death, Messalina saved his life, because he was
one of her paramours. She enjoyed the company
of Mnester^ a celebrated dancer, with so little re-
serve, that she used to detain him from his per-
formances on the stage ; and when the people com-
plained of his absence, Claudius would protest,
that he was not the cause of it. They were con-
vinced that his ignorance was real, and lamented
that he alone was unacquainted with occurrences
in his own palace, of which the rumour had
been propagated even into hostile countries. Dion
relates that Mnester at first strenuously rejected
the advances of Messalina, until she applied to
Claudius, and requested him to use his authority
over him, and command him not to disobey her.
The credulous emperor, not knowing the purpose
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THE ROMAIT EMPEROBS. 301
for which his influence was required, enjoined him claudiw,
that he was not to disregfard her wishes. Thus a.d.46.
sanctioned hy the apparent permission of her hus- ^"^^^^
hand, she was no longer repulsed by Mnester;
and she practised a similar artifice in her amouins
with many other persons.
Thrace, which had hitherto enjoyed the privilege
of being goyemed by its own kings, was now re- Hier. chr.
duced into a Eoman province ; but the particulars
of this change are not recorded in history.
A new island* arose in the ^gean sea, during
an eclipse of the moon, which happened on the last
night of the year.
• Seneca (Qnnft. Nat ▼!. 81.) etUt it ThertiUL This name it reoeiYed
from rising out of the lea in the immediate neighboorfaood of Thera, one of
the CyeUuiee. Dion (lie) saye : aytfavif Sk xdi yfiMi6v ri iv rf In i
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dOS HISTORY OF
CHAPTER III.
Censorship ofClavdius. — Celebration of the specular
games. — Partiality of the people for the young
Domitius. — Cluvdius protects the deserted slaves.
— Messalina effects the destruction of Valerius
Asiatiims for the sake of his gardens^ and causes
Poppaa to put herself to death. — Advocates
are restricted in their feeSj on account of their
venality and treachery. — Claudius introduces for
a time three new letters into the Roman language.
— Contests between Ootarzes and Bardanesfor the
sovereignty of Parthia. — Mithridates recovers
the kingdom of Armenia. — Aulus Plautius is
honoured with an ovation. — Italicus is chosen
king of the Cherusci. — CorbulOy having gained
some successes over the Oermansy is not allowed
to prosecute the war. — Some account of Curtius
Bufus. — Claudius allows the Gauls to sit in the
senate, and replenishes the patrician families. —
Messalina openly marries C. Silius, while her
husband is at Ostia. — Narcissus discloses her
guilt to Claudius, and causes her to be put to
death. — The insensibility of the emperor.
CLAVDZT7S, CiAUDirs, this year, was invested with the censor-
▲.o!47. ship as well as the consulship^ and in hoth these
^~^^^ offices L. Vitellius, the father of the emperor of
suet/r. 16. that name^ was his colleagne. He removed some
VH. viteiL 2. pgpg^jjg fj.Qju ^jj^j^ senatorial rank^ most of whom
willingly resided it on account of their poverty,
and he elected many others in their place. His
conduct, though in some raspects commendable,
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 303
was marked^ as usual^ by irre^arity and weak- Claudius,
nesa. He degraded some persons for leavingf Italy
without his knowledge^ and punished an individual
for keeping company with a king* in one of the
provinces. He issued twenty edicts in a single
day: in one of them he advised that the casks
should be well pitched in a fruitful grape season^
and in another he recommended the sap of the yew
tree as the best remedy for the bite of a viper !
The eight hundredth year since the foundation tm. Ann. xi.
of Rome having now arrived, Claudius thought suk t. 21.
proper to celebrate the seecular games; and jf^^*-^^^^-^-
they were to be observed every century, his deter-
mination was certainly right. Augustus, however,
had kept them not more than sixty-four years
before this time; but Claudius alleged that they
had been unduly anticipated by him. It was usual
for the herald, who proclaimed them, to announce
that they were games which no one living had seen
before, or would see again ; but the annunciation
this time was untrue, as some of the spectators
and actors, who had been present at the celebra-
tion of them by Augustus, were still surviving.
L. Vitellius, who thought no flattery too gross to
utter, when congratulating Claudius, expressed a
wish that he might often celebrate them.
In the amusements of the circus, when the
yoimg nobles performed the game of Troyy the
emperor^s son Britannicus, and L. Domitius (who
was afterwards the Emperor Nero) appeared
among the rest; and it was remarked that the
people seemed to show greater partiality for Do-
mitius, than for the lawful heir of the empire.
This preference arose from their regard for the
memory of his grandfather Germanicus, whose
sole male descendant he was, and from commiser-
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1,4.
804 HISTOBY OP
CLAuotvs, ation for his mother Agrippina^ who was the
A.D.*47. yictim of Messalina's hatred*
j>i^^i^ Claudius generously interfered in behalf of the
Suet. T. 25. wretched slaves, who were driven from the houses
of their masters on account of illness^ and exposed
on the island of JBsculapius^ in the Tiber. He
commanded that all who were thus treated should^
in case of their recovery^ be declared free^ and that
if masters killed their sick slaves^ in order to get
rid of them^ they should be judged guilty of
murder*
8«Dee.Apoe. His Other actious by no means accorded with
Tae.Aiui.zL thcsc humauc regulations. For he put to death
Cn. Pompeius Magnus^ who had married his eldest
daughter Antonia^ together with his father^ mother^
and other relations. Several insignificant persons
who were accused of conspiring against him^ were
dismissed with impunity; but Valerius Asiaticus^
both on account of his own wealth and the power
of his adversaries^ was doomed to experience a
severer fate. The splendid gardens which were in
his possession had excited the cupidity of Messa-
Una ; and in order to acquire them^ she suborned
persons to remind Claudius of the part which
Asiaticus had taken in the assassination of the
Emperor Caius^ to inspire him with a jealousy of
his influence at Rome and renown in the pro-
vinces^ and to accuse him of an intention to
excite the German armies to revolt, by means of
the powerAil alliances which he had contracted
abroad. In consequence of these allegations,
the pnetorian prsefect was dispatched with a
body of soldiers to apprehend Asiaticus; and^
having found him at Baiee, he conducted him in
chains to Rome.
The charges against him were heard not in the
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THE ROMiVN EMPERORS. 305
senate^ but in the chamber of Claudius^ while
Messalina was present. He defended himself in
so powerful a manner, that Claudius was greatly
affected, and Messalina even shed tears ; but she
was so far from relenting* in her purpose, that, as
she left the room, she charged Yitellius not to
allow the criminal to escape. Asiaticus protested
that he was totally unacquainted with the witnesses
who were produced against him. A soldier, there-
fore, who pretended to be one of his accomplices,
was ordered to point out which man in the assembly
was Asiaticus ; but instead of selecting the right, he
fixed upon a bald person who was standing near, as
he knew no more than that the accused was of that
description. This blunder excited laughter, and
almost induced Claudius to acquit the prisoner.
But while he was deliberating, the perfidious
Yitellius appeared before him. After expatiating
with hypocritical sympathy upon the services of
Asiaticus towards the state, and his ancient
friendship with himself, Vitellius pretended that
he was instructed to solicit, as a last boon, that
the accused might be permitted to die what kind of
death he pleased. Claudius, construing this as a con-
fession of his guilt, relinquished all inrther thoughts
of pardon, but granted the favour which Vitellius
requested. Asiaticus, after taking his customary
exercises, and dining in a cheerful manner, opened
his veins, declaring that he should have deemed it
more honourable to die by the subtilty of Tiberius
or the violence of Caius, than to be the victim of
the deceitful Messalina and the shameless Yitellius.
Before he put himself to death, he inspected his
funeral pile, and directed it to be removed to
another place, in order that the fire might not
destroy the thick and umbrageous trees.
VOL. I. X
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300 HISTOBY OP
Claudius, Poppoea^ who wos accused of an adulterous
A. D.47. intercourse with Asiaticus, was persuaded by the
^~>^ emissaries of Messalina to destroy herself^' in order
to escape the terrors of imprisonment. Claudius
was 80 ignorant of her fate^ that when her husband
Scipio was dining with him a few days afterwards,
he asked him why he had come without his wife;
and he replied that she was dead. The same
Scipio, when he was compelled to give his opi-
nion in the senate respecting the proceedings in
which she was implicated, ingeniously compro*
mised between his affection as a husband, and his
duty as a senator, by saying : ^^ Since I think the
same as you all of the offences of Poppaea, be
pleased to imagine that I say the same.^
Tk^Ann.xi. ^g houours and emoluments were liberally
bestowed by Claudius upon public accusers, their
number increased to a dangerous extent. The evil
was aggravated by the conduct of the advocates,
who not only made their services venal, but
deceived their clients with the basest perfidy. An
illustrious knight named Samius, having purchased
the aid of Suilius for a large sum, found that he
was betrayed by him, and was impelled by despair
to kill himself in the house of the treacherous
advocate. To oppose such profligacy, some of the
senators demanded that the Cincian law should be
put in execution, as it prohibited any one from
receiving money or presents for pleading causes.
They appealed to the example of the ancient
orators, who considered fame to be the most noble
reward of their eloquence ; and they contended that
injustice, litigation, and animosity were fomented
by the mercenary passions of the advocates. Suilius
and his friends replied, that persons who neglected
their private affairs to undertake the causes of
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THE ROMAN E3IPER0RS. 307
others Were as much entitled to reward, as those Claudius,
who engag'ed in agriculture or in war j that it was a.d.'47.
easy for a few fortunate or wealthy citizens to ^"^v— ^
labour for fame alone, but that the exertions of
ordinary men must be cherished by the prospect
of a just recompense. Claudius, having* listened .
to the arguments of both sides, decided that advo-
cates might be allowed* to accept fees to a certain
amount* : if they exceeded this, they were to be
held, guilty of extortion.
The authority of Claudius effected an alteration suet.v. 41.
in the Boman alphabet. He had published a book u^ ^^' ^
upon this subject, when he was a private individual,
and had n0w sufficient influence to procure the
general adoption of three new letters which he
recommended t- After his death, however, they
fell into disuse, although they were to be seen for
some time in books and public inscriptions. It
seemed too late to amend the Eoman alphabet,
after it had for centuries answered all the purposes
of legislation, foreign conquest, and literature.
He East was agitated with contests between Tac. Ann. xi.
8—10
two competitors for the sovereignty of Parthia.
Ootarzes having gained the crown by the murder
of his father % Artabanus, and of his wife and son,
became odious to the Parthians on account of his
suspicious and tyrannical mode of government,
and they, therefore, invited his brother Bardanes
to usurp his place. This prince promptly obeyed
the call, and, having arrived from a distance of
three thousand ftirlongs in two days,§ surprised
* I>tna tettertia, which equalled ahoot eighty pounds.
t Ona of Uieea ia soppoeed to hare heen the digamma, to Mire for
y oonsonaat, for which the Romans had no distinct character ; and another,
the antiaigmAy to correspond to the Greek if^. The third most probably was
Uk«wlae derired from the Greek.
t Tadtna calls him his brother ; but the authority of Josephus, (Ant. zx. 3,)
and the circumstances of the history, prove that this is an error.
S Bidno tria millia stadiorum invadit.
X 2
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308 HISTORY OF
ctAUDiui, Gotarzes and put him to flig*ht. He occupied
A.D.'47. without delay die adjoining provinces^ and found
'"""^'"^ his authority acknowledged by all but the people
of Seleucia. The resistance of this city^ which had
for some years been in revolt against his father,
provoked him to lay siege to it^ although it was
strongly situated on the river Tigris, and well sup-
plied with provisions. In the mean time Gotarzes,
having recruited his forces, was enabled to renew
the war, so that Bardanes found it necessary to
raise the siege of Seleucia, and advanced to meet
him in the plains of Bactriana. But instead of
contesting the empire by arms, the two princes
unexpectedly entered into a treaty, having disco-
vered that their countrymen had formed some
treacherous designs against them. They embraced
one another, and swore before the altars to punish
the perfidy of their enemies ; after which, Gotarzes
resigfned the sovereignty to his brother, and to
prevent all grounds of jealousy and suspicion,
withdrew into the interior of Hyrcania. On his
return Bardanes received the submission of the
city of Seleucia, after it had for seven years defied
the power of the Parthian kings.
In consequence of these disturbances, Mithri-
dates, who had been deprived of the kingdom of
Armenia, was encouraged by Claudius to attempt
the recovery of his power ; nor had he much diffi-
culty in succeeding, as he was supported by the
troops of his brother Pharasmanes, king of Iberia,
as well as those of the Romans. Bardanes was
desirous of attacking Armenia, but the threats of
Yibius Marsus, the lieutenant of Syria, compelled
him to desist. He was also engaged in another
contest with his brother Gotarzes, who had repented
of his abdication of the kingdom, and had been
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 309
recalled by some of the nobles^ as they found thern-
selves more oppressed in time of peace than in war.
But Bardanes defeated him, and pursued such a
career of victory, that the Parthians were reluctant
to follow him so far from their homes. He re-
turned, therefore, after having* erected monuments
in commemoration of the successes which he had
gained over nations never before rendered tribu-
tary to the Arsacidee. His warlike glory made
him still more fierce and intolerable to his subjects,
so that they conspired against him, and slew him
while he was hunting. Although he perished in
early youth, yet few aged kings would have sur-
passed him in renown, if he had known bow to
gain the affection of his countrymen as well as to
inspire terror into his enemies. His death involved
the Parthians in fresh discord ; for though many
of them favoured Gotarzes, some were desirous of
being ruled by Meherdates, the grandson of Phra-
ates, who was a hostage among the Bomans.
Gotarzes prevailed, but the cruelty and luxury
which he exhibited soon made the Parthians
anxious to depose him.
Aulus Plautius, on account of his successes in nion. u.
Britain, was honoured with an ovation. On his ®"®'' ^* ^^'
entrance into the city, Claudius went out to meet
him, and also accompanied him in his progress to
the Capitol, and on lus return.
The Cherusci having lost many of their nobility Tac. Ann. xi.
• . . 16 17
by internal discord, condescended to solicit a prince '
from Borne, where Italicus, the only sumvor of the
family of their kings, had fixed his residence. He
was the nephew of the celebrated Arminius, and
was qualified to win the favour of the barbarians
by his graceful appearance, and by his skill in the
warlike exercises both of the Bomans and his own
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310 HISTOBY OF
countrymen. Claudius supplied him with money
and guards^ and exhorted him to behave wiUx
magnanimity and courage^ as he had lived at
Rome in the character of a citizen and not of a
hostage^ and was now ^oing* to take possession
of the throne of his ancestors. He was joyftdly re-
ceived by the Germans^ and. as he was not infected
with the spirit of any of their factions^ he exercised
the same impartial justice towards all; neither
were his virtues so strict^ that he could not accom-
modate himself to the tastes of the barbarians by
indulgence in wine^ and other gross pleasures.
The parties^ however^ whose prosperity depended
upon tumult and discord^ viewed his elevation with
jealousy^ and endeavoured to excite the neigh-
bouring people to revolt^ by representing that the
liberty of Germany was destroyed by the admis-
sion of a king like Italicus^ who had been bom in
a foreign country^ and was thoroughly imbued with
the principles and habits of foreigners. By such
appeals a powerful faction was raised against him ;
but his adherents were numerous^ and a g^reat
battle^ which was fought between the contending
parties^ gave him the pre-eminence. His pros-
perity afterwards betrayed him into arrogance^
and he was expelled from his kingdom ; but he
recovered it by the aid of the Langobardi.
T^ Aon. zi. About the same time the Chauci^ encouraged bj
the death of the Roman commander Sanquinius,
made an incursion into Lower Germany^ and rav-
aged the banks of the Rhine with their light ves-
sels. Cn. Domitius Corbulo^ who was sent to oppose
them^ actively equipped a number of triremes and
boats^ by which he routed the forces of the bar-
barians^ and obliged them to flee. Having repelled
the most imminent danger^ he endeavoured to restore
1*— 20.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 311
a strict discipline amon^ bis own troops^ who were claudiu*,
unused to labour^ and delighted to lead an irregfu- a. d.'47.
lar and predatory mode of life. He commanded ^~>^~^
them to perform all their duties in arms^ and is
reported to have put a soldier to death merely for
^^g^g the entrenchment without them. His
severity, while it improved the valour of his own
men, checked the audacity of the Germans. For
the Frisii, who for many years had paid but little
submission to the Romans, settled in the territories
which he marked out for them, gave him hostages,
and received even laws and magistrates from his
authority. The Chauci were invited to surrender,
and a plot was concerted, by which their leader
Grannascus, who had deserted from the Roman
armies, was put to death. But just as Corbulo
was flattered with the prospect of success, and was
laying out his camp in the country of his enemies,
he received letters commanding him to lead back
his troops across the Rhine. The emperor's
jealousy of him, or fear of the Germans, die*
tated these orders ; and Corbulo, in obeying them,
expressed his grief merely by remarking, how
happy the ancient Roman generals were ! He
furnished occupation for his troops by digging a
canal, for the distance of three-and-twenty miles,
between the Meuse and the Rhine, in order to
prevent those rivers from inundating the sur-
rounding country. Although he was debarred the
glory of prosecuting the war, he received the
triumphal honours.
Curtius Rufus, who apparently succeeded him, ^ac Ann. xi.
soon afterwards enjoyed the same distinction;
although his origin was so mean, that Tacitus
declares he was ashamed to record it. A miracu-
lous story is related of this Rufus. It is alleged
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312
QISTOBY OF
CULUDKVt,
7.
A.D.47.
CLAUSJUty
8.
A« D. 48.
Tac Ann. xL
3&— 85.
that while he was in the service of the qiuestor of
Africa^ having retired in the middle of die day to
the empty porticoes in the town of Adrumetum^
a woman of more than mortal stature appeared
before him^ announcing that he should one day
be proconsul of that province. Encourag*ed by
this prodigy he returned to Rome^ where the
favour of his friends and his own abilities pro-
cured for him the queestorship* Tiberius after-
wards gave him the preetorship, apologizing for
the meanness of his extraction by remarking,
^^ Curtius Rufus seems to me to have been bom from
himself/' As he was not deficient in adulation
towards his superiors^ he gttined the consulship
and the triumphal honours^ and at last fulfilled the
prediction of bis supernatural visitor^ by receiving
the proconsulship of Africa^ in w^hich office he died.
Some persons have imagined him to be the same
Quintus Curtius^ that wrote the history of Alexander
the Great; but the silence of Tacitus upon this
subject does not seem to favour such a supposition.
In the following year^ when it was in agitation
to replenish the numbers of the senate^ the chief
men of Gaul petitioned that they might have the
privilege of belonging to that illustrious body.
This request excited a warm discussion^ and the
opponents of it ai^ed^ that Italy was not so weak
as to be unable to supply senators for its capital ;
that the Gauls^ who had been the most dangerous
enemies of Rome^ ought to be satisfied with the
rights of citizens which they possessed^ and not
aspire to the authority of magistrates^ and the
dignity of fathers. But Claudius advocated the
opposite side^ declaring that it had always been
the principle of the Romans to treat conquered
people as citizens and friends^ and that it was
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 313
better that the Oauls^ who were already united to cxjirDict,
them by affinity^ and by arts and manners^ should a.o!48.
enrich the city by the influx of their wealthy "^^ v— '
than appropriate all their advantages to them-
selves. His opinion having prevailed^ it was
decreed that Gauls might sit in the senate^ and
the Mdm were the first who enjoyed that honour^
on account of their ancient alliance and amity with
the Romans. Claudius also elected the most illus-
trious of the senators into the patrician families ;
as not only the more ancient ones^ but even those^
which had been created by Julius Ceesar and
Augustus, were nearly extinct* Instead of ex-
pelling the unworthy members of the senate,
he advised them voluntarily to resig^n their
seats; and in acknowledgment of this and other
acts, Yipsanius the consul proposed that he should
receive ihe title of Father of the Senate^ as that of
Father of his Country had become too common.
Claudius, however, rejected this mark of adulation.
Messalina, after having freely indulged in all the tm. Ann. xl
ordinary gfratifications of licentiousness and extra- Di!m/ix.
vagance, finished her career by a most daring and ^'^ ^' ^'
unprecedented act of criminality. She had fixed
her affections upon C. Silius, a young man of
noble fiunily, remarkable for dignity of form and
%ngour of mind, and who had been nominated by
her influence as one of the consuls elect. After
pursuing their amours with some degfree of secresy,
Silius, urged by infatuation or by the hope of
rescuing himself from his state of imminent peril,
advised that they should no longer obser^-e nny
concealment in the indulgence of their crimes. He
declared that nothing but fearless audacity could
protect them in their wickedness ; and as he was
unmarried, he offered to unite himself to Messu-
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314 HISTOBY OF
GuLuoxnt, lina^ to adopt her son Britannicus^ and to secure
a.d/48. her in her present state of grandeur and power.
''"*^^~' She was slow in listening to his proposals^ not
because she was deterred by any principles of
virtue^ or any regard for her husband; bat she
foresaw that Silius^ when he had gained the
summit of power^ would probably spurn his gniilty
associate^ and though he acquiesced in her wicked-
ness during the crisis of danger^ would afterwards
view it with abhorrence. The plan^ however^ of a
double marriage pleased her even by it« singular
ati*ocity^ and she consented to be formally united
to Silius as soon as the absence of her husband^
who was going upon some business to Ostia^ would
allow her. The marriage contract was signed by the
proper persons^ and even Claudius himself is said
to have put his hand to it, being deceived by the
pretence that it was necessary to avert some omen
by which he was threatened with danger. On the
appointed day, all the nuptial ceremonies were
regularly performed; Messalina offered sacrifices
to the gods, received guests to her bridal enter-
tainment, and bestowed upon Silius all the rights
of a husband. These proceedings were know^ to
all the people of Rome, and openly talked of; and
although they appear so extraordinary as to be
almost incredible, yet Tacitus declares that he had
recorded nothing upon the subject, but what was
fiilly authenticated.
Tac.Aim.xi. The cmpcror's freedmen were greatly alarmed
'^*'"^' by the marriage of Messalina, as they foresaw that
such an event would naturally be followed by the
overthrow of their own power. As long as an
actor, like Mnester, dishonoured the prince's bed,
nothing but disgrace was incurred; but real
danger was to be apprehended, both to themselves
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THE ROMAN £MP£RORS. 315
and their master^ from an aspiring paramour like Claudius,
Silius. Three of them^ therefore^ Callistus^ Pallas^ a. d.'48.
and ^Narcissus, deliberated among themselves whe- ^— v— ^
ther they should not endeavour by secret threats to
deter Messalina from her attachment to Silius. But
the indolence of Pallas made him averse to such
a plan ; and Callistus^ who had been a freedman
of Caius^ and been concerned in the conspiracy
against him^ was cautious in encoimtering danger.
Narcissus^ though deserted by his coUeagfues^ was
not discouraged^ but formed the resolution of de-
stroying Messalina by his own stratagems. Care-
fiiUy abstaining from all language that could ap-
prize her of his intentions^ he watched for the
most favourable opportunity of acquainting Clau-
dius^ who prolonged his stay at Ostia^ with the
turpitude of her conduct. He at last effected
his purpose by means of two of the emperor's
concubines, who were induced by presents and the
prospect of increasing their own influence^ to
undertake the disclosure. . One of them named
Calpumia^ falling at the emperor's feet^ assured
him that Messalina was married to Silius; she
appealed to her companion for the corroboration
of the fact; and advised that Narcissus should be
sent for. The freedman apologized to his master
for having concealed the truth so long^ but in-?
formed bun that the people^ the senate^ and the
soldiers were all witnesses of the marriage of Silius^
who would soon be in possession of the city^ unless
decisive measures were adopted. Claudius^ having
summoned his fidends^ received from them all the
same amazing intelligence^ and was advised to
hasten to the preetorian camp^ and consult his
safety before he gratified his revenge^ He was so
terrified; that he asked from time to time^ whether
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316 HISTORY OF
cuiuoius, he was still emperor^ and whether Silius hod not
A.D.'48. usurped his place ?
''■"v~' Messalina^ abandoned to her usual course of
luxury^ was amusing herself at home with the re-
presentation of the scenes of a vintage^ as it was
now the season of autumn. Her female attendants,
arrayed in sldnS) danced like the furious Bacchan-
. alians; while Messalina carrying* the thyrsus,
and Silius crowned with ivy, indulged in sdl the
pleasures of the wanton throng. Their mirth was
destroyed by an unfortunate omen. One of the
company, who had ascended a high tree, being
asked what he saw, replied, A dreadful storm from
Ostia; although it is uncertain whether he de-
scribed the literal truth, or his words accidentally
presaged the evils that were approaching. Not
merely rumours, but undoubted intelligence ar*
rived, that Claudius was acquainted with the whole
truth, and was coming with the resolution of
exacting vengeance. Messalina and Silius, dis-
sembling their fear as well as they could, separated
from each other; and as their companions dispersed,
some of them were apprehended by the centurions,
and thrown into prison. Messalina resolved to go
and meet Claudius, as she knew the ascendancy
she possessed over him, and had often found that
an interview with him had extricated her from her
difficulties. She commanded her children, Britanni-
cus and Octavia, to throw themselves into the arms
of their father, and entreated Yibidia, the eldest
of the vestal virgins, to implore mercy for her.
Accompanied by three attendants, for all others
had deserted her, she traversed the city on foot,
and proceeded on the road to Ostia in a cart which
was used for carr}nng away the rubbish of gar-
dens. The indisrnation excited bv her atrocious
*o'
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 317
crimes exting^hed all pity for the wretchedness
of her condition,
Claudius was still perplexed with hesitation and
fear^ as he was unable to place full confidence in
Lucius Geta^ who was preefect of the prtetorian
giiardis. !Nfarcissus^ supported by those who had
the same apprehensions as himself^ declared that
there was no hope^ unless the emperor granted the
command of the troops for that day to one of his
ireedmen^ and he himself offered to undertake the
charge. That his plans might not be frustrated
by tibe vacillation of Claudius^ or the influence of
others^ he took a seat in the carriage that was to
convey the emperor to Home. When Messalina
met them on the road; she claimed an audience for
the mother of Octavia and Britannicus ; but Nar-
dssus; upbraiding her with her adulterous marriage,
prevented her from being heard. As they entered
Home the emperor's cliildren would have presented
themselves before him^ if Narcissus had not com-
manded them to be removed. He could not so
easily repulse Yibidia, who demanded that the
empress should not be condemned without a hear-
ing : this indulgence was promised, and the vestal
was ordered to attend to her sacred duties.
During all this time Claudius was absorbed in
silence. Narcissus assumed absolute authority,
and ordered him to be conducted to the house of
Silius, where he showed him his own ancient
and costly furniture, which Messalina had trans-
ferred to the possession of his rival. Having pro-
yoked his anger by this sight, he led him to the
praetorian camp ; and the soldiers, after a short
address from dieir emperor, demanded that those,
who had so audaciously dishonoured him, should be
duly punished. Silius^ when he was apprehended.
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318 HISTORY OF
did not presume to offer any defence^ but solicited
that he might be speedily put to death. Some
eminent knights- were equally ready to undergt)
their fate^ and the execution of Messalina's accom-
plices and paramours proceeded with rapidit3%
Mnester alone supplicated for mercy, protesting
that the crime of which he had been guilty was
imposed upon him by necessity. Claudius would
have pardoned him, if he had not been prerented
by his freedman, who declared that it made little
difference whether offences of such magnitude
were compulsory or not, and that it would be in-
consistent to show to an actor the clemency which
had been denied to so many illustrious citizens.
In the meantime, Messalina had retired to the
gardens of Lucullus, which she had obtained by
the unjust death of Valerius Asiaticus, and which
were now to be the scene of her own execution.*
Her haughty spirit was by no means overcome,
and she woidd probably have changed the aspect
of affairs, and gained the victory over her oppo-
nents, if !Nfarcissus had not acted with the prompt-
est decision. * For when Claudius returned home,
and his anger began to be mitigated by the plea-
sures of the banquet, he gave orders that that
wretched woman (as he styled her) should be
commanded to prepare for her defence on the
following day. Narcissus, aware of his imbecility,
and afraid of the consequences of his reviving
affection, instantly commanded the tribune who
was on guard to put Messalina to death, pre-
tending that such were the emperor's orders.
Evodus, one of the freedmen, was sent to witness
• Jeiebel kiUed by the waU of Jeireel, and KeitBUiui killed In the guda
of LucoUaa, aeem to form a tolerably cIom parallel. Both their Tictimi,
Naboth and Aaiatieaa, were destroyed by perjury.
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THE SOMAN EMPEBOBS. 319
the execution of the sentence. He found her claudivs,
Stretched on the ground^ and attended by her a.d.'48.
mother Lepida, who, though at variance with her ^^— v— '
in the time of her guilty prosperity, had not aban-
doned her in the hour of her affliction and disgrace.
She was exhorting her daughter not to wait for the
blow of the executioner, but, as her life was at an
end, to die with . all the dignity she could. But
the mind of Messalina, debased by sensual indul-
gences, was incapable of any powerful effort, and
she prolonged the time in fruitless lamentations
and tears, until Evodus and the tribune appeared
before her. Sensible of her impending fate, she
seized a sword, and applied it with trembling hand
to her throat and breast ; but her courage not being
sufficient to consummate the fatal deed, she was at
last stabbed by the tribune.
Claudius was still feasting, when he was informed
that Messalina was dead, although it was not
explained to him, whether she had perished by her
own hand or another's. Forbearing to make any
enquiry upon the subject, he called for the cup, and
continued the usual festivities of the banquet. On
the following days he exhibited a perfect insensi-
bility, appearing free from every Idad of emotion,
both when he saw the accusers of Messalina
exulting at her death, and his own children
lamenting it. Such was his obliviousness, that suec t. 30.
one day, after he had placed himself at table, he
is said to have asked, why the empress did not
come ; and it was usual for him, after he had put
persons to death, to enquire for them and complain
of their absence.
The qusestorian honours were bestowed upon tm. Ann, xl
Narcissus, who had certainly evinced great dex-^'
terity and firmness in the management of a
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320 HI8T0BT OF
Claudius, perilous Undertaking. The body of Messalina was
A.D.'48. not treated with ignominy^ but was surrendered
''■">^~' to her mother : the senate^ however, decreed that
her name should be effaced, and her statues
removed from all places, both private and public.
She was the third wife that Claudius had married,
and was the daughter of his cousin, Valerius
Messala Barbatus. Her cruelty alone would have
rendered her sufficiently odious, but her lustful
passions have attached still blacker infamy to her
name.
Jar. siu. Ti. Juvenal has freely described the manner in which
she used to spend the night in public brothels ; and
the same satirist represents Silius to have been a
man of virtuous character, until his beauty made
him a prey to the arts of Messalina, and entangled
him in desperate guilt and wretchedness.
114; V.330.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 321
CHAPTER IV.
Clatidius Jixes his ejections upon his niece Agrip^-
pifuiy who causes the disgrace of Silanus the
JSmperof^s intended son-in-law. — Marriages be-
tween uncles and nieces are declared legal by tJie
Senate^ and Claudius unites himself to Agrip-
pina. — Silanus put to death. — Agrippina recalls
Seneca from exilcy and causes Octavia to be
betrothed to her son Domitius. — Destroys her
rival Lollia Paulina. — Claudius extends the
circumference of the city, and expels the Jews
from Rome. — Parthian ambassadors come to
Rome to solicit Meherdates for their hing, who
is defeated by Ootarzes. — Mithridates having in
vain attempted to recover his kingdom of the
SosphoruSy surrenders himself to Eunones, and
is sent captive to Rome. — Agrippina*s son is
adopted by Claudius j and she herself receives the
title of Augusta. — She sends a colony to Cologne.
— The Catti repulsed by L. Pomponius. — Van-
niuSf King of the Suevi^ expelled from his domi-
nions.— P. OstoriuSy the proprator of Britainy
defeats the Iceni. — Captures King CaractacuSy
who is sent to RomCy and pardoned by Clatidius.
— The Britons gain some successes over the
Romans.— Ostorius dieSy and is succeeded by
Didius. — War between Cartismandua and her
husband Venusius.
Claudius publicly declared before the preetorian Claudius,
guards, that, as he had been so unfortunate in the
married state, he would never enter into it ogain ;
VOL. I. Y
A.D.4d.
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822 HISTORY OF
clattdivs, and that if he did^ he would give them permission
A.D.'48. to kill him. But immediately after the death of
SnetlTae! Messalina, his freedmen began to dispute for the
Tac. Ann. xii privilege of choosing a wife for him ; and the
Dtonlix. females who were ambitious of becoming the
imperial consort eagerly advanced the claims of
nobility^ wealthy and beauty^ upon which they
relied, ^lia Petina^ his second wife^ who had been
divorced for some trifling cause^ was now recom-
mended by Narcissus. Callistus supported Lollia
Paulina^ who had been one of the wives of the
Emperor Caius. But Pallas advocated the cause of
Agrippina^ who was the daughter of Germanicus,
and the niece of Claudius himself; and the familiar
intercoiirse^ and the free caresses in which she was
indulged on account of her relation to the emperor^
succeeded in winning his afFections^ and giving her
the pre-eminence over every other rival. She is
described as beautiful^ and even as young;
although she had been maiiied twenty years
before to Cn. Domitius ^nobarbus^ by whom she
had a son called Domitius^ but better known by
the name of Nero. She exercised over Claudius
the influence of a wife, even before she enjoyed
the actual title ; and no sooner was she confident of
being united to him, than her ambitious hopes
began to expand, and she conceived the design of
marrying her son Nero to his daughter Octavia.
Although Octavia had been for some time be-
trothed to L. Silanus, a young man of high birth
and character, it did not seem difficult to over-
come this impediment, by operating upon the
facility of Claudius, who had no partialities nor
dislikes but what were impressed upon him by
others. The artfiil Vitellius, foreseeing the
ascendancy which Agrippina was likely to obtain,
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THE ROMAIC EMPEROBS. 333
and anzioua to secure her favour, insinuated into clavbivs,
the ear of Claudius^ that Silanus was too much a.]>.'48.
attached to his own sister Junia Calvina. The ^^-^^^^ ^
calumny was believed^ and Silanus was suddenly
remoYed from the senate by the authorily of
Yitellius^ who was censor^ his contract with
Octavia was annulled, and he was compelled to
resign the prsetorship which he was holding,
although it would have legally terminated in a
day or two by the expiration of the year.
Messalina had not died until late in autumn ; clavdivs,
9*
yet at the beginning of the following year, the a. d.'4o.
marriage between Claudius and Agrippina was
fiilly agreed upon, and even forestalled by their
illicit amours. They were afraid^ however, of
celebrating their nuptials, because there was no
precedent of such a marriage among the Romans^
and it was apprehended that the incest, if' con-
temptuously committed, might become the cause of
some public calamity. The base Yitellius, having
devoted himself to the accomplishment of their
wishes, asked Claudius whether he would submit
to the commands of the people, and the authority
of the senate ; and when the emperor replied, that
he considered himself but as one of the citizens,
Yitellius requested him to wait in his palace^ while
he himself went to the senate. Having requested
leave from the fathers to address them upon a
topic of the highest importance, he declared that
the burdensome labours of the prince required
the solaces of conjugal attention and endearment ;
that^ as it was necessary for him to marr}*, Agrip-
pina would be the fittest consort, on account of
her great qualities and her illustrious birth ; that
although it was a new thing among them for
uncles to be united to their nieces, yet it was not
Y J
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324 HISTORY OF
unusual among other nations; that marriages
between GOusins*german^ though at first unknown
to the Romans^ had in time become familiar to
them ; and that customs in general were adopted
in accommodation to the welfare and convenience
of mankind.
These lax sentiments were readily approved by
those corrupt senators^ who had been suborned for
the purpose ; and the most zealous of them pro-
tested^ that if Claudius did not accede to their
wishes^ they would constrain him. A crowd of
plebeians also assembled together^ exclaiming that
the Roman people were desirous of the same event.
Claudius^ without further delay^ presented himself
in the forum to receive the congratulations of the
citizens^ and having entered the senat^house de- .
sired that a decree might be passed^ declaring
marriages between uncles and nieces to be in
future legal. On the next day he solemnized his
nuptials with Agrippina ; but not more than one
or two persons availed themselves of the incestuous
licence which his example and the authority of the
senate bestowed upon them. The appearance of
the state was suddenly changed^ and the Romans
found themselves in subjection to a woman^ who
did not insult them^ like Messalina^ with unbridled
lasciviousness, but governed them with a firm and
undaunted tyranny. Her external conduct was
severe, and generally haughty; and even in
private she indulged in no irregularity or licen-
tiousness, but what was subservient to her am-
bitious projects. Her avarice was unbounded;
and while she adopted the basest expedients
for its gratification, she veiled it under the
pretext of augmenting the resources of the im-
perial power.
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 325
On the day of her marriagfe Silanus put himself clau6iuii,
to death. Tacitus supposes that he might have ▲.!>.' 40.
selected that day in order to aggravate the odious "^^v— ^
atrocity of her conduct; but Suetonius speaks of i^ Ann. xu.
his death as compulsory. On the same day a great ^' ^'
number of senators and knights were punished
with such heedless indifference^ that when the cen-
turion came to report the death of a man of con-
sular rank^ Claudius denied that he had given any
order to that effect : he approved, however, of the
action, when his fireedmen remarked, that the soldiers
had done right in spontaneously avenging their
emperor. Calvina, the sister of Silanus, was
banished from Italy, and Claudius ordered ex-
piation to be made in the gi*ove of Diana for theu*
alleged incest ; but every one ridiculed such cere-
monies at a time when he himself was publicly
committing a real offence of that nature. As
an exception to her unpopular actions, Agrippiua ^
recalled the famous Seneca from banishment,
knowing the reputation which he enjoyed for his
learning and philosophy. She also raised him to
the preetorship, and entrusted him with the educa-
tion of her son Domitius, as she was desirous of
being assisted by his counsel in her plans for
aspiring to the supreme power. She calculated
that the remembrance of her favours would attach
him to her interests, as the sense of injury had
alienated him from Claudius.
Impatient for the aggrandizement of her son, she
induced Memmius PoUio, one of the consuls elect,
to propose in the senate, that the emperor should
betroth his daughter Octavia to the young Domi-
tius. No opposition being offered, the affiance was
made ; and Domitius, who was in his twelfth year,
was placed on an equality with Britannicus, not
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S20 HISTORY OF
Claudius, only through the influence of his mother^ hut also
A.D.60. through the policy of those who^ having killed
DiOTTuT^ Messalina, were afraid of the vengeance of her son.
Tac Ann. 3di. AgHppiua^ iuceused with malicious jealousy
^ ' against LolUa^ because she had aspired to the
hand of Claudius^ accused her of resorting to
astrologers^ and consulting the oracle of the Clarian
Apollo upon the subject of the emperor's marriage.
Claudius did not permit Lollia to defend herself^
but^ after expatiating in the senate upon her illus-
trious family^ declared that her offences ought to
be punished with confiscation of her property^ and
banishment from Italy. A still severer sentence
was executed^ as a tribune was sent to put her to
death. Her head was carried to Agrippina, and
as she could not at first identify it^ she satisfied
her scruples by opening the mouthy and inspecting
the teeth^ which had something peculiar in their
construction. Another illustrious woman^ named
Calpumia, became the object of her vengeance,
because the emperor had praised her beauty ; but
as the commendation was innocent and accidental,
she abstained from putting her to death.
Claudius, lightening the restrictions imposed
upon the senators by Augustus, suffered them to
visit their property in Gallia Narbonensis, with-
out first asking the permission of the emperor.
He also enlarged the circumference of the cit}*,
which was a privilege anciently granted to those
who had extended the bounds of the empire.
Tacitus says that the privilege was not exerted by
any of the Roman commanders except Sylla and
Dion^xiui. Augustus; but Dion relates that Julius Cssar
advanced the pomarium. Claudius had not in-
creased the limits of the empire, except by the con-
quest of part of Britain.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 327
Notwithstanding the favours which Claudius be- clavdivh,
stowed upon the Jews at the beginning of his ▲.0/50.
reign, he at last expelled them from Rome on ac- audTTsT'
count of their tumultuous behaviour. That event, Orw. Vu. d.
according to some writers, happened this year;
while others, again, suppose diat it took place
somewhat later.
Ambassadors from Parthia arrived at Rome, tm. Ann. xil
complaining of the intolerable cruelty of their
King Gotarzes, and requesting that Meherdates,
one of their princes, who was living as a hostage
among the Romans, should be sent to rescue them
from his tyranny. Claudius, elated by such an
appeal to his authority from so formidable a nation,
readily acceded to their wishes, and ordered C.
Cassius, the governor of Syria, to escort the young
prince to the bank of the Euphrates. The Roman
commander pitched his camp at Zeugma, where the
river was most easy to be crossed ; and when the
Parthian nobles, and Acbarus king of the Ara-
bians, arrived, he exhorted Meherdates to pursue
his enterprize with celerity', as delay soon abated
the zeal of the barbarians, or changed it into per-
fidy. This prudent counsel was defeated by Acba-
rus, who detained the prince many days at Edessa
by such pleasures as his youth and inexperience
could not resist. When they began their march,
they did not proceed into Mesopotamia, but took
a circuit into Armenia, where the mountains, and
the snows of approaching winter, obstructed their
progress. Having crossed the Tigris, they entered
the country of Adiabene, whose lung, Izates, pre-
tended to espouse the cause of Meherdates, but
was secretly attached to the interests of Gotarzes.
In their march they captured Nineveh, the an-
cient capital of the Assyrian empire.
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HISTOBY OF
Claudius, In the meantiine Gotarzes was engaged in re-
A.D.50. ligious ceremonies on a certain mountain named
^"""^^ Sambulos^ where the worship of Hercules was
chiefly observed. This god is said at stated times
to have commanded his priests^ during their sleep,
to place near his temple horses fuUy equipped for
hunting. The animals were accordingly loaded
with quivers containing arrows^ and were let loose
into the forest; and at night they returned with
their quivers empty^ and themselves panting* and
exhausted with fatigue. The god at night dis-
closed to his priests the track which he had fol-
lowed in the woods^ and they found it everywhere
strewed with wild beasts^ the evidences of his skill
in the chase ! Gotarzes^ after worshipping this
powerful devastator of the woods^ prepared to
encounter his enemies; but as his army was not
sufficiently strongs he eluded them by delays^ and
by moving from place to place^ and sent emissaries
to bribe them to desert their standards. Izates
king of Adiabene^ and Acbarus with his army of
Arabians^ }delded to the treacherous proposal^
proving what had been before experienced^ that
the barbarians were more ready to solicit kings
from Rome than to defend them. Meherdates^
deserted by part of his allies^ and distrustful of
those who remained^ resolved to hazard an engage-
ment^ which Gotai*zes did not decline^ when he
beheld the diminution of his adversary's forces.
A battle was fought with great carnage^ and Me-
herdates was defeated, and treacherously surren-
dered by one of his dependants into the hands of
the victor. Gotarzes^ reviling him as an alien and
a Roman, rather than as a descendant of Arsaces,
ordered his ears to be cut off, but suffered him to
live. Gotarzes soon afterwards died, and Vonones,
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THE ROMAN EMPEKORS. 320
who was Prince of the Medes^ succeeded to his gxjiudius,
sovereignty. After a short reign, distinguished a. D?'fio.
by no memorable event, he transmitted the Par- ^"^v— ^
thian sceptre to his son Yologeses.
Mithridates, whom in the year 41 Claudius had tm. Ann. zu.
appointed king of the countiy contiguous to the ^*"^^'
Cimmerian Bosphorus, had been dethroned* (it
appears) for his rebellion against the Romans,
and his dominions had been given to his brother
Cotys. But after wandering some time, and
eluding the search of the Bomans, he attempted
to recover his kingdom, when he found that it was
. defended only by a few cohorts under Julius
Aquila. After collecting an army he gained some
. advantages, and received succours from Zorsines,
, King of the Siraci. Aquila and Cotys, deeming
\ it necessary to strengthen themselves by some
] foreign alUance, made a treaty with Eunones,
Prince of the Adorsi, who agreed to assist them
with cavalry, while the Romans conducted the
^ siege of the enemy^s cities. They marched into
'. the country of the Siraci, and attacked Uspe,
the walls of which, being constructed of wicker-
''^ work and earth, offered but a feeble resistance to
\ their valour. The inhabitants proposed to give ten
"^ thousand slaves as the price of their capitulation ;
^ but as it was difficult to guard so great a number,
'' the place was carried by assault. Its overthrow
" spread such terror, that Zorsines consulted the
^ safety of his kingdom by giving hostages, and
^ consenting to worship the image of the emperor.
^ ^ The Roman army returned with great glory,
^^ having advanced, without sustaining any loss,
> within three days' distance from the Tanais. Some
* The books of Tacitas, that would have contained the particulan of the
erent, are loet.
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880 HISTORY OF
ci^uDius, of their ships^ in sailing home^ were carried to the
A.D/fio. coast of the Tauri^ who put to death the comman-
^"•^'•^ der of a cohort, and most of the centurions.
Mithridates, finding that he had no resource in
arms, deliberated which of his enemies he might
most prudently entrust with his safety. He re-
solved to confide in Eunones, and having entered
his palace, threw himself at his feet, bidding
him to treat him as he pleased, but to remember
that he was the descendant of the great Achae-
menes, which was the only distinction that his
enemies had not torn from Um. Eunones received
the suppliant with a generosity suitable to Us
fame and his misfortunes, and he wrote letters to
Claudius, beseeching that his life might be spared,
and that he might not be exposed to the ignominy
of being led in trimnph. Claudius stifled his
desire of revenge by the calculation, that it was
better to pardon such an enemy, than to hazard
the renewal of an arduous war, from which little
advantage or glory could be derived. Mithridates
was, therefore, sent to Rome under a promise of
safety, and he conducted himself, in the presence
of Claudius and of the Roman people, widi an
undaunted and even haughty spirit.
Claudius, Pallus, who had promoted the marriage of
A. dIsi. Agrippina, and was afterwards leagued with her
T^c^n.xiL ju g^u adulterous intercourse, began to urge the
credulous emperor upon the expediency of adopt-
ing her son Domitius. Such a step, he pretended,
would be a security to the state and a protection
to Britannicus, and was also conformable to the
examples of Augustus and Tiberius, who had
strengthened themselves by the adoption of their
relatives. Claudius was persuaded by the argu-
ments of his freedman, und delivered in the senate
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 331
an harangtie^ containing' the sentiments which he Claudius,
had inculcated upon him. A law was^ therefore^ a. pl^i.
passed^ by which Domitius was adopted into the ^— /— '
Clandian family^ and allowed to assume the name
of Nero. It was observed by those who were
skilful in genealogies^ that there was no instance
of any previous adoption into the families of the
patrician Claudii^ the line having descended with-
out interruption from Attus Clausiis. The dignity
of Agrippina was increased by the title ofAvgusta;
and after such an exaltation of herself and son^
there was no one who did not commiserate the
condition of Britannicus^ while probably but few
did not foresee his fate. The arts of his step-mother
gradually abridged his comforts and reduced him
to a state of desolation ; and although he was but
nine or ten years old, he is said to have been sen-
sible of her treachery, and to have made it a
subject of derision.
Agrippina, while she was absolute at home, dis-
played her power to foreign nations by sending a
colony of veterans to the ci^ of Ubii,upon the Rhine,
which was her birth-place. It was called in honour
of her Colonia Agrippina ; part of which appellation
it still preserves in its modem name of Cologfne.
The Ubii were a people who passed over from Ger-
many, and had been received into treaty with the
Bomans, by her maternal grandfather, Agrippa.
An alarm was excited in Upper Germany by
the incursion and ravages of the Catti; but L.
Pomponius, the lieutenant of the province, repulsed
them by judiciously dividing his forces. One of
his detachments surrounded the barbarians after
their return, as they were feasting on their booty,
and indulging in sleep; and the Bomans felt
additional exultation in their victory, as they
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HISTORY OF
Claudius, rescued some of the soldiers of Varus, who had
▲.d/51. suffered a captivity of forty years. The other
^^^><^^ detachment coining to a regular engagement with
the enemy, defeated them with g^eat slaughter.
After these losses the Catti submitted ; and Pom-
ponius was rewarded with the triumphal honours,
although his warlike achievements (in the opinion
of Tacitus) conferred far less glory upon him than
his poetry.
About the same time Yannius, whom Tiberius
had set over the Suevi thirty years before, found
his kingdom endangered by die hostility of the
neighbouring nations, and the rebellion of his om^
nephews Yangio and Sido. Claudius, though often
solicited, refiised to interfere in the contests of the
barbarians ; but he promised to afford Yannius a
place of refuge, in case he was overpowered by his
enemies : he also ordered the governor of Pannonia
carefully to protect the bank of the Danube, lest
the victors, in the ardour of success, should attempt
to disturb the peace of the Boman Empire. Yan-
nius, unable to encounter the numerous forces that
were collected against him, resolved to retire into
his castles, and endeavour to protract the war. But
the lazyges, who composed his cavahy, were im-
patient of such restraint, and, by exposing them*
selves to the attacks of the enemy in the adjoining
plains^ compelled him to hazard an engagement.
After fighting bravely with his own hand, and
receiving some honourable wounds, he was defeated,
and took reftige in the vessels which were stationed
in the Danube. He and his followers were settled
in Pannonia, where lands were given them. Yangio
and Sido divided his dominions between them^ and
during their reign observed the strictest fidelity
towards the Romans.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 833
P. Ofltorius Scapula^ being appointed proprtBtor Claudius,
of Britain^ found the island in a tumultuous state. a.d.6i.
The inhabitants presumed that a new commander, j.^7]^^^
unacquainted with his army^ would not venture to di— 40.
attack them, especially as it was the commence-
ment of winter. But as he was aware how
important it was to strike terror into them by his
first enterprises, he quickly marched against them,
and routed their forces; and to prevent their
insurrections in future, he intended to disarm the
suspected nations, and confine them within certain
limits. The Iceni*, who had formerly acceded to
the alliance of the Romans, were the first to resist
these encroachments upon their liberty; and by
their persuasion the neighbouring people prepared
themselves for battle, on a spot which was enclosed
with a rude sort of rampart, having a narrow ap-
proach, in order to make it inaccessible to cavalry.
The Roman general, although he had none but
auxiliary troops with him, broke into this rampart :
the Britons defended themselves with determined
valour, but their flight was hindered and their
slaughter increased by the very contrivances which
they had adopted for their protection. In this
attack the son of Ostorius saved the life of a citizen,
which the Romans considered an act of the highest
glory, and rewarded with a civic crown, made of
oak leaves.
The defeat of the Iceni* terrified many of the
Britons^ and suppressed the movements of those
who were wavering between peace and war. Osto-
rius led his army across the island, devastating all
the country around him, as the inhabitants were
afraid to meet him in open engagement. He had
nearly advanced into Wales^ when he was obliged
•People of Norfolk, &«.
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384 HI8T0BY OP
clavozus, to alter Mb march on account of an insurrection
A.o/61. wliich had arisen among the Brigtmtes*; but
^"^^'^'^ these insurgents were soon quieted^ part of them
being slain and the rest pardoned. The SQures^
or people of South Wales^ were far more pertina-
cious enemies^ and equally despised the threats of
the Bomans and their offers of clemency. They
were commanded by Caractacus^ whom a long
series of exploits in resisting the arms of the
invaders had raised to a pre-eminence above the
other British chieftains. As his troops were
inferior to those of the Romans^ he endeavoured
to turn the advantage on his side^ by his know-
ledge of the country and the strength of his
positions. Having removed the war into the more
northern parts of Wales^ he arranged his men on
some steep mountains^ the gentler ascents of which
were defended by piles of stones^ while a river
protected his front. Fljring from rank to rank^
he reminded them that their conduct on that day
would either restore them to freedom^ or condemn
them to perpetual slavery ; and he exhorted them
to emulate the glory of their ancestors^ who had
driven Julius Ceesar from their shores, and rescued
them from Roman cruelty, extortion, and lust.
The soldiers answered him with alacrity ; and each
swore, according to the form of his country, that
he would neither be terrified by weapons, nor
overcome by wounds.
The Romans showed equal readiness for the
engagement, and passed the river in front of the
Britons without difficulty. When they approached
the rampart, many of them were killed by missiles ;
but their skill and discipline soon enabled them to
surmount the rude fortifications, and when they
* People of Northnmberland, &e.
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 335
came to close engagement^ they drove the Britons clavdiub,
to the tops of the mountains. Both the light and a. 0.51.
the heavy troops closely pursued^ and threw their ^"•v^
ranks into conAision ; and as the Britons protected
their bodies neither with breast-plates nor helmets^
they were overwhelmed by the superior arms of
their assailants. The wife and daughter of Carac-
tacus were captured in the battle; his brothers
surrendered themselves; and he himself sought
protection from Cartismandua^ queen of the Bri-
grantes ; but^ instead of granting it^ she put him in
chains^ and surrendered him to the Romans.
As it was about the ninth year since the com-
mencement of hostilities in Britain^ the fame of
Caractacus had extended beyond the limits of his
own island^ and had penetrated into the adjoining
countries^ and even into Italy. Every one^ therefore,
was eager to see the man who had so long defied
the Boman arms. Claudius, by ostentatiously dis-
playing his own victory, enhanced the glory of his
captive. For when Caractacus entered Rome, the
praetorian guards were drawn out^ and the people
were invited as if to the view of an extraordinary
spectacle. His dependants and relations were ex-
hibited to the gaze of the crowd : last of all the
chieftain himself appeared, maintaining an un-
daunted look, and scorning by timid and suppliant
language to propitiate the mercy of his conquerors.
When he stood before Claudius, he is said to have
addressed him to the following purport : ^^ If I had
known how to observe sufficient moderation in
prosperity, I might have arrived in this city as
your friend rather than your captive ; nor would
you have spumed to make an alliance with a chief,
who can boast of being descended from a noble
line of ancestors, and of having held the sway over
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336 HISTORY OF
cx^uBius, numerous nations. But my present fortune is as
▲.B.'6i. glorious to you^ as it is humiliating* to me. I was
^"^^'^^ once in possession of horses and men, of anna and
wealth : can you be surprised that I was reluctant
to surrender these advantages ? Although you are
desirous of siibjugating all nations, is it to be ex-
pected that they are desirous of submitting to the
yoke? If I had pelded to you without a struggle,
neither my fate nor your renown would have been
equally illustrious. If you now put me to death,
I shall soon be forgotten ; but if you preserve my
life, I shall remain an everlasting example of your
clemency.'^ Claudius, generously appreciating the
magnanimity of the British chieftain, spared not
only his life, but the lives of his wife and brethren.
When they were released from their chains, they
paid the same reverence and offered the same
thanks to Agrippina, who was sitting on an emin-
ence, as to the emperor himself; for this was a new
indignity to which the Romans were now subjected,
to see a woman interfering in their public affairs,
and assuming a part of the imperial functiona.
Zonaras relates, that when Caractacus beheld the
great and sumptuous edifices of Rome, he could
not forbear expressing his surprise, that a people
who were surrounded with such mag^nificence
should be envious of the cottages of the Britons.
When the senators were convened, they ex-
patiated in glowing terms upon the capture of the
British prince, which they considered no less
glorious to the Roman arms, than the capture of
King Syphax by P. Scipio, and King Perseus by
L. Paulus. If we reflect what must have been
the rude condition of the Britons in that age, it
does not elevate our opinion of the Romans^ to
observe the exultation which they felt at the defeat
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THE BOHAN EMPEBORS. 337
of a few barbarian hordes. But to carry their clavj^w,
arms beyond the western shores of the continent a. dVgi.
of Europe^ or to gain any advantage over the Par- ^— v— '
thians who were at the extremity of their eastern
empire^ seem to be the successes that were most
gratifying to the conquerors of the world ; and the
fame of both was enjoyed by Claudius^ although
the most dull and insensible of their emperors.
The triumphal honours were decreed to Ostorius;
but his subsequent career did not correspond with
his first exploits^ either because he relaxed his
exertions after the defeat of Caractacus^ or because
the Britons^ indignant at the loss of their king^
were more eager in their thirst for revenge. • They
surrounded the cohorts that were left among the
Silures for the building of fortresses^ killed the
praefect and the bravest of the men^ and would
have massacred the whole . if succour had not
promptly arrived. They harassed the Romans
with frequent battles^ and with desultory attacks
in the marshes and forests^ and on every occasion
when their forces could be brought into collision.
The Silures displayed the most fierce and per-
tinacious valour^ being provoked by the threat of
the Boman commander^ who had declared that
they must be utterly extinguished as a nation^ in
the same manner as the Sicambri had been ex-
terminated by Augustus. Incensed rather than
daunted by his menaces^ they intercepted t\i'o auxil-
iary cohorts that were incautiously foraging, and
by a distribution of the spoils and captives induced
other nations to join them in defence of their
liberty. Ostorius, overcome by incessant fatigue
and anxiety^ died; while the Britons exulted
that their persevering resistance had overpowered a
general of no mean abilities.
VOL. I. z
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Hist UL 45.
888 HISTORY OP
CLAUDxrs, He was succeeded by Aulus Didius^ who on his
a.d/61. arrival in the island found that the Silures had
Tw^^A^T^ii d®f^^*®d * Roman legion^ and were extending
40. their ravag^es over the country. He drove them
back ; but as he was advanced m Bge, and satisfied
with honours, he confined his operations to keeping
the Britons in check by the arms of his lieutenants*
He interposed, however, in the civil dissensions
which agitated the kingtiom of Cartismandua,
queen of the Brigantes. This woman^ corrupted
by the blandishments of luxury and power^ openly
disregarded the duties which she owed to her hus-
band Yenusius^ and transferred her afiections to
his armour-bearer, Yellocatus, whom she admitted
to a participation of her kingtiom. The Brigtuites
and others sympathized with the wrongs of the
insulted husband, and, having succoured him with
a powerful force, placed the perfidious queen in
eminent peril. She procured assistance from the
Bomans, w]io, after various engagements, rescued
her from danger, but were unable to re«instate her
in her kingdom. This remained in the hands of
Yenusius, who had once been the faithful ally of
the Bomans, but whose animosity against them
was now inflamed by the sense of his private
injuries. Although the exploits of the two pro-
praetors Ostorius and Didius are placed together
by Tacitus for the sake of connection, yet they
extended through a period of several years. The
capture of Caractacus happened in the year 51,
and the other events in some of the succeedingf
yeai's.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 339
CHAPTER V.
Nero assuTMS the manly garvriy and Britannicus is
negUcfted and persecuted. — Burrhus made prte-
torian preefect hy tJie interest of Agrippina. —
Famine at Rome. — Rhadamistus invades Arme^
niay the hingdam of his uncle Mithridates^ whom
he treacherously puts to death. — PeligimSy the
procurator of Cappadociay encourages him to
assume the diadem. — The Parthians expel him
from Armenia. He recovers it, and is again ex"
pelled. — The noble condu^ of his wife Zenohia. —
Scribonianus is banished. — Extravagant honours
paid by the senate to the freedman Pallas. — A
naval spectacle is exhibited on Lake Fucinus. —
Failure in the attempt to empty that lahe. —
Judcea disturbed by the rivalry of Cumanus and
Felix. — Cumanus is deposed ^ and Felix made
procurator. — Insurrections of the Clita in Cili"
da. — Nero is married to Octaviay and pleads
in favour of the Trojans. — Statilius Taurus dc'
strayed by Agrippina. — Immunities granted to
the Coans. — Relief given to the people ofByzan^
Hum. — Alleged oracle respecting the situation of
that city. — Claudius exchanges the kingdom of
Agrippa the yaunger. — Prodigies portending his
death. — Agrippina destroys Lepidoy and poisons
Claudius. — His character.
The assumption of the toga virilis, or the manly Claudius,
gt)wn^ was an unportant ceremony among' the a.d.'si.
Bomans ; and Nero was allowed to perform it pre- ^^^^ — '
Z8
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340 HISTOBY OP
Claudius, maturely, before the completion of his fourteenth
a.d/61. year^ in order that he mig^ht be sooner qualified
tJTamTxu. *^ c^joy th® honours of the stat^. The servile
41^48. senate proposed, that he should be admitted to the
consulship in his twentieth year, and that in the
meantime he should possess the proconsular autho-
rity out of the city, and receive the title of Prince
of the youth. Claudius readily assented, and
distributed largesses to the soldiers and the people
in the name of Nero. In the Circensian games
which were exhibited, Nero appeared in a tri-
umphal robe, and Britannicus in the usual dress
of boys : from which circumstance, the Bomans
were led to prognosticate the different fortunes of
the two. When the princes happened to meet
one day, Britannicus saluted the other with his
former name of Domitius. This offence exasper-
ated Agrippina, and she complained vehemently
to her husband, that the adoption which had been
ratified by the senate and people, was annulled in
his own house, and that, unless he restrained those
who inculcated such contumacy, some public mis-
chief would ensue. Claudius, acquiescing in her
representations, banished or put to death the most
virtuous persons who were employed in the educa-
tion of his son, and surrounded him with such
as his step-mother approved. Even the centurions
and tribunes, who showed any commiseration for
the lot of Britannicus, were removed firom their
posts under various pretences.
Agrippina considered it an obstacle to her am-
bition, that the preetorian guards were commanded
by two officers whom she believed to be attached
to the memory of Messalina and the welfare of her
children. Pretending, therefore, that the cohorts
would be more obedient and united under one
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 341
pfsefect than two, she bestowed the sole command of Claudius,
them npon Burrhus Afranius, a man of high mill- a.d.5i.
tary reputation, but who was disposed to remember ^•^v^'
from whose hands he received the appointment.
While she was aggrandizing her own power, her
base partisan Yitellius was accused by one of the
senators of treasonable conduct. Claudius would
have listened to the charge, if she had not altered
his resolution by threats more than entreaties, and
procured the banishment of the accuser.
The inhabitants of Home were terrified this year
by many prodigies : one of which was, that ill-
omened birds settled upon the Capitol! Frequent
earthquakes, and a severe famine, were more real
and afflicting evils. The people, impatient under
the pressure of their sufferings, loudly clamoured
against Claudius, as he was administering justice
in the forum, and would have treated him with
extreme violence, if he had not been rescued by the
soldiers. Tacitus relates that the city did not con-
tain provision for more than fifteen days, and that
it would have been reduced to dreadful necessity, if
the mildness of the winter had not allowed the
importation of com. He complains that though
Italy could once furnish provisions for its legions
in distant provinces, yet it afterwards received its
chief supplies from Africa and Egjrpt ; and by this
change the lives of the Roman people were made
dependant upon the perils of navigation and other
vicissitudes. The civil wars may be considered
as the cause of the uncultivated state of the lands
in Italy.
Mithridates, king of Armenia, was destroyed toc. Ann. xu.
this year by the nefarious arts of his brother
Fharasmanes, who reigned over the neighbouring
country of Iberia. This latter monarch had a son
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342 HISTORY OF
Claudius, named Bhadamistus, who was eminent for the
A.D.61. strength and beauty of his body, but was of a
^*"v~^ fierce and ambitious disposition. He was impa-
tient at being so long excluded from the succession
to his father's kingdom, and used but little caution
in concealing the unnatural wishes with which he
was agitated. Pharasmanes, afraid of being the
victim of his son^s ambition, endeavoured to g^ve
a different direction to his hopes, by suggesting
that the kingdom of Armenia was a prize which
might by a little artifice be transferred to his
possession. Bhadamistus was allured by the prcH
posal, and, in pursuance of the plan which was
concerted, fled to the court of his uncle, under
pretence of escaping from the cruelty of his step-
mother. He was received with great kindness by
Mithridates, but basely requited his unsuspecting
confidence by soliciting the Armenian nobles to
revolt against their master.
Having pretended, after a certain time, that he
was reconciled to his father, he returned to acquaint
him with the success of his stratagems, and to
execute the remainder of their plot by arms.
Pharasmanes, inventing some specious pretexts for
the aggression which he was going to practise^
sent his son with a large army to invade Armenia.
Bhadamistus, by the suddenness of his irruption,
compelled Mithridates to take refiige in the castle of
Gomeas, which was garrisoned by Boman soldiers,
and might have defied the unskilfiil attacks of the
Iberians, if the preefect Cfelius Pollio had faithAiIly
defended his post. But his avarice was unable to
reject the bribes of Bhadamistus, and, after trying
many arguments to induce the Armenian monarch
to surrender, he secretly instigated his own soldiers
to demand a capitulation, and to threaten that they
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 343
would quit the g^arrison^ if their wishes were not Clavoius,
obeyed. Mithridates^ yielding* to necessity, agreed a. "ii.
to conclude a treaty, and left the fortress to meet '^— v— '
his perfidious nephew, who accosted him with
professions of regttrd, and swore that he would
injure him with neither sword nor poison. They
retired into an adjoining wood, where Rhadamistus
pretended that a sacrifice was prepared, in order
that the gods might be witnesses of the peace that
was to be ratified between them* It was the
custom of some barbarous nations, when two parties
formed a treaty, to bind their thumbs together by a
tight ligature, and after puncturing them to taste
each other's blood. While Mithridates was pre-
paring to undergo this ceremony, he was thronn
on the ground, and, being surrounded by a con-
course of his enemies, was loaded with chains.
Rhadamistus, in obedience to the instructions which
he received from his father, put Mithridates and his
vrik to death ; but that he might not infringe the
letter of his oath, he killed them by suifocation,
and not by sword nor poison. Their sons were
massacred for testifying grief at the death of their
parents. The atrocity of this tale of domestic
perfidy and bloodshed appears still blacker, when
we are informed that the daughter of Pharas-
manes was the wife of her uncle Mithridates, whose
daughter on the other hand was united to Rhada-
mistus.
Ummidius Quadratus, the governor of Syria,
being informed of the transactions in Armenia,
summoned a council to deliberate in what manner
it would be proper for the Romans to notice them.
Most of his officers were adverse to any inter-
ference, considering that the discord and cont^^std
of the barbarians would promote ruther than
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344 HISTOBY OF
cuLVBivBf obstruct the ascendancy of the Romans. That
a.d/61. they might not^ however^ appear to sanction the
^"""^'~^ crimes of Fharasmanes^ they sent an embassy,
commanding him to depart from the Armenian
territory, and to withdraw his son. Julius Pelig-
nus, procurator of Cappadocia, whose buffoonery
had formerly recommended him to the favour of
Claudius^ collected a body of auxiliary troops with
the intention of rescuing Armenia from the power
of the Iberians; but his expedition was more
terrible to his allies than his enemies. Deserted
by his own forces^ and attacked by the barbarians,
he sought refuge with Bhadamistus^ and was so
corrupted by the gifts of the wily Iberian^ that he
at last encouraged him to assume the royal diadem,
and sanctioned the ceremony by his presence. To
exonerate the Bomans from any participation in
the disgraceful conduct of the procurator^ Helvi-
dius Priscus was sent with a legion under his
command, to tranquillize affairs in such a way as
emergencies might require. He quickly pajssed
Mount Taurus^ and had begun with great moderap
tion to compose the disturbances, when he was
ordered to return into Syria, for fear of involving
the Bomans in a foreign war.
For Vologeses the Parthian king, considering
that there was a favourable opportunity of invading
Armenia, which had once been under the sway of
his ancestors, assembled his forces with the view
of placing his brother Tiridates upon the throne of
that country. He expelled the Iberians, without
coming to a pitched engagement, and took posses-
sion of the cities of Artaxata and Tigranocerta.
But the rigour of winter, or the want of necessary
supplies, obliged him to abandon the advantages
which he had gained ; and Bhadamistus returned
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THE BOMAK EMPEROBS. 845
to Armenia^ treating^ the inhabitants as rebellious Clavdius,
subjects^ in whom he could repose no confidence. a.bIm.
Althoug^h they were accustomed to arbitrary ^— v— ^
masters^ they resisted his tjranny^ and^ having
surroimded his palace^ would have put him to
death^ if he had not escaped by the fleetness of his
horses. His wife Zenobia was the companion of
his flig^ht^ the fatigues of which she sustained for a
time through fear of the insurgents and affection
for her husband. But as she was in a state of
pregnancy, she could not long endure the rapidity
of the journey, and besought Rhadamistus to save
her from the disgrace of captivity by putting her to
an honourable death. Struck with admiration of her
noble spirit, and tormented with the fear of leaving
her in the hands of savage enemies, he embraced,
soothed, and encouraged her to proceed. But she
was incapable of such an effort ; he, therefore, drew
his scimetar, and, having wounded her, carried her
to the bank of the Araxes, and committed her body
to the stream. Some shepherds afterwards found
her in the mud of the river, still exhibiting symp-
toms of life ; and as they were struck with the
dignity of her appearance, they bound up her
wounds, and applied the simple remedies with
which they were acquainted. When her name and
misfortunes were fcaown, she was carried to the
city of Artaxata, and received from Tiridates the
care and protection which were due to her rank.
Khadamistus escaped to Iberia, but did not desist
from his efforts to gain the sceptre of Armenia.
Purius Scribonianus, the son of that Camillus Claudius,
who had excited a rebellion in Dalmatia at the a. of 52.
beginning of the reign of Claudius, was banished Jj®v^"^*^-
this year, upon the charge of consulting astro-
logers respecting the emperor's death. Claudius
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846 . HISTOBYOP
claubius, considered it a proof of his clemency^ that he
A. dI'ss, twice spared the life of his enemy's son. Scri-
^•^^'"^ honianus did not live long in his exile^ and,
according* to the assertion of some persons, he
was destroyed hy poison. A severe decree was
passed for expelling astrologers from Italy; but
it was fruitless, probably because such impostors
have always been powerfully defended by the cre-
dulity of mankind,
piiii. Ep. ¥]&. A law was enacted for degrading women who
29; TiiLB. g|ii)mitted to the embraces of slaves; and when it
was known that the proposal originated with the
emperor's freedman Pallas, the senate decreed him
the praetorian honours^ the use of a golden ring,
and a considerable sum of money. Public thanks
were also voted to him, declaring that, though he
was descended from the kings of Arcadia, he disre*
garded his nobility for the sake of the public good,
and submitted to be one of the prince's servants.
The haughty freedman accepted the honours which
were offered him, but declined the money, Claudius
announcing, with the most solemn stupidit}"^ that
he was content to abide within his former poverty,
whereas he was known to be one of the richest
men in the empire. The epitaph on the monument
of Pallas specified the marks of distinction which
he had received from the senate ; and the younger
Pliny, who saw it, has written two letters to ex-
press the indignation which he felt at the audacity
of the freedman, and the baseness of the senators.
DioiLix. Thirty thousand men had been labouring ^^ith-
®J^^-^'^*'out intermission for eleven years in preparations
piin.Hiiit for emptying the lake Fucinus, and the under-
Tac ^. xii/ taking at last ended in vain parade and useless
^' *^' expense. A canal was dug through mountains for
the distance of three miles, and before the waters
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THE SOMAN EMPEBORS. 847
were emitted^ Claudius exhibited a gfrahd naval Claudius,
spectacle upon the lake. Triremes and other A.D.k.
y^sels were launched upon it, manned with nine- ^— v^
teen thousand criminals^ who had been condemned
to death, but who seemed very reluctant to shed
their blood for the amusement of others. Before
the engagpement they cried out to Claudius,
^^Hail, 0 emperor, those who are about to die
salute you;'' and as he returned their salutation,
they imagined that their lives were spared, and
refused to begin the combat. He hesitated for
some time whether he should not order them
all to be destroyed ; but at last he descended
from his seat, and, partly by threats, partly by
persuasion, induced them to commence the fight.
They maintained the combat with considerable
resolution, and, after receiving and inflicting
many wounds, were rescued from the slaughter
of one another. The sides of the lake, the hills,
and the mountain, were filled with an innumerable
multitude of spectators, and above all others the
haughty Agrippina was conspicuous in a robe of
gt>ld.
When the spectacle was ended, the waters were
discharged into the canal, but it had not been con-
structed on a sufficient level to empty the deepest
part of the lake, and therefore new excavations
became necessary. An entertainment was given,
and a combat of gladiators exhibited ; but a vio-
lent overflow of the waters spread universal con-
sternation, and nearly drowned the emperor.
Agrippina, conceiving that the work had been
imperfectly executed, upbraided Narcissus, who
had the superintendence of it, with cupidity and
fraud; and he in return inveighed against her
arrogance and ambition. The undertaking was
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848 HISTOBY OP
Claudius, afterwards neglected^ either througph the indiffeN
A. D.68. ence of GlaudiuB, or the jealousy of Nero ; and the
^^^""^^ lake still remains in its natural state^ under the
saet.L44; name of the lake of Gelano. Julius Caesar had
^' ^' intended to empty it ; hut Augustus^ though im-
portuned hy the Marsi^ had refused to make the
attempt. No advantages were expected from so
arduous and expensive a work^ except that it
would make the Tiber more navigable^ and yield a
few more acres to the culture of the husbandman :
but the lake was at a considerable distance from
the Tiber^ and the lands of Italy^ instead of being
tilled to the utmost^ were lying in an unproductive
state.
jo8.Antxx.5. The Jews^ after the impious attempts which
ML Jod. u. Caius had made against their religion^ were fear*
TM.Aiiii.xiL fill of experiencing similar insults; nor did the
conduct of the Romans tend to allay their sus-
picions. Hostilities were fomented between the
Jews and the Samaritans by the rivalry of Yen-
tidius Cumanus^ the procurator of the country,
and Felix^ the brother of Pallas the powerful
freedman. The adverse parties skirmished and
plundered one another^ and killed some of the
Boman soldiers that were sent against them ; and
a war would probably have ensued^ if Quadratas,
the governor of Syria^ had not interposed. He
punished without scruple the delinquents among
the Jews ; but it was a more difficult task to give
his decision between Cumanus and Felix^ according
to the authority which the emperor had allow^
him. Deterred (it seems) by the powerful influence
of Pallas^ he treated Felix as a judge rather than
a defendant, and effectually silenced the voices of
his accusers. Cumanus, condemned to bear the
punishment of both^ was sent to Rome and after-
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 840
wards banished^ while Felix was appointed procu- cijmibxus.
rator in his stead. Tacitus reports, that Felix was a d.6s.
procurator of the country in conjunction with '^^ ^^^^
Cumanus ; but in this and some other particulars
bis history is at variance with that of Josephus.
It seems most probable that Felix was in Judaea
at the time without any determinate authority^ or
perhaps upon special business^ and that^ relying
upon the power of his brother^ he interfered in the
affairs of the nation. As he was destitute of all
principle^ he might have engfaged in a contest with
Cumanus for the express purpose of supplanting
him.
The Clitse^ a rude people of Cilicia, who were often tm. Amu xji.
in a state of insurrection^ had fortified themselves
upon the mountains^ from which they made descents
upon the towns and sea-shore^ and pursued a
system of general depredation. They bttieged the
city of Anemurium^ and defeated a body of Roman
horse (sent from Syria)^ as the roughness of the
country was ill suited to the operations of cavalry.
But Antiochus^ the king of that teritory^ having
created disunion among Uiem by his intrigues^ put
the principal leaders to death^ and tranquillized
the rest by his clemency.
Nero, who was now sixteen years of age^ clavoivs,
married the emperor's daughter Octavia, who a.d.63.
had been betrothed to him for several years. To Ji^^^- ^^
give a specimen of his honourable attainments, siMt ?i. 7.
he advocated in Greek the cause of the people of
Troy, and procured for them an exemption from
all public taxes. As the progenitors of the
Boman people, they had long enjoyed certain im-
munities: Claudius probably enlarged these, or
ratified them in a more formal manner. Nero
pleaded in Latin for the people of Bologna, who
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850 HISTORY OF
CLAUDnrs, had suffered by a conflagfration^ and obtained for
A. d/6s. them the grant of a sum of money. Liberty was
^""^^^^ restored to the Bhodians; and the people of
Apamea^ who had been afflicted by an earthquake^
were allowed a remission of tribute for five vears-
While Agprippina was increasing the popularity
of her son by acts of mercy^ she instigated Claudius
to the commission of every cruelty that gratified
her passions. Having fixed her desires upon the
gardens of Statilius Taurus^ she suborned Tar-
quitius PriscuS; who had been his lieutenant in the
proconsulship of Africa^ to accuse him of extortion
and magical superatitions. Statilius^ indignant
at the unjust charges^ put himself to death^ before
the senators gave their verdict. The accuser ap-
peared so odious^ that the powerful intrigfues of
Agrippina could not save him from being expelled
from the senate.
Claudius was urgent that the decisions of his
procurators should have the same authority as his
own^ and he granted them this exorbitant power by
an express decree of the senate. He allowed the
Coans an exemption from all tribute^ expatiating
upon the antiquity of their island^ and the manner
in which it had been honoured by the residence of
the god ^sculapius ; but his. real motive was to
gratify his physician^ named Xenophon^ who was
bom there. Deputies came from the people of By-
zantium^ imploring the indulgence of the emperor
and senate^ because^ notwithstanding the commer-
cial advantages of their situation^ the fertility of
their soil^ and the fecundity of their sea, the
burdens which they had to bear were too oppres-
sive. Alleviation was g^nted them by a re*
mission of tribute for five years. Tacitus and
Strabo relate that the admirable situation of Bv-
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 351
zantium was sug'gested by the oracle of Apollo^ culvjuv^,
which commanded the colonists to settle opposite a. 0/53.
the city of the blind, alluding to the folly of the ^— v— ^
Chalcedonians, who had previously chosen a ver}^
inferior position. But Herodotus^ a far older Herod, i?. 144.
writer^ seems to have been ignorant of this oracu-
lar enigma ; for he merely says^ that the satrap
Megabyzus declared the Chalcedonians must have
been blind^ and that the remark was much ap-
plauded^ which would not have been the case^ if it
had been but the repetition of an ancient oracle*
The shrewdness of the Persian's observation was^
perhaps^ in time ascribed to the sagacity of the
DelpUc.God*.
Four years before this time^ Claudius had made Joji.Antn.7.
the younger Agrippa king of Chalcis; and he^""'"*^"'
BOW, in lieu of fiiat territory, gave him Batanea, '^' ^^' *"•
Trachonitis, Gkulonitis, and Abilene. Judcea, Hut.T.9.
Samaria, and the rest of Palestine, were placed
nnder the government of the procurator Felix, who is
described by Tacitus as indulging in all manner of
cruelty and licentiousness, exercising the authority
of a king with the disposition of a slave, and ima-
gining Uiat every crime might be committed with
impunity under the protection of his brother Pallas.
Historians agree in relating that the death of Claudius,
Claudius was portended by a variety of prodigies, a.d.54.
A comet appeared, the pnetorian standards were P*«»- ^«- ^
1 . if. 1 . !• 1^ 11 Suet. ▼.43,4a.
Struck with ughtmng, a swarm 01 bees settled on tii£. Ann* xit
the top of the Capitol, and disgusting monsters • ^^*""^'
were bom 1 It was also remarked, that a qucpstor,
an eedile, a tribune, a pnetor, and a consul, being
one out of each rank of magistrates, expired within
a few months. But what chiefly excited the fears
Google
• Om oT a«t WM ft pif wUh tb« teloot of • hawk, which M. Tinemoot
I WM a St Wiblioi of Iho Bmpovor Koro.
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852 HISTORY OF
clattdiitb, of Agfrippina was a suspicion that her adultery
A.D.64. with Pallas was not unknown to Claudius^ and
^""^^•^ that he was beginning to repent of his marriage
with her^ and his adoption of Nero* His affection
for Britannicus appeared to be reviving ; and be
incautiously observed^ when he was in a state of
inebriety^ that he seemed doomed to have unchaste
wives^ but that they would not go unpunished.
Agrippina^ therefore^ resolved to hasten her crimiuol
projects; and her first victim was Lepida^ the
sister of her former husband Domitius^ and the
aunt of Nero. This woman was able to riral
Agrippina in the splendour of her ancestors^ and
in wealth and beauty; they were both eqaally
unchaste and vicious ; and it was a vehement con*
test between them^ whether the aunt or the mother
should exercise the greater influence over Nero.
Lepida won his affections by caresses and presents;
but Agrippina^ who while die elevated her son was
unable to bear his authority^ endeavoured to awe
him by austerity and threats. Lepida, however,
was overcome in the unequal competition, and was
put to death upon some fictitious charges.
She was warmly defended by the freedman Na^
cissus, who every day entertained greater suspicion
of the designs of Agrippina, and was sensible that
he had little prospect of favour, whether Britan-
nicus or Nero succeeded to the imperial power.
He was considered so faithful a guardian of
Claudius, that Agrippina did not expect to elude
his vigilance; but as soon as he departed into
Campania for the recovery of his health, she
resolved to execute the crime, which she had
before conceived, of poisoning her husband. By
the skill of an infamous woman named Locusta.
who was long one of the diabolical agents of the
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THE BOMAN ESTPEBOBS. 853
coQTt^ she procured a poison which was to stupify clavotv*,
ber yictim without destroying him too suddenly, a. d/m.
It was administered by one of the eunuchs^ named ^— v-*^
HalotoS; whose office it was to taste the emperor's
food ; or, according to some accounts^ it was infused
by Agrippina herself into some mushrooms, which
she knew were delicacies particularly agreeable to
the palate of Claudius. When it began to affect
him, he was carried from the banquet, as if op-
pressed by his usual intemperance. But as it ap*
peared to operate slowly, the physician Xenophon,
whom Agrippina had admitted to her confidence,
is said to have introduced a poisoned feather down
his throat, under pretence of assisting him to
discharge the contents of his stomach. His suffer-
ings were protracted throughout the night; but
on the following morning, which was the ISth of
October, he expired, being in the 64th year of his
age, and having held the imperial dignity thirteen
years, eight months, and nineteen days.
Little need be added to the delineation of his
character, which has been given in the preceding
narrative. Gluttony and drunkenness, lust and
gamblmg, were vices to which he was addicted by
his own natural disposition } and besides these, he
indulged in cruelty, hatred, suspicion, and every
other evil passion, with which his wives and freed-
men found it their interest to inspire him. His
imbecility and indecision made him abjectly sub-
servient to the will of others; and unfortunately
those, whose situation empowered them to exercise
the greatest influence over him, were persons of
the most black and daring depravity. His fi*eed-
men were corrupt and self-interested ; and in the
whole range of history, it would be difficult to
select two women as bold and dissolute as the
VOL. I. A A
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Dion. Ix.
Qd^ HISTORY OF
ctAUBius, Empresses Messalina and Agrippina. Notwith-
A.of'64. standing his vices and follies^ however^ he often
^""^^^^ exhibited instances of virtue and discernment ; but
these were too brief and fluctuating to weaken the
disgust that arises from the contemplation of his
general behaviour. Under the powerful eontroul
of the wise and the good he might probably have
been restrained from any atrocious excesses in his
conduct ; but his intellect was never strong enough
to direct the complicated affairs of an empire^ nor
was his virtue sufficiently resolute to resist the
seductions of profligate advisers.
Saet T. 14, 15. He was fond of administering justice ; but in this,
as in other duties^ he displayed great inconsistency^
being sometimes shrewd and circumspect^ and
sometimes rash and furious. When a woman
refused to acknowledge her own son^ he com-
manded her to marry him^ and by this expedient
forced her to avow the relation between them. One
day when he was upon the tribunal^ the Bithy-
nians began to complain of the corruption of their
governor Junius Cilo ; but as he did not distinctly
hear them^ he asked Narcissus what they said.
The freedman^ with audacious falsehood^ replied,
that they were thanking Junius. ^^ Let him then,'*
said the credulous emperor^ ^^ hold the government
for two years longer.'' He was so angry with a
certain G alliens^ who M^as pleading a cause before
him^ that he commanded him to be thrown into
the Tiber. A suit^ which the unfortunate Gallicus
was to have undertaken^ was offered to Domitius
Afer^ a celebrated advocate ; but he shrewdly asked
the client^ "Pray^ who told you that I was a better
swimmer than Gallicus ? ^
Suet. T. 40— Claudius was deficient neither in eloquence nor
in learning. He wrote a great many volumes of
49.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 355
history^ and an account of his own life^ which is Claudius,
said to have heen less remarkable for want of ele- a. d.'64.
gance than want of judgment. He professed a "— v— ^
great admiration for the Greek language^ and
often quoted the verses of Homer. One of the
lines of that poet*, upon the subject of punishing
those who have committed an aggression against
nsy was his favourite signal to the soldiers, whom
he engaged to execute any project of revenge.
He is described as tall and proportionably stout j suet. v. ao.
and his exterior would have possessed sufficient
dignity, if infirmities of the body had not accom-
panied those of the mind, and given him an imbe-
cile appearance.
• *Aj^p' dfrofiivvaffOaif 5n rig irp6rtpog x^^^^ — ^^' xxir. 369.
A A2
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THE EMPEROR NERO-
CHAPTER I.
Nero is universally acknowledged emperor. — Clau-
dins is deified. — Lineage and preceding life of
Nero. — SilanuSy proconsul of Asia, is poisoned
by Agrippina, and Narcissus compelled to die. —
Burrkus and Seneca oppose the ambition of
Agrippina. — Nero pronounces the panegyric of
ClaudiuSy and is censured for his want of elo-
quence.— The virtuous beginning of his reign. —
The arrogance of Agrippina. — VologeseSy after
invading Armenia^ is compelled to leave ity and
Domitius Corbulo is entrusted nnth its 2^reserva'
turn. — Nero forms an attachment to Acte^ which
Agrippina opposes so vehemently y that she alien--
ates his affection. — Pallas is removed from the
management of the finances. — Nero^ alarmed by
the threats of Agrippina, poisons JBritannicus,
and causes his body to be burned the same night.
— He deprives his mother of her guards, and
removes her from the palace. — She is deserted by
her friendsy and accursed of a conspiracy. — She
defends herself, and procures the punishment of
her adversaries. — Charge against JBurrhus and
Pallas. — The arrogant declaration of the latter.
— Nero removes the guard from the theatres, and
performs the lustration of the city.
Claxtdius had already expired, when the con9ul8
and priests were offering vows for his recovery;
for A^ppina carefully concealed his death, until
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338 HISTOBY OF
she had completed her arrangfements for securing
the sover^igfiity to her son. Emhracing Britan-
nicus with hypocritical tenderness^ she artfully de-
Tac. Ann. xiL
68,09. ' tained him within his chamber; she placed his
s^'Ji\ sisters^ Antonia and Octavia^ under similar re-
straint^ guarded all the avenues of the palace^
and frequently announced that the health of the
emperor was improving*. A little after midnlay^
which was the time the astrologers selected as
most auspicious to her designs^ the doors of the
palace were suddenly thrown open^ and Nero^
escorted by Burrhus^ was presented to the prseto-
rian troops which were on guard. Obedient to the
suggestions of their preefect^ they received him
with jo3rful acclamations : some are said to have
called for Britannicus, but they found themselves
without support, and did not venture to oppose the
majority of their comrades. Nero was placed
in a litter and carried to the camp, where, after
haranguing the soldiers and promising them a lar-
gess, he was saluted Emperor, Proceeding to the
senate, he found that assembly equally willing to
acknowledge his authority, and he received all the
titles attached to the imperial power, except that of
Father of his country y which he declined for the
present on account of his youth. The provinces
submitted to him without hesitation, and he be-
came undisputed master of the Roman Empire,
to the exclusion of the rightful heir Britannicus.
The will of Claudius was not read in the senate,
in order that the palpable injustice of preferring
his step-son to his own child might not provoke
the animosity of the people. Divine honours^,
however, were decreed to him; and he^ who
scarcely possessed sufficient intellect to be ac*
counted a reasonable man, t\:0s profanely distin-
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 350
guished with the appellation of a god. Oallio^
die brother of Seneca, remarked^ that he was
dragged to heaven with a hook, in allusion to
the hooks with which the bodies of criminals
were dragged to the Tiber*. Seneca wrote a
satirical piece upon the subject of the deification;
but while he displays his wit in it, he is guilty
of much ribaldry. Nero indulged in a joke, ob-
serving that mushrooms were food for gods I
The supreme power was vested in the hands suet. w. 1—7.
of Nero, before he had completed his seventeenth
year, as he was bom on the 15th of December in
the year 37. By his mother's side he was the
grandson of the celebrated Germanicus. By his
father, Cn. Domitius, he was descended from a
noble family, who bore the name of jEnobarbi, on
account of the copper colour of their beards. This
cognomen is said to have originated with L. Domi-
tius, who, as he was returning from the country,
was accosted by two youths of majestic form, and
commanded by them to assure the Roman senate
and people of a victory, respecting which there
was some uncertainty. To prove their authority,
they stroked his cheeks until his hair became
copper-coloured instead of black; and this dis-
tinctive mark is said to have been inherited by
most of his descendants. Among the ^nobarbi
were many eminent men; but Nero, while he
degenerated from their virtues, was imbued \nth
the peculiar vices of each. His father, during the
whole of his life, had rendered himself infamous by
fraud, cruelty, and lust. He appears, however, to
* TIm Joke of Gallio mm mach admired; but I presame that, in order
to give it fall force, we must understand that there was a resemblance
between tbe shape of the hook, and that of the mushronm by which
Clandiuf waa poisoned.
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800 HISTOBY OF
have been sensible of his own depraved character,
as well as his wife's ; for, when his friends con-
gratulated him upon the birth of Nero, he declared
that nothing could be born from himself and
Agrippina, that would not be of a detestable and
pernicious nature. A certain astrologer is said to
have foretold that Nero would be emperor^ but
that he would kill his mother; and Agrippina,
instead of being terrified by the prediction^ ex-
claimed, under the infatuation of ambition^ ^' Let
him kill me, provided he is emperor!'' When
Nero was three years old, his father Domitius died.
He was stripped of his paternal property by Caius,
and his mother was driven into banishment, so
that he was compelled to live in an indigent state
with his aunt I^pida, under the care of a dancer
and a barber. But when Claudius became em-
peror, he not only recovered the wealth of his
father, but inherited the riches of Crispus Fa^
sienus, the second husband of Agrippina. The
intrigues of his mother, the stupidity of Claudius,
and the baseness of the Romans, raised him to the
imperial power, before he had attained the expe-
rience of age, or the stability of virtue for the dis-
charge of its important ftmctions.
iylc. Ann. The first person put to death under the new
sovereign was Junius SUanus, proconsul of Asia.
He was a man of quiet and unambitious charac-
ter, but odious to Agrippina^ because she feared
that he might avenge the death of his brother
L. Silanus, who had been destroyed by her artifices ;
and because she knew that many of the citizens
considered him more fit for the empire than Nero,
especially as he wa& a descendant of Aug^tus.
She, therefore, caused him to be poisoned at a
banquet, without the knowledge of Nero.
\iii. 1.
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THE ROMAN EMFEROBS. 861
The freedman Narcissus^ whom she had just reason
for considering as her hitterest foe^ was the next
victim of her fiiry. His power was so great that Di^JTixT
cities and kings had condescended to pay their court ^^^ ^- -^'
to him; and he had amassed such wealthy that
when Chiudius once complained of the emptiness of
his treasury^ it was observed that he would be rich
enough^ if his two freedmen Narcissus and Pallas
would admit him to partnership with them. Nar-
cissus^ however^ while he aggrandized himself^
evinced a laudable fidelity to the master whose
favour was the cause of his elevation. He was
compelled to die^ even against the wish of Nero ;
and before his death he honourably destroyed the
secret communications which he had received
against Agrippina and others.
Still fiirther murders would have been com- tvu;. Ann. zm.
mitted^ if the authority of Burrhus and Seneca ^'^'
had not checked the progi*ess of Agrippina's
cruelty. These two eminent men^ who acted as
the guardians and directors of Nero's youth, were
distinguished by opposite pursuits and characters.
The influence of Burrhus was maintained by mili-
tary experience and the severity of his manners :
that of Seneca rested upon his learning and elo-
quence, which were rendered attractive by the
courtesy of his deportment. Both, however, pos-
sessed an equal authority, they were free from
jealousy of each other, and cordially united in
endeavouring to guard their pupil from the dan-
gerous excesses of absolute power. Although
they were indebted to Agrippina for their eleva-
tion, they resolved to oppose her ambition, when
they found that she wished to partake in the ex-
ercise of the imperial functions. She was sup-
ported by the freedman Pallas, who had been the
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362 HISTORY OP
author of her incestuous marriage with Claudius ;
but Nero was not yet debased enough to submit to
the domination of one who had been a slave^ and
was disgusted with the presumption and arro-
gance of Pallas. He paid^ however^ all external
marks of honour to his mother^ and the senate
decreed her several privileges.
On the day appointed for the funeral of Claudius,
Nero pronounced his panegyric^ and during the
greater part of his speech was heard with favour-
able attention ; but when he ventured to commend
the wisdom and foresight of the late emperor^ no
one abstained from laughter. The oration^ con-
taining praise so palpably false, was the production
of Seneca, and, like most of the writings of that
philosopher, was polished and elaborate. The older
Romans remarked to the disparagement of Nero,
that he was the first emperor who had relied upon
the eloquence of others for the expression of his
sentiments. Julius Ceesar possessed such talents
for speaking as enabled him to rival the greatest
orators of the age ; and Augustus had that ready
eloquence which is useful and becoming in a
prince. Tiberius was gifted with the art both of
forcibly expressing his meaning, and of cautiously
veiling it in ambiguity. Even the furious Caligula
laboured to excel in the accomplishments of ora-
tory; and the speeches of Claudius, when they
were premedit^ited, were not deficient in el^fance.
But Nero from his earliest youth had paid less at*
tention to rhetoric than to most other arts. Paint-
ing, singing, and the driving of chariots and horses,
were his favourite amusements. He was fond of
poetry, and composed verses with considerable
suet.vi..v2. ease; but his style was ridiculously affected, if
we can judge from the lines which are usuallv
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 303
ascribed to him in the first satire of Fersius.
Seneca is said to have discouraged him from the
perusal of the ancient orators^ in order that they
might not give him a disrelish for his own more
artificial eloquence; and Agrippina inspired him
with a contempt for philosophy, which she alleged
was an unfit study for a person of imperial rank I
Nero, having bestowed a sumptuous funeral T*e. Ann. xui.
upon the remains of Claudius^ gave the senate suetvi. 9,10.
many encouraging assurances of the manner in
which he intended to govern the empire. Repro-
bating the practices which had rendered his pre-
decessor unpopular^ he declared that he would not
assume to himself the sole arbitration of all affairs;
he promised that the senate and consuls should
exercise their ancient rights, and that favours
should not be procured from him by venality and
corruption. He professed that he would rule ac-
cording to the example of Augustus, and for a
short time he appeared anxious to abide by the
model which he had prescribed to himself. He
exhibited many instances of courtesy, generosity,
and mercy. He abolished or reduced the most
oppressive taxes, diminished the rewards paid to
informers, and gave pensions to illustrious senators
who were in indigent circumstances. He refused
the statues of silver and gold which it was pro-
posed to erect to him ; and when it was decreed
that the month of December, in which he was
bom, should be accounted the first in the year, he
wisely forbore to alter the order of the calendar.
When the senate returned him thanks for his con-
duct^ he replied, ^^ Offer them, when I have de-
served them.'' Upon being required to sign the
warrant for a criminal's execution he evinced a
deep repugnance to the office, exclaiming, " Would
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304 HISTORY OF
that I knew not how to write !^ Such was his
language and behaviour^ before his passions were
inflamed by indulgence^ and while his disposition
was yet docile enough to submit to the yirtuous
directions of others.
Agrippina exhibited an unbecoming interference
in the direction of affairs^ by causing the senators
to be convened in the palace^ in order that she
might listen to their debates from behind a curtain^
which concealed her from their view. In an
audience which was given to some ambassadors
from Armenia^ she prepared to ascend the throne
where Nero was sitting; and the strangers would
have beheld her presiding in conjunction with the
emperor^ if Seneca had not promptly advised him
to descend and meet his mother^ and afterwards
dismiss the assembly.
Tac Ann. xiii. Ncro gave the sovereignty of Armenia Minor
to Aristobulus^ the son of Herod^ king of Chalcis,
and appointed Sohemus to be king of the country
of Sophene. At the end of the year^ when he
established these petty princes^ he was preparing
for war with the Parthian monarch Yologeaes, who
NsROp had taken possession of Armenia. Hostilities,
A. D. 56. however, were for the present averted, as Yolc^peees
was compelled by the revolt of his son Yardanes to
withdraw his troops from the invaded country. He
afterwards consented to give the most noble of the
family of the Arsacidae as hostages to the Romans.
Domitius Corbulo, a skilftil and experienced com-
mander, was entrusted by Nero with the preserva-
tion of Armenia; and this appointment gratified
the Bomans, by holding out a hope that merit
would be duly honoured by their new prince.
When a contest arose between Corbulo and Quad-
ratus, the lieutenant of Syria, respecting the share
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THE BOMAN EMPEBORS. 365
of glory which was due to each for the pacification
of the Ea8t^ Nero endeavoured to compose their
Jealousy^ hy proclaiming that the imperial fasce$
should be ornamented with laurel*^ in consequence
of the united achievements of the two.
An illicit attachment which Nero formed for a tu$. Ann. ziu.
freedwoman named Acte^ was the source of the suet. vi. ss.
horrible crimes which have stigmatized his name.
The warmth of his passion nearly induced him to
marry her ; and to make his amour less disgraceful^
be procured persons of consular rank to swear
that she was of royal extraction. The youths
Otho and Senecio^ who were admitted into his
confidence^ openly encouraged him in the intrigue ;
and even his graver counsellors^ Seneca and Bur-
rbus^ did not oppose it^ as they saw that his wife
Octavia had no share in his affections, and they
were afraid that^ if he was rigidly restricted from
all other objects^ the illustrious females of Rome
would become ihe victims of his passion. But
Agrippina was too proud and jealous to allow a
freedwoman to usurp that ascendancy over hereon,
which she desired to secure for herself. Without
waiting until his love for Acte had in some degree
subsided, she instantly upbraided him for it with
acrimonious severity, and continued her reproaches
till be lost all deference for her, and resigned
himself to the more gentle authority of Seneca.
When she perceived this alienation, she endea-
voured to retrieve it by caresses and entreaties,
acknowledging that her censures had been unrea-
sonably severe ; but the sudden transformation did
not deceive Nero, especially as his friends admo-
nished him to beware of the schemes of a woman
•tkta,ln
•acwiMd vlth Itartl.
I Slno'ft tfe, vM n tempowry embtem of Ticiory ; bat Llpi4iu
lat in MbMqtiflDt ticDM .Um etniicrur'a fa$c€9 wvrt eonaUntly
llhlMf«l.
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366 HISTORY OF
whose cunning was equal to her ferocity. It
happened about this time that^ after an inspection
of the imperial wardrobe^ he sent her a liberal
portion of the robes and jewels which it contained ;
but instead of accepting them with courtesy^ she
complained that she was debarred from the posses-
sion of the rest^ and that her son made a cUyision
of that wealthy which he had received wholly
from her.
T9C. Ann xiiL To puuish her arrogance Pallas^ who was her
chief partisan^ was removed from the management
of the finances^ which he had exercised under
Claudius with absolute authority; and even now
he had sufficient power to stipulate that he should
not be held responsible for his past administration.
After his disgrace Agrippina began to indulge in
the most furious menaces^ proclaiming in the pre-
sence of Nero^ that Britannicus was now grown up,
and that he was the rightful and fit heir of the em-
pire, which had been usurped by an adopted ingrate.
She declared that she was wUling to disclose all
the crimes relative to her marriage with Claudius
and his death; that her only protection was in
the life of her step-son; that she would proceed
with him to the camp, where the memory of her
father Germanicus would g^ain attention to her
complaints; and that she hoped to see Burrhus
and Seneca reduced to their former insignificance.
Nero was terrified by these threats, especially as
Britannicus would soon complete his fourteenth
year and assume the manly robe, and as he had
lately given some proof that he was not insensible
to the injustice which he had suffered. For in
the Saturnalian festival, when Nero in petulant
sport had commanded him to sing a song, he com-
menced one which bore an allusion to his misfor-
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 867
tone in being^ excluded from his paternal seat and
authority; and the persons who were present^
being warmed with the freedom of nocturnal
revelry^ did not disgxiise the commiseration which
they felt for him. Reflecting upon these circum-
stances^ and the menacing conduct of Agrippina^
Nero was anxious to rid hunself of such a rival
for the empire; hut as he could allege no crime
against him^ and was afraid to destroy him openly^
he resolved to take away his life by poison.
For this purpose he employed PoUio Julius, Tae. Ann. ziu.
tribune of a prsetorian cohort, who was entrusted g„^ y|, 33,
with the guard of Locusta, the infamous woman
who had poisoned Claudius, and who was now
under condemnation for her many horrible crimes.
The first poison prepared by them was administered
to Britannicus by those who had the care of his
education, and who, by the arrangements of Agi*ip-
pina, were all persons of base and unprincipled
character ; but the dose, being too weak, passed
through his body without producing any injury.
Nero threatened the tribune, and beat Locusta
with his own hand, for retarding his projects ; and
that he might not be frustrated a second time,
they concocted in his presence such a poison as
was proved by experiments made upon animals to
be instantaneously fatal. It was resolved, that this
should be given to Britannicus at one of his meals,
which it was customary for him, and other young
princes, to take in the company of the emperor at
a separate and more frugal table ; but, as his food
was usually tasted by one of the attendants, some
contrivance was necessary, that the sudden death
of them both might not lead to the immediate
disclosure of the nefarious plot. A cup, therefore,
was presented to Britannicus, which had been
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868 HISTOBT OF
previously tasted^ but which was so hot that he
was unable to drink it^ and in the water which was
used for the purpose of cooling* it, the deadly
mixture was infused*. He had no sooner tasted
the draught thus augmented, than he fell from his
seat, and was deprived of utterance and respiration.
Some of those who were near him fled in dismay ;
others who had more discernment and g^reater
command of their feelings remained in their places,
anxiously watching the behaviour of Nero. He,
assuming an air of calmness and ignorance, ob -
served that Britannicus was seized \idth an attack
of epilepsy, to which he had been subject from
his infancy, and that he would soon recover his
senses. Agrippina, who was present, concealed,
as well as she was able, the consternation which
agitated her; and even Octavia was obliged to
witness the murder of her only brother widi that
dissembling constraint, which necessity had taught
her to place upon all the feelings of her bosom. As
no one dared openly to express terror or surprise,
the banquet,. after a short pause, was renewed with
its accustomed hilarity.
Tac Ann. xift The body of Britannicus was burned the same
night with very little ceremony, and his ashes were
interred in the Campus Martins amidst violent
showers of rain, which the people interpreted as
indications of the anger of the gods. Many, how-
ever, of the Bomans viewed the murder with
diminished abhorrence, as they reflected upon the
ancient discord of Nero and Britannicus, and their
irreconcilable pretensions to the supreme power.
Nero published an edict excusing the precipitation
of the funeral, and alleging that after the death of
* This, according to Justin, was the method by which Alexander the Qraat
was poisoned.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 369
his brother all his hopes were centred in the state^
and that he now possessed additional claims to the
protection of the Boman people^ as being* the sole
survivor of the imperial race. Locusta was not
only rewarded with a pardon and with large
estates^ but received a number of pupils to instruct
in her diabolical secrets. The most powerful of
the emperor's friends were propitiated with rich
presents ; and while virtuous persons were offended
at seeing* such men as Seneca and Burrhus accept-
ing* bribes for their acquiescence in guilty others
excused them as being* unable to reject the liber-
ality of the prince.
But nothing could appease the resentment ofTucAnn. ziii«
Agrippina^ who began to hold frequent conferences ^®~^-
with her friends^ to collect money from all quarters
with more than her usual greediness^ and to court
the favour of the military and the nobles^ as if she
was desirous of concentrating a party around her.
Nero, being aware of her proceedings, deprived
her of the g*uard of preetorian troops and German
soldiers to which she had been accustomed ; he no
longer permitted her to reside in the palace, but
removed her to the house which had belonged to his
grandmother Antonia ; and when he went thither
to visit her, he was surrounded with a band of cen-
turions, and took his leave after a very short inter-
view. As soon as she experienced this neglect from
her son, she found herself deserted by every one, and
the reputation of power, which she had long enjoyed,
instantly vanished. Junia Silana, a noble but pro-
fligate woman, whom she had alienated from her
friendship by thwarting her in a scheme of marriage,
conceived that she might now overwhelm her by a
calumnious accusation. She instructed, therefore,
two of her clients to charge her with an intention of
VOL. I. B B
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370 filSTOBY OF
marrying' Rubellius Plautus, who on his mother's
side was descended from Angfustus^ and of regain-
ing by this union the exercise of the imperial
power. Paris, a celebrated actor, who was accus-
tomed to administer to the entertainment of the
prince, disclosed the alleged offence during his
nightly festivities, and so terrified him that he
wished to issue immediate orders for the execution
of Agrippina. But Burrhus interposed agtunst
such precipitation, and procured for her the right
of defending herself on the following day, when
she repelled the accusation with great vehemence,
and demanded an interview with her son. She
still retained such an influence over his mind, ns
to secure not only her own acquittal, but the
punishment of her accusers. Silana and her two
clients were banished ; but Paris escaped with
impunity, as being essential to the pleasures of the
prince. Besides this triiunph over her enemies,
Agrippina had interest to obtain offices for several
of her friends.
Pallas and Burrhus were afterwards accused of
having conspired to raise CSomelius Sylla, the son-
in-law of the Emperor Claudius, to the sovereign
power. The charge was manifestly false, and the
fabricator of it was sent into exile. Burrhus,
though sustaining the part of a defendant, took his
seat and passed sentence among the judges. The
arrogance of Pallas during the trial created g^eat
disgust; for when it was alleged that some of his
freedmen were his accomplices, he declared that he
never gave any orders in his house except by a
nod or a motion of the hand, or, if he wished to be
more explicit, he wrote down his commands, that
he might not be compelled to hold any conversa-
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THE BOMAK EMPERORS. 371
tion with his Bervanto ! Such was the conduct of
a man who had himself heen a slave.
At the end of the year the military guard, which
it was usual to station at the theatres, was discon-
tinued, and the preservation of order was left to
the free discretion of the people. Nero, hy the
direction of the soothsayers, perfoimed the lustra-
tion of the city, because the temples of Jupiter and
Minerva had been struck with lightning*.
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372 HISTORY OF
CHAPTER II.
Nero creates riots in the streets of Home, and in
the theatre. — Cofnpels a senator , who had beattfi
him, to put himself to death. — The actors ho'
nished from Italy. — A proposal to punish un-
grateful freedmen rejected. — Various salutary
regulations. — Pomponia Chracina accused of
foreign superstitiouj and acquitted. — LiberaUty
of Nero to Messala and others. — P. Suilivs
inveighs against Senecay and is banished. — Octa-
vius Sagittttj the tribuncy murders Pontia, and
hisjreedman declares himseff guilty of the crime.
— Nero becomes enamoured qfPoppaa Sabina,
and gets rid of her husband OtJiOy by appointing
him lieutenant of Lusitania. — Cornelius Sylla
banished to Marseilles. — Nero meditates a total
repeal cf the customs, but is dissuaded by the
senators. — The fig-tree Ruminalis withers and
revives. — The war in Armenia conducted by Cor-
buhy who, after establishing strict discipline in
his army, takes the fortified places, and bums the
capital Artaxata. — Transactions in {jfermany. —
The Frisii expelled from the lands near the
Rhine. — The Ansibarii destroyed. — Contest be-
tween the Catti and Hermanduri. — Fires isstie
from the earth among the Juhones.
nbbo, Nebo, forgetting* the dignity which was due to
A. ».&6. ^® exalted station, began to indulge in the most
' — /— ^ puerile and licentious riot. He disguised himself
2^' "** * at night in the garb of a slave, and, attended bv a
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THE BOMA^ EMPERORS. 378
body of dissolute companions^ traversed the streets ^^^^'
of Rome^ attacking and wounding* all who were a. d.56.
unfortunate enough to encounter him, and eveug^^jf^
breaking into and plundering the shops. While it ^^on ixi.
was unknown that he was the author of these
excesses, he was often vigorously resisted, and his
face sometimes bore evidences of the punishment
which he had received. But when it was under-
stood that Nero was the leader in the affrays,
persons were more cautious in offering opposition :
various bands of rioters joined with impunity in
the tumults which were sanctioned by the emperor,
and no one, of whatever rank or sex, was secure
agfainst nightly aggression. A senator, named
Julius Montanus, being provoked by the insults
which were offered to his wife, beat the prince so
severely that he was unable for several days to
appear in public. Montanus might have escaped
with impunity, if he had preserved a discreet si-
lence ; but when he learned who his opponent was,
he solicited his forgiveness, and Nero, chagrined
by the discovery of himself, compelled him to die.
After this he used greater precaution in his noc-
turnal combats, and was followed by a band of
soldiers and gladiators, who were to succour him
whenever he was in danger of being overpowered
by his adversaries. Not content with these disor-
ders he encouraged the tumults which were excited
in the theatre by the partisans of the different
actors, and was as actively engaged in throwing
stones and other missiles as the meanest of the
people. These contests, at last, were inflamed to
such a degree, that it became necessary to banish
the actors fi*om Italy, and to renew the military
guard at the theatre.
It was proposed in the senate that freedmen,
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874 HI8T0BT OF
VMM, who were convicted of ininratitade towards their
▲.D.60. late masters^ should be reduced to their former
'*^>^^^ state of servitude. The measure^ howeyer, was
96—28. * rejected^ as it was considered unjust to enact a
law ag^ainst a whole body for the delinquency of
a few^ especially as the freedmen had become
exceedingly numerous^ and were in possession of
most of the petty offices of the state. It was
asserted that a large proportion of the knights and
senators deriyed their origin from that dass^ and
that if a separation was made^ it would discover
the paucity of those who were of free extraction.
llie senate exerted a portion of its ancient au-
thority, by restricting the power of the tribunes of
the people, and of the ediles. Nero took away the
custody of the public records from the qusestors,
and bestowed it upon persons who had dischai^ed
the office of praetor, and were of tried experience.
nbro, In the following year Nero built an immense am-
A.^D.^57. phitheatre of wood near the Campus Martins, and
Tac. Ann. xiii. endcavoured to secure the favour of the people by
soH. ri.u. a donation of money to each man. He pretended
to remit the tax of a twenty-fifth part upon the
purchase money of slaves ; but as the sellers were
commanded to pay it, they indemnified themselyes
by adding it to the price. The buyers, however,
were usually Romans, and the sellers foreigners.
He issued a salutary edict, forbidding the governors
of provinces to exhibit combats of gladiators or
any other show ; for this kind of munificence was
often practised for the purpose of veiling the crimes
they had committed, and was as injurious to the
subject people as were their avarice and extortion.
The senate consulted the greater security of mas-
ters by decreeing, that if any one was killed by his
slaves, even those who were manumitted by his
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS.
376
will should be punished^ as well as the rest*, if J^ero,
they had resided under the same roof. a. d. 57.
Pomponia Grsecina, an illustrious woman, was
accused of being* addicted to a foreign superstition,
which, according* to the opinion of several com-
mentators^ was nothing* else than the Christian re-
ligion. Her husband A. Plautius, who had dis-
tinguished himself by his successes in Britain, was
empowered by the ancient law to take cognizance
of the affair, and, having done so in the presence
of her relations, he pronounced her innocent. She
was a woman remarkable for the inconsolable grief
which she testified at the fate of Julia, the daughter
of Drusus, who had been put to death by Messalina.
For forty years after her decease she continued to
appear in mourning, and with all the marks of
deep sorrow; and this fidelity, which was not
punished in the reign of Claudius, afterwards
greatly exalted her reputation.
P. Celer, procurator of Asia, being accused by
the people of that province, was protected by the
favour of Nero, because he had been instrumental
in the death of Junius Silanus. Eprius Marcellus,
against whom the Lycians preferred a charge of
extortion, had sufficient interest to elude justice,
and to procure the banishment of some of his
accusers. But Cossutianus Capito was unable to
resist the vehement complaints of the Cilicians,
and was condemned for peculation.
In his third consulship, Nero had for his col-
league Yalerius Messala, a man of illustrious family,
to whom he liberally granted a pension on account tm. Ann. xm.
of his indigent circumstances. His bounty, how-
Nero,
4,5.
A. D. 58.
* It was an old law among the Romans, that if a master was murdered
by hia alavea, all of them who were living in his house should be put to
death.
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43,48.
876 HISTOBT OP
ever^ was not always so discreetly bestowed^ as he
showed the same favour to Aurelius CSotta and
Haterius AntoniuS; who had wasted their patri-
monies by luxury.
Tftc. Anikziu. p. Suilius^ who had rendered himself hateful in
the time of Claudius by prostituting his eloquence
in the base occupation of an informer^ was now
overpowered by the resentment of his enemies.
They had expected that a change of times would
have produced a change in his disposition: his
ferocity^ however^ was but little abated ; and in the
invectives^ in which he indulged against Seneca^ he
accused him of dishonouring the family of Ger-
manicus by adultery with Juilia^ and of amassing
immense wealth by usury and the most dishonour*
able arts. All the reproaches which he uttered
were communicated to Seneca^ and probably with
exaggeration. He was^ therefore, brought to trial^
and accused of the atrocities which he had com-
mitted against numerous individuals during the
late reign^ and of being the chief instrument of the
cruelty of Claudius. In his defence he maintained
that he had acted an involuntary part, and had
merely obeyed the orders of his prince ; but Nero
checked him by declaring that he had discovered
from the documents of Claudius, that he had never
compelled any one to undertake an accusation.
Suilius next pleaded the commands of Messalina ;
but as it was unjust that agents of cruelty should
be allowed to impute to others the crimes, of which
they themselves had reaped the rewards, he was
deprived of part of his property, and banished to
the Balearic Isles. Although he was greatly ad-
vanced in age, he bore his reverses with fortitude,
and is said to have enjoyed in his exile all
the pleasures of which it was susceptible. His
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THE BOMAN £MPEBOBS« 377
accusers afterwards wished to criminate his son nbro,
If erulinus ; hut the emperor interposed^ as if he a/d.^m.
considered that sufficient had heen done to satisfy ^--v~^
the puhlic vengeance. The condemnation of Suilius
excited some degree of odium against Seneca ; and
it is apparent that his private animosity was
gratified in the punishment which was justly in-
flicted upon the culprit
About the same time Octavius Sagitta^ a tribune tm. Ann. zul
of the people^ infatuated by the love of Pontia^ a ^
married woman^ purchased with immense presents
a return of his c^ection^ and induced her to leave
her husband under a stipulation that she should
be united to him. But when Pontia was at liberty^
she began to plead excuses for not fulfilling her
promise, and at last, allured by the hope of a more
wealthy union, treated him with disdain. Octavius,
inflamed with disappointment and jealousy, be*
sought from her an interview at night, which was
granted; and he visited her in company with a
faithful freedman. After using entreaties and ex-
postulations, he suddenly stabbed her with a sword
which fe had concealed under his garments, and,
having wounded the maid-servant who came to her
assistance, rushed firom the house. On the next
day when the murder was divulged, there was little
doubt that Octavius was the perpetrator of it : his
freedman, however, came forward, and with singular
devotion declared that he himself was the culprit,
and that he had been instigated to revenge the in-
juries of his benefiBU^tor. Those who doubted the
truth of his avowal were amazed at his magfnani-
mity ; which, however, was frustrated by the testi-
mony of Pontia's maid, who disclosed the whole
truth. Octavius, afler abdicating the tribuneship,
was arraigned and condemned by the senate.
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378 HISTORY OP
Nero, Intrig^es^ equally disgfraceful in their nature,
A. D. 58. and more pernicious in their consequences^ were
Ta^Ti^r^ carried on in the palace. Nero this year became
^,^^ attached to Sabina Poppeea^ a woman who was
graced with every extrinsic advantage^ but totally
destitute of virtue. From her mother Poppeea,
who had been put to death by Messalina^ she had
inherited both beauty and illustrious birth; her
wealth was competent to support the dignity of
her rank ; her manners were courteous^ and her
wit and intellect by no means contemptible.
While she freely indulged in licentiousness^ she
assumed a great appearance of modesty^ seldom
showing herself in public^ and never without veiling
part of her face. She was equally willing^ how-
ever; to submit to an adulterer as to a husband,
and with a cold and mercenary spirit readily trans-
ferred her affections wherever her interest directed.
She was the wife of Rufius Crispinus^ a Roman
knight^ by whom she had a son } when Otho^ the
gay and powerful friend of the emperor^ inveigled
her away^ and in a short time married her. He
was so enraptured with the possession of her^ that
he was constantly extolling her beauly and ele-
gance in the presence of Nero. The prince was
soon inflamed with a desire of seeing the incom-
parable wife of his favourite^ nor did Popptea fail
to exert all her arts and blandishments^ to subject
him to her power. After she had succeeded in
captivating him^ the presence of Otho became irk-
some to both^ and he was banished from the em-
peror's society^ and at last appointed lieutenant of
the distant province of Lusitania*.
* The honorary banishment of Otho gave rife to the following epigmm :—
Cor Otho mentito sit, qiueritis, exul honore ?
Uxorif mnchtti ecperat esse suae. Soet Olbo, 3.
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THE ROMAN £MP£BOBS« 370
Cornelius Sylla^ the son-in-law of the Emperor nbro,
Claudius^ became an object of Nero's suspicious a. d.68.
dread^ although he was naturally indolent^ ^^^ TMrAMTxiiL
incapable of any ambitious enterprize ; but Nero^ ^7.
to justify his own fears^ attributed his quiet de-
meanour to artifice and dissimulation. An old and
crafty freedman^ aware of the prince's apprehen-
sions^ accused Sylla of having prepared an ambush
to destroy the emperor in one of his nocturnal
riots. The charge was groundless^ and supported
by no proof; yet Sylla was commanded to leave
Kome^ and confine himself within the walls of
the city of Marseilles.
The Romans^ who were by no means so skilful tm. Ana. xiu.
in financial as in military affairs^ left their prin- '
cipal revenues under the management of persons
called publicanSy who^ having contracted for the
produce of them^ endeavoured to enrich themselves
by all the arts of rapacity and extortion. Nero^
having received frequent complaints of their op-
pressive conduct^ hesitated for a time^ whether he
would not give the empire a splendid instance of
his bounty by ordering the customs to be altogether
repealed. This project, which appears to have ori-
ginated in unthinking caprice more than in genuine
Uberality, was firustrated by the senators, who re-
minded him, that if the customs were relinquished,
the people would soon demand that the other parts
of the revenue should undergo the same fate, and
that the empire could not subsist after the ex-
tinction of its pecuniary resources. They advised,
however, that the cupidity of the publicans should
be checked 3 and for this purpose it was ordered,
that the articles and conditions of their contracts,
which they used to keep secret, should be published j
that abandoned claims should not be recovered- by
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880 HISTORY OF
them after the expiration of a year } and that the
magistrates at Rome and in the provinces should
at all times be ready to hear charges against them.
Other just regxdations were made^ which were ob-
served for a time^ but afterwards evaded.
i^Ann.xiii. Sulpicius Camcrinus and Pomponius Silvanus^
who had been proconsuls in Africa^ were accused of
crimes committed during their period of office^ but
neither of them was condemned. The acquittel of
Silvanus was attributed to his circumstances^ as he
was a wealthy old man without children ; he sur-
vived, however, the greedy expectants by whose
interest he escaped. Both historians and poets
allude to the adulation, which was often paid at
Home to those who possessed riches without chil*
dren to inherit them.
i^-AmuxiiL It was considered a portent that the fig-tree
called RuminaliSy celebrated as having given shel-
ter to Romulus and Remus more than eight hun-
dred years before, withered this year in its trunk
and branches. The fears, however, of the Romans
were calmed, on seeing it revive and send forth
new shoots.
Tic Ann. ziiL The war, which in the two preceding years had
been languidly carried on between the Romans
and Parisians for the possession of Armenia, was
now conducted, with greater vigour. Yologeses
was unwilling that his brother Tiridates shoidd be
deprived of the kingdom which he had bestowed
upon him, or that he should receive it as the gift
of a foreign power ; and Corbulo was resolved to
maintain the dignity of the Roman empire, and
assert its prowess in arms. The Armenians were
wavering and divided in their sentiments, having
sent invitations to both the Romans and the Par-
thians ) but they were naturally more disposed to
68.
34—41.
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 881
the Parthians by the contigxiity of their countr}'^
by an interchange of marriages^ and similarity of
mazmers.
Corbnlo's first difficulty was to establish a strict
discipline among* his legfions^ which^ having been
quartered in Syria and indulged in long indolence^
were ignorant of the most common military duties:
even some of the veterans had never been on
goard^ and looked upon fortifications and intrench-
ments with an air of surprise. Having dismissed
the soldiers that were old and infirm^ he ordered
new levies to be made^ and kept the whole army
under tents^ although it was necessary to clear
away the ice in order to pitch them. The winter
was so severe^ that many of the soldiers lost their
limbs by the intolerable cold^ and some of them
expired while they were on watch. Corbulo par-
took of all the labours of his men^ encouraged
them by his praises^ and set them an example of
fortitude by appearing in a light dress^ and with
his head uncovered. Many of them^ appalled by
the severity of the service, were gmlty of deser-
tion 'y but they were put to death as soon as they
were apprehended, and their fate deterred others
from committing the same offence. At the ap-
proach of spring he commanded his officers not to
venture to attack the enemy, but to confine them-
selves within their fortifications. Pactius Orphitus
presumed to disobey this injunction, and was de-
feated : and, for this offence, he and his soldiers
were severely reproved, and commanded to station
themselves without the entrenchments, which was
an ancient mode of military punishment. They
were not released from this disgraceful situation,
until the whole army interceded in their behalf.
Tiridates, strengthened by the succours of his
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882 HISTORY OP
brother Vologeses^ rava^d those parts of Armenia
where the inhabitants were faithful to the Romans^
and made many desultory attacks without coming
to a general engagement. CorbulO| therefore^
was obliged to divide his forces ; and^ by the aid of
Antiochus king of Commagene, Fharasmanes king
of Iberia^ and a people called the Insechi^ he
effectually frustrated the plans of his enemy.
Tiridates sent ambassadors in the name of himself
and the Farthians^ to enquire why he was driven
from Armenia after the amity which had lately
been renewed^ and to threaten the Bomans with
the hostility of Yologeses ; but Corbulo^ who knew
that the Parthian monarch was embarrassed with
the revolt of the Hyrcanians^ advised Tiridates to
offer submission to Ceesar^ which would secure him
the possession of his kingdom without bloodshed or
danger. For the more easy adjustment of their
disputes^ it was agi-eed that they should come to
a conference ; but it was the evident intention of
Tiridates to surprise Corbulo^ and when he found
that his treachery was defeated by the circum-
spection of the Roman general, he departed with-
out seeking the appointed interview.
To accelerate the termination of the war, Cor-
bulo begun to reduce the fortified places of Arme-
nia. He himself attacked the strongest one, and,
having captured it without the loss of a singple
man, he allowed all the grown-up persons to be
massacred, sold the rest for prisoners of war, and
distributed the booty among his soldiers. His
lieutenant and prefect were equally successful^
and three castles having been stormed in one day,
the defenders of the rest were so dismayed, that
they submitted without resistance. The Romans,
therefore, proceeded towards Artaxata, the capital
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 383
of Armenia; and althoug*!! Tiridates hovered
aronnd them in their march thither^ he gtiined
no advantagfe over them^ but retreated at last
into Media or Albania. When Corbulo appeared
before Artazata^ the inhabitants voluntarily opened
their gtites^ and surrendered themselves to his
mercy. In consequence of this submission their
lives were preserved ; but the city was set on fire
and levelled to the ground^ as he could not spare
sufficient forces to gtirrison so large a place^ and
there might be danger in leaving it unguarded.
For these achievements honours were heaped upon
the prince instead of the general. Nero was
saluted Imperator; and not only statues and tri-
umphal arches^ but extraordinary marks of dis-
tinctiou; were voted to him with the most fiilsome
adulation.
The Germanies^ during the preceding years, had Tac. Ann. xiii.
remained tranquil under the command of Paullinus ~^ '
Pompeius and L. Vetus. The foinner of these
officers^ who had charge of the lower province,
employed his troops in finishing the dike, which
had been commenced by Drusus sixty-three years
before, for the purpose of restraining the inunda-
tions of the Rhine. L. Vetus projected a still
greater undertaking, which was to unite the Mo-
selle and the Saone by a canal, so that there should
be a communication by water from the Mediterra-
nean to the German Ocean. But the plan was
defeated by the envy of ^lius Gracilis, the lieu-
tenant of the Belgic province, who cautioned
Vetus not to engage in enterprises which, while
they secured him the favour of the Gauls, might
alienate the confidence of the emperor.
As the Roman armies continued inactive, the
barbarians began to imagine that their corn-
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384 HI8T0BY OP
manders had lost the right of engaging* in miKtair .
operations. Under this delusion the IVisii tool ,
possession of some lands near the Rhine^ wbidi
were not occupied by any inhabitants^ but were
sometimes used for the grazingf of the Boman
flocks and herds. They had erected houses^ sown
the ground^ and begun to consider the country as
their own^ when Dubius Avitus^ who had succeeded
PaullinuS; informed them that they must depart^
unless they could obtain the emperor's permission
to settle there. Their two chieftainS; therefore, pro-
ceeded to Rome in order to appeal to the clemency
of Nero. During their stay in the imperial capital^
they visited the theatre of Pompey, and having
observed some persons in a foreign dress sitting
in the seats allotted to the senators^ they inquired
for what reason they enjoyed that privilegpe. When
they were informed that it was granted to the
ambassadors of those nations who were distin-
gtdshed for their valour and friendship to the
Romans^ they replied^ that no people were more
brave and faithful than the Grermans; and to
second their pretensions by their actions^ they
went and took their seat among* the senators.
Their honest simplicity was courteously received by
the Romans, but it gnined them no substantial
benefit from Nero. He gave, indeed, both of them
the freedom of the city of Rome, but commanded
that the Frisii should quit the lands which they
had occupied. They were disposed to treat his
mandate with contempt, but a body of cavalry
compelled them to obey it, and slew, or made
prisoners, such as were most pertinacious in their
resistance.
After they had been ejected, a moi^e powerftd
nation, called the Ansibarii, took possession of the
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 885
same lands^ liaving* been expelled from their own
territories by the Chauci^ and being* anxious to
settle in any country that would afford them a
refuge from their enemies. They were accompanied
by a chieflain named Boiocalus^ who for nearly fifly
years had served in the armies of the Romans^ and
had endeavoured to make his countrymen submissive
to their sway. He earnestly entreated Avitus to
afford them a safe place of exile^ which might be
granted without detriment to the Romans^ who
should not^ he said^ desire to surround themselves
with the solitude of deserts rather than the society
of friendly nations. Avitus replied^ that the Ansi-
barii must submit to the commands of the Romans^
who did not allow any appeal from their authority;
but he promised a grant of land to Boiocalus on
account of his ancient friendship. The chieftain
indignantly rejected the offer^ considering it as a
solicitation to treachery; and he left the Roman
commander^ declaring^ that though the Ansibarii
might have no place wherein to live, there were
abundant places where they could die. He invited
the Bructeri and other German people to assist them
with their arms ; but Avitus, in conjunction with
the lieutenant of the upper province, deterred every
one from granting them succour. The wretched
exiles, therefore, wandering from one nation to
another, were rejected by all; and after many
fruitless marches their youths were all slain, and
the multitudes who were unable to bear arms were
reduced to captivity. Thus was a whole people
sacrificed by the selfish jealousy of the Romans,
and by the fears and barbarity of the Germans !
In the same summer a contest arose betr^^een the
Hermanduri and the Catti for the possession of a
river, which flowed between their territories, and
vot. I. CO
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380 HISTOBY OF
which was remarkable for the production of salt*.
Their warlike ferocity was heightened by super-
stition^ as they imagined that the country which
possessed such natural advantages was the nearest
of all others to heaven^ and therefore the most
suited for mortals to address their prayers to the
celestial beings. The Hermanduri were victorious ;
and^ as they had devoted their enemies to Mars and
Mercury, they fulfilled their vow by slaughtering
the Catti, and destroying their horses and all that
belonged to them.
Tacitus relates a phenomenon which occurred in
the country of the Juhones, the circumstances of
which partake highly of the character of the mar-
vellous. He says, that fires bursting forth from
the earth consumed the lands, houses, and villages,
and, by the direction in which they proceeded,
seemed to threaten the walls of the newly-founded
city of Cologne. Neither rain nor any kind of
water could extinguish them. At length some
rustics in petulant anger cast stones at them, and,
finding their violence abated, approached nearer,
and began to engage them like wild beasts, ndth
clubs and similar weapons. In the end they sub-
dued them by heaping on them clothes taken
fi'om their bodies, and those which were in the most
dirty and polluted state were found to be most
effectual for the purpose.
* Supposed to be the liTer SaUu
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 387
CHAPTER III.
NerOy instigated hy the reproaches of Poppaeuy
resolves to hill his mother.'-^JDeliberates in wliat
nay he shall effect the crimcy and adopts the
proposal of Anicetus to drown her. — Pretends to
desire a reconciliation with her^ and invites Jier
to BaiiB* — She escapes from the vessel which was
to destroy her^ and Acerronia is hilled in her
stead. — Nero consults voith Burrhus and Seneca^
and gives Anicetus authority to assassinate his
mother. — ffer death and charaMer. — NerOj
writing . to the Senate ^ accuses her of various
crimes. — ffe is flattered in his guilt hy nearly
all persons except Thrasea P^etus.— Enters Rome
in a hind of triumph^ hut is tormented hy his
conscience. — Kills his aunt Domitia. — Begins to
drive chariotSy and play the harp in public, and
compels the most illustrious citizens to join in
his vices and amusem^ents. — Institutes the Juve-
nalia^ a7id enrols the Augiistani. — Quarrel
between the people of Nuceria and Pompeii. —
Complaints of the Cyrenians. — Nero institutes
new games at Rome. — Alarmed by the rumours
of tJie people, he banishes Rubellius Plavtus. —
Corbulo m^irches against Tigranocerta, and tahes
it. — Repulses Tiridates, in whose place Tigranes
is appointed King of Armenia. — Earthquake at
Ijaodicea. — Veterans are sent to Tarentum and
Antiumy but refuse to settle there.
Nero^ finding himself securely established in the n»ro,
imperial digniity, resolved to execute the crime, A.D.6a
which he had long meditated, of destroying* the ' '^'^
CCS
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888 HISTOBY OF
life of his mother. To this unnatural wickedness
he was instigated by the increasing* passion which
Dion ixi ^® ^®^^ ^^^ Poppeea, and the constant reproaches
Tar. Ann' xiv. which hc heard from her lips. For as she was
Suet Ti. 34. seusiblc that she could have little hope of being
married to him as long as Agrippina was alive^
she exerted ajl her powers of ridicule and invective
to exasperate him against her. Sometimes she
taunted him with being in a state of pupilage,
declaring that, so far from ruling the empire, he
did not rule himself: at other times she expati-
ated upon the pride and avarice of Agrippina,
which, she said, had made her universally odious ;
nor did she scruple to accuse her of concerting
projects against his life. Such accusations, en-
forced by the tears and blandishments of Poppaea,
made a deep impression on Nero's mind ; nor did
any one endeavour to counteract their effect, as all
persons desired to see the influence of Agrippina
diminished, and none imagined that the hatred of
Nero would urge him to matricide.
His affection being entirely alienated, he began to
avoid all intercourse with his mother, and com-
mended her love of retirement, whenever she with-
drew from Home to any of her country seats. At
last, his deep aversion having inspired him with the
fatal resolution of putting her to death, he deliber-
ated by what means he should effect his purpose.
. Poison was the first method which occurred to his
mind ; but he considered that if it was given to her
at a public entertainment, her death, afler that of
Britannicus, could scarcely be atti*ibuted to acci-
dent ; and it was difficult to have it administered
to her in private, as her own crimes had taught her
\igilance and suspicion, and by the use of antidotes
she had fortified her body against the effects of
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 389
poison. If she was killed by the sword it was
impossible to conceal the murder^ or to rely with
certainty on the fidelity of those who were selected
for its perpetration. An expedient^ therefore, was
suggfested by Anicetus, his freedman, who was
commander of the fleet at Misenum, and who had
been familiar with Nero fi*om his boyhood, having;
been entrusted with part of his education. Be-
tween him and Agrippina there was a violent
animosity, and he advised that she should be de-
stroyed by means of a ship (such as had been seen
at the theatres) so constructed that it might at any
time be made to fall to pieces, and bury its passen-
gers in the sea. No place, observed this mischievous
instructor, was the scene of so many accidents as
the deep, and why should any one be so unjust as
to ascribe to deliberate wickedness what might have
been effected by the winds and waves ? After the
death of his mother, the prince might show the
most ostentatious regard for her memory, and
cause temples and altars to be erected to her, as to
a goddess I
Nero was pleased with the infernal project, and
considered that the festival days * of Minerva,
which he intended to keep at Baise, would offer a
favourable opportunity for the execution of it. He
pretended that he was desirous of a reconciliation
with his mother, and feigning the most amicable
sentiments towards her, repeatedly declared that it
was but just to bear the infirmities of parents, and
to soothe their anger. He afterwards wrote an
affectionate letter, inviting her to spend the holi-
days with him j in consequence of which she set
sail from Antium. At the end of her voyag-e she
found him waiting on the beach to receive her, and
* The Quinqttatrus or Quinquatria, beginning on the 19th of March.
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890 HISTOBT OF
after exchanging embraces^ was conducted by him
to Bauli^ which was a splendid villa situated be-
tween Misenum and Eaiae. He had ordered that
the vessel in which she came should be shattered^
as if by accident^ and that the one which had been
contrived for her destruction should be beautifully
rigged^ and substituted in its place. In this^ after
a magnificent entertainment^ which he purposely
protracted till nighty he intended that she should
sail to Baiee : she had gained^ however^ sufficient
intimation of the plot to excite her suspicions, and
instead of going by sea, she was carried to Buiae
in a sedan. Nero endeavoured by every possible
art to allay her fears; he soothed her by his
caresses and conversation, and flattered her with
gifts and marks of distinction, till at last her confi-
dence revived, and she prepared to return to Bauli
in the fatal vessel, under the guidance of Anicetus.
Nero, in taking leave of her, fixed his eyes more
earnestly upon her, and embraced her more ten*
derly than usual; either because he wished to
complete the perfidious part which he had begim^
or because even his savage nature was softened by
the last look of a mother, whom he had doomed to
destruction.
It happened that the night was star-light, and
the sea tranquil, which frustrated Nero*s hopes of
concealing his atrocious wickedness. Agrippina
embarked in company with two attendants, Cre-
pereius Gallus and Acerronia ; the latter of whom
placed herself at her feet, as she reclined on a bed^
and congratulated her on the altered disposition
of her son^ and their happy reconciliation. The
vessel had not proceeded far, when the roof of the
cabin, which had been loaded with lead, fell down^
and instantly crushed Crepereius to death; but
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 391
Agrippina and Acerronia were protected by the
sides of the bed^ which were strong enough to re-
sist the descending weight. The confusion which
arose on board prevented the entire dissolution of
the vessel which was intended ; because the men
who were ignorant of the plot obstructed the en-
deavours of those who were privy to it. It was
afterwards determined by the rowers to incline the
gtdley on one side^ and sink it } but as they did
not^ on the sudden emergency^ act in concert^ it
descended but gently into the waters. Acerronia^
anxious to save her own life^ called out that she
was Agrippina^ and commanded the sailors to help
her; but the consequence of her selfish perfidy was^
that they attacked her with oars and poles^ and
beat her to death. Agrippina^ presemng a more
cautious silence^ received but one wound on her
shoulder^ and having swam for a time was met by
some barks^ which carried her to her own ^dlla
near the Lucrine Lake. When she had leisure to
reflect upon the extraordinary manner in which
the galley had been sunk^ upon the death of Acer-
ronia^ and the wound which had been inflicted on
herself; she could not doubt that a treacherous plot
had been concerted against her life^ and at the
same time she was sensible that it was necessary
for her to feign ignorance of it. She, therefore,
sent her freedman Agerinus to inform the emperor
that, by the mercy of the gods, she had escaped
from imminent danger, and that, whatever alarm
he might feel for her, she requested that at pre-
sent he would abstain from visiting her, as she
had need of repose. In the mean time she ordered
her wound to be dressed, and pretended to. be free
from all apprehension of danger. Even in such a
crisis her avarice did not forsake her, as she com-
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892 HISTOBY OP
manded that the will of Acerronia should be sought
for^ and a seal set on her propert}\ Nero^ who
had been waiting with trembling anxiety to learn
the fate of his mother^ no sooner heard that she
had escaped with a slight wound^ than he was
seized with the most violent terror^ imagining that
she would excite the soldiers^ or appeal to the
senate and people^ to indulge her revenge. He
immediately sent for Seneca and Burrhus^ the
former of whom (according to Dion) had incited
him to destroy Agrippina ; but Tacitus says^ that
it was uncertain whether they were previously
acquainted with the designs against her. They
both observed a long silence^ either thinking it
useless to dissuade Nero from his intentions^ or
fearing that his life^ as well as their own^ would be
sacrificed^ unless Agrippina perished. Seneca at
lengfth turned to Burrhus^ and asked him if the
soldiers could be ordered to execute the deed ; but
he replied^ that the guards were attached to the
whole family of the Caesars^ and that their love for
the memory of Germanicus would not allow them
to act with violence agxiinst any of his posterity ;
he added^ that Anicetus might accomplish what he
had undertaken. The daring freedman consented
without any hesitation ; and Nero^ calling him his
benefactor and the preserver of his empire^ com-
manded him to use dispatch^ and to take with him
what associates he pleased. As soon as he heard
that Agerinus had come with a message from
his mother^ he conceived that a plausible falsehood
might be invented to conceal the horrible crime
which he had sanctioned. When the man was
conducted into his presence^ he cast a poniard be*
tween his feet^ and^ declaring that he came to mur*
der him^ commanded that he should be put in
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 893
cbaiiis : and he intended to affinn that his mother, xeho,
after a fruitless attempt upon his life^ had been a. d. 59.
urged by despair to take away her own. ^— %— ^
As the rumour of Agrippina's disaster increased^
multitudes of people^ who supposed it to hare been
accidental^ flocked during the darkness of night to
all parts of the adjoining shore^ and^ when they heard
that she was safe^ prepared to offer their congratu-
lations. They dispersed^ however^ on seeing Ani-
cetus approach with an armed band. He imme-
diately surrounded the villa^ and^ having forced the
gtite^ seized such of the slaves as he met^ and ad-
vanoed to the chamber of Agrippina. She was
sitting attended by a single maid-servant^ and
was alarmed at not having received any commu-
nication from her son ; her fears increased^ when
she observed that the crowds had deserted the
sea-shore^ and heard the sudden tumult of the
assailants at her gate. Her maid-servant fled
from the approaching danger; and she had no
sooner uttered ^^ Will you also forsake me ?'' than
she saw that Anicetus had entered her chamber^
accompanied by the captain of a trireme^ and a cen-
turion of the marines. She could scarcely mis-
take the object of their visit ; but^ assuming an air
of confidence^ she informed Anicetus^ that if he
came to enquire after her healthy he might report
that she was better j if he came for any guilty pur-
pose^ she would not believe that it originated \vith
her SOU; who (she was persuaded) would not order
the death of his mother. The assassins, intent
upon their crime, surrounded the bed where she
was lying, and Herculeus^ the captain, first struck
her on the head with a club: as the centurion
drew his sword^ she stretched forward her body,
and exclaimed^ "Strike my wombj'' after which
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304 HISTOBY OF
she was soon dispatched by the numerous wounds
which they inflicted on her*.
Tma. Ann. xir. ^* ^^ affinucd by some persons that Nero, after
g—J^- the murder of his mother, had the barbarity to go
and inspect her corpse, and that he admired the
beauty of her limbs. Tacitus, however, acknow-
ledges that this story was not uncontroverted, and
it seems scarcely probable, as her body was burned
the same night. Her obsequies were performed
with very little ceremony^ and she was not even
honoured with a tomb during the life of Nero ; but
some of her domestics afterwards raised a small
sepulchre near the road to Misenum. Mnester, her
ireedman, stabbed himself at her funeral pile, but
it is not known whether he was urged by fidelity
to his mistress, or by the fear of exile. Such was
the fate of Agrippina, who, though the daughter
of the most virtuous and illustrious parents, was
polluted by a greater number of atrocious crimes
than are usually found in the most corrupt indivi-
dual. Pride, ambition, avarice, treachery, crueltj*,
and lust were all mingled in her odious character ;
and as she had been guilty of incest with her uncle,
so (according to several authors) she would not
have abstained from incest even with her son, if
Seneca had not defeated her horrible purpose. Her
extraordinary crimes were visited at last with ex-
traordinary punishment, as the son, whom she had
corrupted by her example, and for whose sake she
had perpetrated a great part of her wickedness,
was destined to loathe her, and in the end to defile
himself with her blood.
* Dion reUtet, though probably with some exaggwttlon, that iha laapod
from tba bed, tnd having rent her garmentft, and band her womb,
exclaimed : ** Strike this, Anioetus, strike this, because It brought forth
Nero."
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THE BOMAN EXPEBOBS. 805
Nero was no sooner assured of her death than
he hegan to be senfflble of the enormity of his
crime. During the remainder of the night he was
absorbed in gloomy silence^ or agitated with vio*
lent fears^ expecting that the approach of day
would consign him to destruction. The tribunes
and centurions of the prsetorian guards were the
first to relieve his apprehensions^ by coming to
congratulate him on having escaped from the
dangerous machinations of his mother ; and it is
a sdgma on the name of Burrhus^ that he was the
person who incited them to this act of base adula-
tion. The firiends of Nero afterwards proceeded to
the temples to ofier thanks for his safety^ and
their hypocritical example was imitated by the
people of the neighbouring towns of Campania.
While they feigned joy^ he thought that the oppo-
site passion became him^ and he^ therefore^ pre-
tended to be deeply grieved at the fate of his
mother. The scene^ however^ of his crimes could
not assume a flattering aspect like the counten-
ances of men^ and he resolved to leave the shores
and the hills^ which reminded him of lus crime>
and which (according to the belief of some persons)
were disturbed by the sound of trumpets^ and the
groans of his mother. He therefore departed to
Naples and addressed a letter to the senate^ alleg-
ing that Agrippina had sent her freedman to as-
sassinate him^ and that she had expiated her in-
tended crime by putting herself to death. He
reprobated her former conduct in endeavouring to
assume a share in the government of the empire ;
he imputed to her the crimes which had been com-
mitted under the reign of Claudius^ and pretended
to regard her death as a public advautiige. His
account of her shipwreck^ and of the plot of
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806 HISTORY OF
Agerinus^ was too improbable to impose on the cre-
dulity of any one; so that the letter was considered
as a confession of his crime^ and Seneca was
blamed for being* the author of such a composition.
But though the senators disbelieved their prince,
STklJixiiL *^^^ knew what compliances were expected from
IS, 13. them, and therefore decreed that thanksgirings
should be offered in all the temples^ and that
the birth-day of Agrippina should be considered
unholy^ together with other instances of their ready
servility. The only person who dared to show any
disapprobation was Thrasea Peetus^ who^ as soon
as the emperor's letter was read, arose and left the
senate, as he knew that he could not avow his own
free sentiments, and he did not wish to sanction
the base sentiments of others. This honourable
Roman used to express his indignation at the abject
flatterers with whom he was surrounded^ by declar-
ing, that he could pardon them^ if their meanness
was likely to have the effect of saving their lives; but
when it was evident that Nero would not spare
those who submitted to him, any more than diose
who opposed him, it was better to pay the inevitable
debt of nature with noble fr'eedom, than slavish
ignominy. Nero (he constantly observed) may put
me to death, but he cannot do me any injur}*.
Such was the magnanimity of his sentiments,
which were, not displayed for empty ostentation,
but applied to the direction of his conduct during
the universal degeneracy of his countrjinen.
Nero, in order to increase the odium attached
to his mother's name, affected a greater degree
of clemency after her death, and recalled some
persons who had been banished on her account,
and some who had been banished by himself.
His anxiety, concerning the reception which
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 807
he miglit experience from the senate and people
at Bome^ induced him to stay in the towns of
Campania, until the flagfitious advisers, with whom
his court abounded, assured him that the name of
Agrippina was hateful, and that her death had
inflamed the zeal of the people in his behalf. On
his approach to the city he found their declarations
fully yerified ; for the tribes came out to meet him,
the senators were in their festal robes, troops of
women and children were arranged according to
their age and sex, and scaffolds were erected on
the road, as if for the view of a triumphal pro-
cession. Amidst such an assemblage the matricide
emperor proudly ascended the Capitol, and re-
turned thanks to the gods ; and perhaps there was
never a scene more degrading to human beings,
in which, one man having insulted all the natural
feelings of virtue, myriads of others spontaneously
met to behold and applaud him I
Yet all the congratulations of the military, the saet. vi.
senate, and the people, could not effectually allay Dto^fw.
the tumults of a reproachful conscience. Nero
often acknowledged that he seemed haunted by
the spectre of his mother, and pursued by the
scourges and burning torches of the Furies. He
had recourse even to magical ceremonies, in order
to evoke her spirit, and propitiate her anger.
When he visited Greece, he was afraid to be ini-
tiated in the Eleusinian mysteries, as a herald
solemnly commanded all wicked and impious per-
sons to abstain from them. At Rome, notwith-
standing the general obsequiousness of the citizens,
free and satirical censures were sometimes passed
upon his conduct. One night a sack was suspended
from his statue, intimating that he ought to be cast
into it, and undergo the punishment of parricides.
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308 HISTOBY 07
A chfld was exposed in the forum with this label
affixed to it: ^^I will not bring you up, for
fear you should kill your mother f and in various
parts of the city it was written, '^ Nero, Orestes,
and Alcmeeon, were all gfuilty of matricide.^ Per-
sons did not scruple in conversation to accuse the
emperor of such a crime, and some were indicted
for it ) but he did not encourage these prosecutions,
either thinking it more prudent to suppress the
offensive rumours, or beginning to grow callous to
public reproach.
The murder of his mother was followed by that
of his aunt Domitia, a woman so old and infirm
that she must soon have died in the course of
nature. When he visited her in her sickness, she
stroked in a fondling manner the down upon his
chin, and said, that when that was shaven off she
should be willing to die ; upon which he turned to
his friends with a laugh, and declared that he
would shave it off immediately. He ordered the
physicians to give her some violent medicine, which
was fatal to her, and he seized her property before
she died, commanding her wiU to be suppressed.
The authority of his mother had hitherto been a
slight restraint upon his conduct, but he began
now freely to indulge the lowest propensities of
his mind. He had always felt a vehement desire
for driving chariots, and playing on the harp ; the
latter of which, he declared, was the amusement of
ancient kings and heroes, and the art of Apollo
himself. Seneca and fiurrhus, who found it diffi-
cult to oppose his inclinations, allowed him to
drive chariots in an enclosure at the foot of the
Vatican hill, hoping that this diversion would
satisfy his ardour. But the people were soon
invited to witness his skill, and the applause which
Tae. Ann.
jdT. 14.
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THE BOMAN EMFEBOBS.
they bestowed upon him greatly heightened his
desire of displaying his accomplishments. Think*
ing that there would be less disgrace in the pur-
suit of his favourite amusements^ if others appeared
as warmly attached to them as himself^ he induced
the most illustrious citizens of Bome to sanction
his example. Men and women of the highest
rank^ the descendants of the Furii^ the Fabii^ and
the Yalerii^ began to play on the flute and the
harp^ to dance^ to perform tragedies and comedies^
to drive horses^ slay wild beasts^ and act the part
of gladiators. Some engaged in these diversions
willingly^ some by constraint^ and some on account
of the gifts with which Nero bribed their poverty.
For the exhibition of their skill he instituted games
called Juvenalia ; and it was then (according to
Dion) this veteran in wickedness first shaved his
beard^ and enclosing the hairs in a golden box
dedicated them to Jupiter Capitolinus. At lengthy
having* arrayed himself in a suitable dress^ he
appeared on the stage^ singing and playing upon
the harp. He was attended by a cohort of
soldiers^ and Burrhus and Seneca^ standing near
him, were compelled to applaud a performance
which filled them with grief. A body of Boman
knights was enrolled under the name oiAu^^tani^
whose occupation it was constantly to praise the
beauty and merits of their prince^ as if he had been
a god, and to extol his voice, which, however, was
both weak and husky. In a grove near the Tiber,
taverns and brothels were erected, and every in-
centive to luxury and sensuality was provided.
Cven the good were constrained to take a part
in these scenes ; so that the whole city was aban-
doned to revelry and vice ; and those evil passions,
which the strictest laws and discipline can scarcely
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400 HISTOBY OF
restrain^ were publicly sanctioned and encouraged.
Amidst such profligacy Nero affected a certain
deg^e of literary taste^ and held assemblies of
poets^ who were required to make verses in his
presence^ and to assist his own crude efforts. The
philosophers^ also^ were occasionally summoned
after an entertainment^ in order to amuse him
with their altercations in maintaining their dif-
ferent opinions.
tm. Amu xiT. A violent tumult was excited between the people
17—19. ^^ Nuceria and Pompeii^ during an exhibition of
gladiators which was given in the latter ci^. The
quarrel begfan in sportive petulance^ but the con-
tending parties at last had recourse to the sword,
and many of the Nucerini were wounded and slain.
When the affair came under the cognizance of the
Roman senate^ the leaders in it were banished^ and
the people of Pompeii were debarred from such
assemblies for the space of ten years.
Pedius Blsesus, being accused by the people of
Cyrene of having violated the treasury of .Sacula-
pius, and of being influenced by bribery in military
affairs^ was ejected from the senate. The Cyrenians
also appealed against Acilius Strabo, whom Clan«
dius had appointed arbiter in a question of disputed
temtory between them and the Bomans* Nero
confirmed the sentence of Strabo^ by which he had
decided against the C}Tenians; but at the same
time, professing his readiness to befriend his allies^
he surrendered the lands of which they had taken
possession.
Domitius Afer and M. Servilius died this year.
They were both illustrious men, and distinguiahed
for their eloquence ; but while Servilius was equal
to the former in his genius, he was more irre-
proachable in his life.
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 401
Nero in his fourth consulship established musical^ nbko,
gymnastic, and equestrian contests^ in imitation of ▲.o.eo.
the Greeks^ which were to be celebrated everj' five ^^^'^^
years^ and called Neronia. Many of the more rigid so-l.22.
citizens were averse to such an innovation; but®"*^^^*'
nothing remarkably disgraceful occurred in the
spectacles* Nero was declared victorious in the
trial of eloquence* It appears that the pantomimic
actors^ who had been banished from Italy a few
years before^ were now restored^ but took no part
in these exhibitions.
The appearance of a comet was considered by the
vulgar as portending a change in their government^
and they immediately began to frame conjectures as
to the person destined to be Nero's successor. Their
unanimous opinion selected Bubellius Plautus^ on
account of his noble birth^ as his mother Julia was
the daughter of Drusus. His destiny appeared
still more certain after an accident which occurred
at one of Nero's entertainments^ when the food
was struck^ and the table overturned by lightning ;
and as this happened on the borders of the Tibur-
tian country^ from which the family of Plautus
came^ the weak and superstitious believed that
the gods clearly portended Ids future elevation.
Plautus himself was spending his days in virtuous
retirement^ when Nero^ alarmed by the rumours
which he heard^ addressed a letter to him^ advising
him to consult the pence of the city by removing
to his estates in Asia^ where he might live in tran-
quillity. In obedience to this command^ he departed
with his wife Antistia and a few of his friends.
Nero about this time endangered his own life
by bathing in a fountain which was esteemed
sacred* The people considered him guilty of a
profane action^ and the illness with which he was
VOUI. OD
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S3— 86.
402 HISTORY OF
attacked^ although it might have arisen from the
coldness of the water^ seemed to confirm their
opinion.
Tae. ium. zir. Corbulo^ having destroyed Artaxata, the capital
of Armenia^ resolved to prosecute his successes by
attacking the city of Tigranocerta. In his march
thither^ some of the barbarians offered submission
and were treated with lenity ; some fled from his
approach^ but were quickly pursued ; others con-
cealed themselves in caves^ but were compelled to
evacuate them by the fires which he kindled at
their mouths. The Mardi^ a people accustomed to
predatory attacks^ harassed him as he passed their
confines^ and seemed protected agfainst his ven-
geance by the mountainous nature of their country;
but he repressed their incursions by detaching a
body of Iberians agtdnst them. Although no
enemy was able to oppose his progress^ his troops
suffered severely from the length of their marches,
from the want of water and com*^ and from the
heat of the weather : all which evils Corbulo himself
bore to a greater extent and with firmer patience
than the meanest of his soldiers. He found that
part of the barbarians concealed treacherous designs
under their offers of friendship, and he narrowly
escaped death from the hand of an assassin, who
was apprehended near his tent. The inhabitants,
however, of Tigranocerta opened their gates to him,
and, on account of this submission, their property
was exempted from plunder; but the castle was
shut against him by some resolute youths, and he
was compelled to take it by assault. During these
* Tidtu Dotioes it as a hardship, that they were oompelled to live upon
the ilflih of eatUe. There ia a similar passage in CsBsar, B. G. vii. 17, qnoted
in a note hy Gronoviiis ; and it appears from the two, that the Boman
soldiers considered the want of com, even with a soAcienqr of animal food,
to be litUe better than ikmine.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 403
operations the Parthians were eng^ed in the
Hyrcanian war ; and the Hyreanians sent ambas-
sadors to solicit the alliance of the Romans^
alleging as a proof of their friendship that Yolo-
geses was detained by their arms.
Tiridates^ having penetrated to the frontiers of
his kingdom through Media^ was repulsed by the
Romans^ and forced to abandon all hope of re-
conquering Armenia. Tigranes^ who had been
appointed by Nero to fill his throne^ soon after-
wards arrived. He was a descendant of Arche-
laus^ one of the former kings of Cappadocia^ but
had resided so long at Rome in the character of
a hostage^ that his disposition was not merely
humble but servile. Some of the Armenians^
preserving their regard for the family of the
AjTsacidae^ submitted to him with reluctance } but
most of them had become disgusted with the pride
of the Parthians^ and were willing to receive a
monarch that was supported by the Roman
authority. Corbulo^ having left him some forces
for the protection of his new kingdom^ departed
into Sjnria^ of which he had been nominated lieu-
tenant. The whole of Armenia was not granted
to Tigranes^ but parts of it were placed under the
sway of Pharasmanes^ king of Iberia^ and other
neighbouring princes.
Tbe city of Laodicea in Phrygia was shaken
by an earthquake^ but was enabled to repair
the injury which it had received, without any
assistance from the Romans. Veterans were
sent to Tarentum and Antium for the purpose
of colonizing those towns ; but instead of settling
there^ many of them returned to the provinces in
which they had formerly served. Tacitus remarks,
that they were a multitude of men more than a
DD9
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404 HISTOBY OF
colony*^ bein^ unknown to each other^ and without
any ruler or common tie of affection ; whereas in
ancient times whole legions^ with their tribunes^
and centurions^ and soldiers of every rank^ were
led out as colonists^ and by their unanimity and
mutual good-will easily adjusted themselves into
the form of a commonwealth.
* yumanu magis quam eoUmia* ThiM deacription may probably point
out the reuoB wfaj attempt! at colonisatiim an ofton unwccewiftil.
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THE SOMAN EMPEBOBS. 405
CHAPTER IV.
Suetonius defeats the Britons in the Isle of An^
glesetfj and bums their groves. — Boadicea instil
gates the Iceni and IHnobantes to tahe up arms.
— Storming of Camalodunum, and defeat of a
Roman legion. — Massacre of the people of London
and Verulamium. — Boadicea poisons herself on
the defeat of her forces. — Cruelty of Suetonius. —
PolycUtus sent into Britain^ arid Petronius Tur-'
pilianus appointed lieutenant. — Eminent persons
at Bom^e condemned for forging a will. — Theprce^
feet of Borne hilled by one of his slaves. — Death
ofMemmius Begulus. — Antistius accused of libel.
— Saved from death by the firmness of Thrasea.
— Death of Burrhus. — Bufus and Tigellinus
succeed him. — Seneca requests permission to retire
from court. — Plautus and Sylla put to death in
their exile. — Octavia divorced and banished. —
Becalledy to the great joy of the people. — Again
banished to the island of Pandataria^ and there
hilled. — Deaths of Doryphorus and Pallas. —
Law against pretended adoptions^ and against
testimonials granted to governors of provinces.
Bbftain^ in the following* year, endeavoured to ^^bro,
liberate itself from the Roman yoke, and became a. d. 6i.
the scene of violent and sangninary conflicts. ^^^^^ ^^
PauUinus Suetonius, who was eminent for his tm. vit. Igr.
• \ 1 10.
military skill, was then lieutenant of the island, tec. Ann. xiv.
and, during the two years in which he had held the^^^"^^-
command, had been successful in subjecting* the
inhabitants to his authority. The victories of
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406 HISTORY OF
nbro, Corbulo^ with whom the people had compared him^
A. k 61. encouraged him to extend his achievements^ and to
^~^^~^ attack the isle of Anglesey, which had become a
place of refuge for those who were averse to the
domination of the Eomans. He transported his
infantry from the opposite coast in flat-bottomed
vessels, and commanded the cavalry to ford the
channel, or swim across it He found a dense
multitude of Britons^bsembled on the shore, women
running amongst them, like the furies, with dishe-
velled hair, and torches in their hands, and the
Druids lifting their arms to heaven, and uttering
terrific imprecations. The Bomans were at first
alarmed by so unusual a spectacle ; but the exhor-
tations of their general, and their own reflections,
soon taught them not to be intimidated by a frantic
crowd. They advanced, therefore, to the attack,
and completely routed the barbarians. They cut
down the groves on the island, which were poUuted
with horrid ceremonies } for the Britons, as well as
the Germans and Grauls, were accustomed to im-
molate captives upon their altars, and to explore the
will of the gods in the entrails of human creatures.
While Suetonius was absent in the west, intelli-
gence reached him, that the eastern part of his pro-
vince was agitated by a dreadful rebellion. Pra-
sutagus, king of the Iceni*, who was renowned for
his opulence, had nominated the Homan Emperor
as co-heir with his two daughters, hoping that
such a mode of bequest would secure his kingdom
and family from all aggression. The contrary
effect, however, ensued 3 for his kingdom was oc*
cupied by Eoman soldiers, and his family invaded
by the slaves of the emperor. These insolent rulers
scourged his wife Boadicea, and committed violence
* People of Norfolk, &e.
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THE BOMAN EMFEROBS. 407
upon his two daughters ; they reduced his relations
to servitude^ and^ as if the whole country had been
transferred to their possession, ejected the principal
men of the Iceni from their ancient estates. In-
censed by these intolerable injuries, Boadicea per-
suaded her countrymen to fly to arms, and they
were joined by the Trinobantes*, and such others
as were weary of submitting to the cruelty and
rapacity of the Romans. Their chief enmity was
excited against a colony of veterans, lately settled
at Camalodunumf, who drove them from their
lands and houses, and insulted them with the
appellation of captives and slaves. There was also
at this place a temple erected to the deified Clau-
dius, which the Britons considered as a monument
of their degradation, as they were obliged to defray
the expenses attendant upon its priests and sacri-
fices. As the town was destitute of fortifications,
they thought it might be destroyed without diffi-
culty ; and they were encouraged by some real
or imaginary omens to venture upon the attack.
The Bomans had only a moderate garrison there,
and when they requested some troops from Catus
Decianus the procurator, he sent them but two
hundred men, and those not completely armed.
Although they were apprehensive of danger,
they took but few precautions to avert it, when
they were suddenly surrounded by a multitude of
infiiriated barbarians, who immediately plundered
and burnt the town. The temple, into which the
Roman troops retreated, was besieged by them for
two days, and then carried by assault. Petilius
Cerialis, the lieutenant of the ninth legion, hastened
to the succour of his countrymen ; but all his in-
* People of Efleez and Middlesex.
f Sappoied to be Maldon in Essex.
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408 HISTOBY OP
fantry were put to the sword^ and he was com*
pelled to retreat to his camp with the cavalry*
The procurator Catus^ whose avarice had contri-
huted to kindle the war, fled with trepidation into
Oaul.
Suetonius^ however^ was undismayed^ and pro-
ceeded through the midst of his enemies to London^
which even at that early period was distinguished
for the extent of its commerce. The smaU amount
of his forces^ and the defeat of Petilius^ dis-
couraged him from making it the seat of war^ and
he thought it better to sacrifice one town than to
lose the whole province. He gave, therefore^ the
signal for departure, and all the tears and entreaties
of the terrified inhabitente could not induce him to
remain with them; those, who pleased^ followed
his army, and such as stayed behind through in-
firmity or affection for the place were massacred
by the barbarians. The town of Verulamium*
experienced the same fate; for the Britons, ab-
staining from the fortified places, attacked those
where they were likely to meet the least opposition^
and to gain the greatest booty. They are said to
have killed about eighty thousand of the Boman
citizens and allies; they were regardless of keeping
any prisoners, but, intent upon vengeance alone^
murdered, burnt, crucified, and impaled all who
came in their way. Dion relates, that they sus-
pended the noblest women in a state of nudity^
and, having cut off their breasts, sewed them to their
mouths, that they might appear to feed upon
them; they afterwards drove stakes through the
whole length of their bodies. They committed
these cruelties amidst feasting and sacrifices^ as-
sembling for that purpose in their temples^ but
* Near St. AWmos.
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 400
chiefly in the grove of Andate^ the goddess of
victory.
Suetonius^ having collected an army of about
ten thousand men^ chose a position which was pro-
tected by a narrow approach in front^ and by a
wood in the rear^ in order that he mig^ht engage
upon more equal terms with the immense multi-
tude of the Britons. Their number is said to have
amounted to two hundred and thirty thousand; but
among these were probably included their wives^
whom they had brought to be spectators of their
victory, and placed in waggons at the extremity of
the field of battle. Boadicea*, who was conspicu-
ous for her lofty stature, fierce mien, and profusion
of yellow hair which descended to the middle of
her body, was carried in a chariot with her two
daughters, and exhorted the Britons to avenge the
loss of their own liberty, and the insults which her-
self and children had suffered from the unbridled
licentiousness of the Romans. She declared, that
they had already destroyed one legion which had
ventured to meet them, and that those forces, which
now opposed them, would not be able to sustain
the noise of their shouts, much less the fury of their
attack. If they reflected, she said, upon the
numbers of the two armies, or the objects for
which they were fighting, they would be inspired
with the resolution either to conquer or to die.
Such, she added, was the alternative which she
had proposed to her own mind : would they, who
were men, submit to live in disgrace and slavery ?
Suetonius, on the other hand, exhorted the
Romans not to be terrified by the tumult and
empty threats of barbarians, whose army was com-
* The name of this heroine is written in various ways. Dion calls her
SufuM€€U
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410 HISTOBY OP
posed of women more than men. He commanded
them to keep their ranks close^ and^ after having
thrown their javelins, to attack with the sword^
and to continue the slaughter of their foes^ without
regarding the hooty^ which must eventually be the
reward of the conquerors. His troops^ who were
old and experienced soldiers^ testified so much
ardour^ that he gfave the signal for battle with a
certain presage of victory. At the beginning of
the engagement they remained stationary, being
defended by the strength of their position; but
when the missiles began to be exhausted, the light
and heavy armed, together with the cavalry,
sallied forth, and overthrew the foremost and
strongest ranks of the enemy. The rest of the
barbarians took to flight, but found their escape
impeded by the vehicles with which they had sur-
rounded themselves. The Bomans did not spare
the women, nor even the beasts of burden; and,
according to some accounts, they slaughtered
nearly eighty thousand Britons, while only four
hundred were killed on their own side, and not
many more wounded. Boadicea, imwilling to
be subjected to the mercy of the victors, lolled
herself by poison ; and her wretched people found
it impossible to resist an enemy, who was so hr
superior to them in discipline and the arts of war.
Suetonius was strengthened with some reinforce-
ments from Germany, and cai'ried fire and sword
into the territory of those Britons, who had
engaged in the war, or whose fidelity he suspected.
Although distingxdshed for many great qualities,
he treated the vanquished with cruelty and arro-
gance, and punished their rebellion as an afiront to
his own authority. His inexorable disposition
gave some pretext to the complaints of his enemy
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THE BOMAN EMFEBOBS. 411
Julius Classicianus^ who had succeeded Catus in
the office of procurator^ and who declared that
there could he no peace in Britain^ while Suetonius
was commander there. The emperor^ therefore^
sent one of his freedmen^ named Polycletus^ to
investigBte the state of the island^ imagining that
he would possess sufficient authority not only to
reconcile the lieutenant and procurator^ but even
to incline the minds of the Britons to a peaceful
submission. Polycletus^ on account of the vast
retinue which accompanied him^ was received with
great deference by the Romans ; but the Britons
hdd him in derision^ as their notions of liberty did
not allow them to ascribe dignity to a freedman^
and they could not forbear wondering that a
general and army^ who had lately performed the
greatest achievements^ should pay obedience to one
who had been a slave. Suetonius^ although the
account which was transmitted to Home was not
unfavourable to him^ did not long retain the com-
mand^ but was succeeded by Petronius Turpilianus^
who had just laid down the consulship. The new
lieutenant showed greater clemency to the Britons^
and^ by abstaining from all provocation^ was able to
preserve the island in a state of tranquillity. Nero^ suet. vi. J8.
who was careless about extending the limits of the
empire^ entertained some thoughts of withdrawing
his army altogether from Britain 3 but he was
reluctant- to do any thing derogatory to the
memory of Claudius.
At Home several persons of distinction were Tac. Ann. xi? .
detected in a disgraceful plot for forging a will, in ^"^^•
order to obtain the wealth of Domitius Balbus,
whose old age and want of children had rendered
him the object of such a fraud. The principal of
them were punished, except Asinius MarceUus, who
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412 HISTORY OF
was pardoned for the sake of his illustrious ances-
tors^ and through the intercession of Kero. The
infamy^ however^ of the crime^ to which he had been
tempted hy a pusillanimous dread of poverty^ was
aggravated rather than diminished by the renoiP^'n
of his forefathers.
Not long afterwards^ Pedanius Secundos^ the
preefect of Eome^ was assassinated by one of his
slaves. When the ancient law^ which condemned
to death all slaves residing under the same roof^
was going to be enforced^ the people^ with tumult^
ous violence^ exclaimed against this indiscriminate
cruelty ; for there were no less than four hundred
in the family of the preefect^ of different ages and
sexeS; and many of them unquestionably innocent
Some of the senators were averse to extreme
rigour^ but C. Cassius^ who was eminent for his
knowledge of the laws^ maintained that the execu-
tion of the sentence was necessary for their own
safety. He argued that their ancestors had been
justly suspicious of their slaves^ even when they
were bom in their own houses^ or upon their
estates ; but as Rome was now filled with slaves^
who practised foreign rites of religion^ or no rites
at all^ it was impossible to restrain so large and
incongruous a crowd^ except by intimidation. His
opinion prevailed^ but the people offered such
resistance^ that Nero was obliged to reprove them
by an edict^ and to place a military guard along
the whole way by which the condemned slaves
were led to execution. Thus the cruel system of
ancient slavery required other cruelties to support
it^ and what was repugnant to the common feel-
ings of humanity was held justifiable by the law of
self-preservation.
Memmius Eegulus died this year^ having ob-
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THE BOBiAN EMFEBOBS. 413
tained so high a reputation for virtue^ that when
Nero was ill^ and his flatterers lamented that there
would be an end to the empire unless he recovered;
he replied^ that the state would find a support in
Memmius Eegulus. After this dangerous testi-
mony in his favour^ Begulus was suffered to live^
because his habits were tranquil^ and neither his
birth nor fortune very eminent. But what must
hare been the condition of the Roman empire^ if
the courtly flatterers were to be credited^ who
ayerred that it would be impossible to supply the
loss of the incomparable Nero!
This year^ also^ a gymnasium was established by
the emperor^ and oil for the exercises was given to
the senators and knights. This was a species of
liberality derived from the example of the Greeks.
In the following year^ actions for libel and nbio,
treason began to be renewed^ Antistius^ the preetor^ xh^oi.
being accused of composing scurrilous verses Jj^j«»- «*^-
against the emperor^ and reciting them at an en-
tertainment given by Ostorius Scapula. Although
Ostorius denied that he had heard any thing upon
the subject^ yet greater credit was given to the
witnesses upon the opposite side ; so that Marullus;
the consul elect^ proposed that the defendant
should be deprived of his prsetorship and put to
death* The other senators were inclined to adopt
this resolution^ when Paetus Thrasea boldly opposed
it as unnecessarily cruel^ and advised that the
offender should suffer the confiscation of his pro-
perty^ and be banished to some island. The liberty
of Thrasea animated many others with a similar
spirit, and his motion was carried with few dis-
sentient voices. The consuls, however, were afraid
to execute the decree, without apprising the
emperor, who, after delajnng some time between
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414 HISTORY OF
shame and anger^ wrote word back ; that Antistins
without any prorocation had grossly libelled hLs
prince^ and it was only just that a punishment
proportionate to his crime should be inflicted on
him; that he should hare felt it his duty to
restrain their severity^ but would be no obstacle
to their clemency; that they might determine as
they pleased^ and even acquit the accused^ if they
thought proper. Although Nero's chagrin was
evident by this answer^ yet Thrasea firmly per-
sisted in lus purpose^ and the majority of the
senate continued to support him. Fabricius Yeiento,
who was accused of writing libels against the
senators and priests^ was banished from Italy^ and
his books were ordered to be burned. Tacitus
remarks^ that as long as there was any danger in
procuring them^ they were sought for and read
with eagerness ; afterwards^ when the perusal of
them was allowed^ they sunk into oblivion.
8uet. Ti. 86. Burrhus^ the praetorian praefect^ died this year^
either from natimU causes^ or^ what was more gene-
rally suspected^ by the perfidious cruelty of Nero.
He was afflicted with a disorder in the throaty and
it was believed that the emperor^ under pretence of
sending him a remedy^ caused his death by some
poisonous application. When the emperor visited
him during his sickness^ Burrhus^ aware of his
treachery^ turned away his countenance^ and briefly
replied to his inquiries^ ^^I am well.'' He was
greatly esteemed for his virtue^ although he appears
to have been too lenient to the vices of Nero ; and
he was doubly regretted by the Bomans^ when
they compared him with those who succeeded him
in his office. For tn'o preetorian praefects were
now appointed ; Fenius Bufus^ who was popular
with the army and the people^ but was devoid of
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THB ROMAN EM^EBOBS. 41ff
energy; and Sofomus Tigellinus^ a man disfigfured nbeo,
with ike most flagfrant vices/ and ready to pander a. 0.02.
to, and comply with, all the corrapt inclinations of ^— v— '
Nero.
The influence of Seneca was greatly weakened tm. Ana. sir.
by the death of Burrhus, who had always acted in ^' ^
union with him, and he began to be attacked by
the profligate counsellors to whom the prince had
surrendered himself. They accused him of having
amassed greater wealth than became a private
individual, of attracting the favour of the citizens
towards himself, and of attempting to surpass the
emperor in the beauty of his gfutlens, and the
magnificence of his vUlas. They alleged that he
wished to engross the praise of eloquence, of
poetry, and of every thing that was distinguished
in the state; that he was hostile to the amuse-
ments of the prince, disparaging his skill in
drawing, and the sweetness of his voice in singing;
that Nero, who had now passed the age of boyhood,
ought to be liberated from his preceptor, and guide
himself by the example of his illustrious ancestors.
Seneca, who was apprized by his friends of the
detraction which was leveUra against him, and
who perceived that the emperor shunned his
society, requested an audience of him ; and when
it was granted, he addressed him in a premeditated
speech, declaring, that he had received from him
the highest instances of liberality which a prince
could show to his friend, but that he was anxious
in the decline of his life to seek retirement, and
was ready to resign into the hands of his bene-
factor that wealth, which exposed him to the odium
and misrepresentations of the envious. Nero pre-
tended to feel the greatest repug^nance to such
proposals, protesting that if they were carried into
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410 HISTORY OF
execution^ they would be ascribed rather to his
own cruelty and avarice^ than to the moderation of
Seneca. This^ probably^ he felt to be the truth : he
therefore embraced the philosopher^ and caressed
him with those marks of affection^ with which he
was accustomed to disguise his hostile feelings.
Seneca returned thanks (which^ Tacitus says^ is
the conclusion of all interviews with princes); but
he was so sensible of the overthrow of his power^
that he changed his mode of life^ seldom appearing*
in the city^ and avoiding* society^ under pretence
of ill healthy and the pursuit of his philosophical
studies.
Seneca being removed from court^it was easy for
Tigellinus to disparage lus colleague Fenius Bufus^
on account of his former friendship with Agrippina.
In order to establish his own ascendancy over
Nero^ he penetrated into the secret suspicions of
his hearty and discovered^ that Cornelius Sylla
and Bubellius Plautus^ whom he had sent into
banishment^ were the principal objects of his dread.
Pretending that his sole occupation was to watch
over the life of the emperor^ he artfully stimu-
lated his fears against these unfortunate exiles,
until the death of both of them was determined.
Assassins were dispatched to Marseilles ; and they
murdered Sylla at table^ before even a rumour had
apprized him of his danger. His head was carried
to Nero, who ridiculed the premature grejuess
of his hair, which probably his own tyranny had
helped to produce. It was not so easy to surprise
Plautus, (who was residing in Asia,) on account of
the length of the journey, and the greater number
of his friends. A freedman, assisted by a favour-
able wind, brought him intelligence of his impend*
ing fate, and at the same time communicated the
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THE BOMJlN empebobs. 417
advice' of his father-in-law L. Antistiiifl^ that he
should endeavour to defend himself^ and excite an
insurrection against Nero. Plautus was not dis-
posed to comply with these instructions^ if they were
really givenj and^ according to some writers^ the
message of his father-in-law was of quite a different
purport. The centurion, who was sent to execute
him^ found him in the middle of the day, stripped of
his clothes, and engaged in hodily exercises ; and in
this condition he put him to death. Nero wrote a
letter to the senate, not making any avowal of the
murder of Sylla and Plautus, hut complaining that
their dispositions were turbulent, and that he ex-
perienced great anxiety in preserving the safety of
the empire. A preposterous decree was therefore
passed, that they should he expelled from the senate,
and that supplications should be offered to the gods.
When the head of Plautus was presented to
Nero, he is said to have addressed himself in audi-
ble terms, intimating that he might now celebrate
his nuptials with Poppaea, which he had hitherto
deferred on account of his fears. The conduct of
the senate had shown that they were ready to pay
the same honour to his blackest crimes as to his
most laudable actions : he, therefore, divorced Octa-
via, under a pretence of sterility, and in a short
time married Poppsea. This woman, with whom
he had long lived in habits of adultery, attempted
to disgrace the reputation of her rival, by causing
her to be accused of a criminal intrigue with a
flute-player named Eucerus. The maid-servants
of Octavia were put to the torture, and some of
them were urged, by the dreadful pains which
they suffered, to make false acknowledgments
of her guilt; but the greater part firmly persisted
in maintaining the innocence of their mistress.
VOL. I. E B
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418 HISTORY OF
Nero lumself was sensible of her rirtae ; but he
suffered her to be banished into Campania^ and
placed under a military guard. The undisgxdsed
complaints of the people^ who both respected and
commiserated her^ induced him in a short time to
order her recall ; and as soon as the joyful event
was known^ they ascended the Capitol^ and offered
thanks to the gods ; they threw down the statues of
Poppeea^ and^ carrying those of Octavia on their
shoidders; decorated them with flowers^ and placed
them in the forum and in the temples. They loudly
extolled the conduct of their prince^ and were about
to make the palace itself the scene of their exul-
tations^ when they were attacked by bands of
soldiers; who quickly dispersed them^ and replaced
the statues of Poppeea.
Agitated by indignation and fear^ Poppcea cast
herself at the feet of Nero^ and^ exerting that
powerful influence which she had grained over lus
mind^ persuaded him that the commotion of the
people was directed against his authority^ and that
neitiier he nor herself could live in security^ unless
instant vengeance was inflicted upon Octavia.
Although he was willing to listen to this sugges*
tion^ there appeared some difficulty in finding an
adequate plea for destroying Octavia^ afler the
failure of her late accusers. That the chax^
against her might admit no reftitatioui he deter*
mined to suborn a person who would acknow-
ledge himself guilty of adultery with her^ and who
was not too mean to be considered as her accomplice
in some treasonable design. Anicetus^ the com-
mander of the fleet at Misenum^ seemed calculated
for such a plot ; although he had not experienced
any high favour for his former crime of assas*
sinating Agrippina^ but had rather been viewed
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THE B01fA5 EMFEB0B8. 410
with that mistrust which confederates in wicked-
ness generally entertain for each other. Nero^
however^ sent for him^ and^ after acknowledging
the ready zeal with which he had assisted him
against lus mother, declared that he might now
perform a service of equal magnitude against his
wife ; that there was no need of violence or blood-
shed, as he was merely to confess that he had
committed adultery with Octavia; that for this
avowal he must si]d>mit to some seeming punish-
ment, but should covertly receive the highest i^e*
wards ; on the contrar}', if he revised to lend his
aid, he must expect to be punished with death.
Anicetus, who was deterred by no scruples of
virtue, and who saw no safe method of declining
the proposal, promised lus concurrence, and, in a
company of Nero's friends, made greater confessions
of his guilt with Octavia, than were even required
of him. He was banished under an appearance of
disgrace into Sardinia, where his wants were suffi-
ciently supplied until the day of his death.
Nero published an edict, alleging that disco-
veries were made, that Octavia had corrupted
Anicetus with the view of attaching the fleet to
her cause, and that the fruits of their adulterous
intercourse had been destroyed by abortion. In
making this last charge he forgot that he had^ a
short time before, accused her of sterility. Truth,
however, and justice were equally disregarded, and
the injured Octavia was banished to the island of
Pandataria. No exile ever experienced, or de-
served, greater.compassion from the Bomans. In
her earliest days she had been doomed to see her
father and her brother treacherously poisoned by
their nearest relatives ; she had been married to a
prince who had always treated her with disdain
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420 HIBTOBY OF
and cruelty^ and reserved all his affection for con-
cubines;- she had witnessed Poppaea usurping^ from
her the rights^ and at last the yery name^ of wife ;
and she was now driven into banishment under
infamous chargfes^ that were more terrifying than
death itself. She had suffered all these calamities
when she was little more than twenty years old *,
and a violent death was to be the conclusion of them«
She had not been many days in the island when
she was condemned to die by the opening of her
veins in all the limbs of her body ; but her fright
preventing the rapid flow of her bloody she was
suffocated by the vapour of a hot bath. Her head
was cut off^ carried to Rome^ and presented to the
cruel Poppaea. On account of this flagitious mur-
der^ sacrifices were offered in the temples ; and^ as
Tacitus observes^ it is to be remarked^ that^ when-
ever Nero commanded the death or banishment
of any of the citizens^ thanks were invariably
returned to the gods; so that those ceremonies,
which were intended as acknowledgments of public
prosperity^ became tokens of public misery. In
this same year^ he is believed to have destroyed
by poison two powerful freedmen, Doryphorus and
Pallas: the former fell a victim to his revenge
for having opposed his nuptials with Poppaea;
the latter, who was immensely rich and far advanced
in years, to his impatient eagerness to get posses-
sion of the old man's wealth.
Tae.iUn.zT. Au unjust practice had become prevalent at
Rome, for persons who had no children to adopt
sons, in order to hold offices and provinces with
greater advantage, and, as soon as they had sue*
ceeded in their wishes, to discard the objects of
* Tacitus says, she waa in her twentieth year ; hut there is soow diSI*
cnlty, as TiUemoiit ncplains, in supposing her so young.
ia-82.
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THE BOBiAN EMPEBORS. ^21
their adoption. A decree was therefore passed by
the senate^ that these feigned adoptions should not
entitle citizens to any of the privileges of the
state ^. A salutary law was proposed by Peetus
Thrasea^ respecting the testimonials of appro*
bation which the Roman governors were in the
habit of seeking from the inhabitants of the
provinces. Claudius Timarchus^ a Cretan^ was
accused (among other offences) of having as-
wrted^ that he had the power of determining
whether thanks should be returned to the pro-
consuls who had held the administration in
Grete« This induced Thrasea^ who was a vigilant
enemy to corruption^ to recommend that such
tributes of thanks should be forbidden^ because the
magistrates^ in the latter period of their office^
were tempted to act with weakness and servility
in order to gain them. The consuls made some
technical objection to his motion^ but it was soon
after carried by the authority of the emperor.
• * BytekwPopia Poppma, pmAltlet were Macted agilnst eeinNkcy^
I wldi a MftiiB aamber of ebilditu e^}ajed prirUtgw and Im*
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422 HISTORY OP
CHAPTEK V.
Vologeses wages war with the Bomans. — His forces
repulsed from Tigranocerta. — TVuee with Ccr*
• Jmlo. — JRenewal of the war in Armenia. — Patus
invested in his camp. — Carbulo hastens to his
succour. — Patus capitulates before his arrival. —
Subsequent truce between the Romans and Par-
thiatis. — Corbulo ordered to carry on the war. —
Tiridates agrees to go to Borne. — Lays his diadem
before Nereis statue. — Earthquake at PampeiL
— Popp4Ba bears a daughter y which shortly dies. —
' Nero appears on the stage at Naples. — Present
at a show of gladiators at Beneventum. — Puts
Torquatus Silanus to death. — Discouraged from
visiting the East. — Burning of Borne. — Nero
deemed the cause of the conflagration. — Bebuild-
• ing of the city and the golden palace. — Perseeu^
tion of the Christians. — Bemarks of Tacitus and
Suetonius on the Christians. — Depredations and
sacrilege of Nero. — Nerds cruelty to Seneca, and
alarm at the appearance of a comet.
YoLOOESES the Parthian monarchy when he
heard that his hrother Tiridates was expelled from
Trnn. Aim. xr *^® kingdom of Armenia, and Tigranes established
1—18. in his place, was stimulated to revengfe the insult
offered to the dignity of the Arsacidee. His re-
sentment was still further provoked by the ag-gres-
sion of Tigranes^ who invaded the neighbouring
territory of Adiabene, and committed extensive
ravages there, against which the king Monobazus
Dkm.lziJ.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 428
and his nobles appealed to the protection of the
Parthians. These injuries overcame the dilatory
disposition of Yologfeses^ and his dread of the
Boman power; so that he commanded one of his
generals^ Moneses^ instantly to invade Armenia^
while he himself collected a sufficient number of
forces to threaten the Boman provinces. Gorbulo^
being informed of his intentions^ sent two legions
from Syria for the succour of Tigranes^ with secret
injunctions that they should not act with precipi-
tation* He wrote to the emperor^ advising that a
commander should be sent for the express purpose
of defending Armenia^ because his own province of
Syria was in imminent danger of being attacked
by Yologeses. In the mean time he arranged his
legions along the banks of the Euphrates^ armed
a body of provincial forces^ and made careful pre-
parations for opposing any invasion of the Par-
thians.
Moneses^ though he marched with rapidity^ did
not surprise Tigranes^ but found him in safe occu-
pation of the city of Tigranocerta^ which was
strongly fortified and well supplied with troops
and provisions. When he attempted to storm it;
his attack was easily repulsed^ and his men were
slaughtered in a sally by the Romans. Cor-
bulo; upon hearing of this defeat of the Parthian
general, sent ambassadors to Yologeses to expos-
tulate with him for waging war against an ally of
the BomanS; and against the Boman troops them-
selves, and to threaten him, if he did not desist^
with an invasion of his own country. The cen-
turion who was entrusted with the embassy found
the king at Nisibis^ which was distant about thirty-
seven miles from Tigranocerta, and he delivered
his message in a tierce and haughty manner.
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424 HISTORY OF
Yblogeses had a fixed reluctance to encounter the
Roman arms; and when he reflected upon his
unsuccessful commencement of the war^ and found
himself without forage for his horses^ as a swarm
of locusts had consumed all the herbage^he deemed
it most prudent to accede to a truce with Corbulo.
Having promised that he would send ambasftadors
to Rome to adjust the afiairs of Armenia^ and to
ratify a peace^ he commanded Moneses to raise
the siege of Tigranocerta^ and he himself began
his retreat. The Roman troops were withdrawn
from Tigranocerta^ and retired into Cappadocia.
Historians do not relate what became of Tigranes;
although it is probable that^ after the departure of
his allies^ he was unable to maintain his authority
over the Armenians. But it is difficult to con-
jecture why Corbulo recalled his forces from H-
granocerta^ unless we believe the complaints which
were made against him^ that he had entered into a
secret compact with Vologeses, or that he was
desirous of aggravating the difficulty of the war
for the commander on whom it should devolve.
This commander was Ceesennius Psetus^ who
began to disparage Corbulo's late achievements,
and to boast how greatly his own would surpass
them. A ti*ial was not denied him ; for the amba&»
sadors of Vologeses returned from Rome without
success, and the war was renewed by the Parthians*
Paetus, therefore, entered Armenia with two legions^
and hurried them over Mount Taurus, for the pur*
pose (as he pretended) of recovering Tigranocerta.
He took a few castles, and captured some booty ;
but after long and useless marches he led back his
army at the approach of winter, and wrote a pom-
pous letter to Nero, as if the war had been finished.
In the mean time, Corbulo had strongly fortified the
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 425
banks of the Euphrates^ thrown a bridge over the
liver^ and presented so formidable an array to the
Partliians^ that they abandoned their project of
inyading Syria^ and marched into Armenia against
Psetus. This improvident general had allowed
one of the legions under his command to remain in
Pontus^ and had greatly weakened the two which
he had with him^ by indiscriminately granting the
soldiers leave of absence. The force^ however^ which
he mustered would have been sufficient to resist the
Parthians^ if he had not been both unskiliul and
obstinate. Although he was incompetent to form
any plan of defence for himself^ he refused to listen
to the suggestions of abler officers; nor did he
adhere to any consistent mode of action^ but was
continually varying his precipitate schemes. His
men^ being devoid both of unanimity and courage^
were instantly routed by Yologeses^ and those who
had not strength or opportunity to fly, were shut
up and besieged in their camp. The boastful
Psetus^ who had before written with great reluct-
ance to inform Corbulo of the approach of the Par-
thians, now sent the most urgent entreaties that he
would hasten to deliver the remains of his unfor-
tunate army.
Corbulo^ leaving part of his forces in Syria^ con-
ducted the remainder through Commagene and
Cappadocia^ and^ in addition to the usual apparatus
of war, was accompanied by a multitude of camels
laden with com. He continued his march day and
night in order to reach Armenia, and, whenever he
met any of the fugitives of the other army, com-
manded them to return to their standards. Pcetus,
being as much destitute of courage as of skill, soon
pelded to a disgraceful capitulation with the Par-
thians^ consenting to withdraw all his men from
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426 HISTOBY OF
Armenia^ and to surrender all the castles and pro-
yisions. On these conditions his legions were
liberated from siege^ and Yologeses was allowed to
send an embassy to Nero. The Romans^ according
to Suetonius^ were constrained to pass under the
siiet.TL9o. yoke: their departure from their camp was cer-
tainly attended with every circumstance of degra-
dation and insult^ and their vaunting leader
retreated with so much rapidity^ that his wounded
were left behind. When he met the army fix>m
Syria on the banks of the Euphrates^ his men were
received by their more fortunate comrades with a
generous sjrmpathy^ and even with tears. Corbulo
briefly complained that the Parthians might have
been put to flight and the war finished : on which
Paetus declared that all was safe^ that they might
unite their forces^ and re-enter Armenia. But
Corbulo considered it necessary to return to Syria
for the protection of that province. Messengers
afterwards came from Yologeses^ requiring that
Corbulo should destroy his forts on the eastern bonk
of the Euphrates^ and make that river^ as before^
the boundary of the two empires. The Bcnnan
general^ on his part^ required that the Parthian
gparrisons should be withdrawn from Armenia.
These terms were mutually acceded to; and the con*
tested territory was once more free frt>m invaders.
At Rome^ trophies and triumphal arches were
erected^ as if victories had been gained over the
Parthians.
Nsmo, In the beginning of Springy the ambassadors of
▲.^d! 08. Vologeses arrived^ and stated that^ notwithstanding
the success of their king in Armenia^ he would act
with forbearance and moderation ; that Tiridates
would have submitted to receive the diadem at
Rome^ if he had not been prevented by his sacer*
The. Ann. xr,
34—31.
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THS BOMAN EMPEBORS. 427
dotal office; but that he was willing to pay
reverence to the Roman standards and the effigy*
of the Prince^ and to assume lus kingly functions
in the presence of the legions. These intimations
were so much at variance with the accounts which
Pastas transmitted to Bome^ that a centurion who
came with the ambassadors was questioned con-
cerning the state of affairs in Annenia^ and he
divulged the truth^ that all the Bomans had
quitted that country. Nero^ therefore^ deliberated
with his counsellors^ and as they recommended a
continuance of the war^ the ambassadors were
dismissed; presents^ however^ were given them^
from which they might hope that the request of
Tiridates^ if proffered by himself^ would not be
rejected. The management of the war was con-
fided to Corbulo with almost unbounded authority ;
for the kings and tetrarchs^ and all the governors
of the adjoining provinces^ were to obey his orders.
The foolish Pcetus was recalled^ and^ on his return
to Bome^ received no further punishment than this
satirical remark from Nero: ^^I forgive you
instantly^ because^ if I kept you long in suspense^
yon would be ill from fear.''
Corbulo^ having assembled a considerable army^
again marched into Armenia. He was met by am-
bassadors from Tiridates and Yologeses^ who came
to treat of peace ; and he endeavoured^ by secret
representations^ to convince them of the impolicy of
ruining the kingdom of Armenia by the miseries of
war^ and of engaging the Parthian empire in a con*
test with the Romans^ who were at peace with all
other nations. To add the weight of terror to his
a^fumeHts^ he punished those Armenians who had
been the first to revolt from the Romans, by driv-
ing them from their habitations, and destroying all
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428 HISTOKT OF
KBRa, their castles. Tiridates^^ inflaenced by the appeals
▲.B. 03, which were made to him^ desired a conference with
''^^^~' the Roman general^ and the place selected for it
was the spot where the legions of Psetus had been
lately besieged. On the day appointed for the
interview^ the king first alighted from his horse^
Corbolo immediately followed his example^ and
they joined their hands in token of fidelity. Tiri-
dates^ after expatiating on the lustre of his race^
agreed to go to Rome^ and to present to Cflesar the
spectacle of one of the Arsacidee coming as his
suppliant; though not in adversity; in the mean
time^ he consented to deposit his diadem before the
image of Nero^ and not to resume it* except from
his hand. TIfis ceremony took place a few days
after^ amidst a splendid array of the Roman and
jParthian troops. A curule seat^ supporting the
image of Nero^ was placed on an elevation ; and
TiridateS; after sacriiSces had been offered^ ap-
proached it; and; taking the diadem from his head;
laid it before the emperor's effigy. ThuS; in the
country where the Romans had lately suffered the
basest indignities; the brother of the Parthian
conqueror paid homage to a statue of their princO;
and consented to gt) to his capital with all the
humility of a suppliant. Yologeses earnestly
requested of CorbidO; that Tiridates should be
treated on his journey with the distinction be-
coming his rank ; but he ought to have remem-
bered that his brother's honour would have been
best guarded by firmness and valour.
Tac Ann. xr. On the fifth of February in this year (or; ac-
s^ec Nat. cordiug to TacituS; in the preceding); a great part
Qii.vi.1. ^f ti^Q tQ^Q Qf Pompeii was overthrown by an
earthquake. The shock extended to the surround-
ing places of Campania; and destroyed part of
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 420
HercuTaneum. It killed a flock of six hundred nbbo,
sheep^ cleft asunder the statues^ and deprived some 4.^0. 63.
persons of their intellects. ' Pompeii^ a few years ^— v— ^
afterwards, was destined to undergt) a still more
dreadful calamity.
Nero was filled with immoderate joy on learning t«c. Ann. xr.
that Poppaea had home him a daughter. The
child was horn at Antium, which was his oiiTi
birth*place, and received, as well as her mother,
the title of Augusta. The senate testified their
adulation by making public vows, and decreeing
the celebration of games, and also by recom-
mending the womb of Poppaea to the gods, and
ordering a temple to be erected to Fecundity / The
child, however, expired in the fourth month of her
B^j and the senate voted her divine honours, with
a temple and priest. Nero was as extravagant in
his grief as he had been in his joy.
The nations of the maritime Alps were admitted t^. aoo. xw.
this year to the same rights as the inhabitants of ^
Latium. Seats in front of the people were granted
to the Roman knights in the circus ) the Roscion
law had already given them that privilege in the
theatre. Splendid shows of gladiators were exhi«
bited, and many senators, and even illustrious
women, disgraced themselves by appearing in the
arena.
Nero was every day inflamed iiith a stronger nbbo,
^lesire of singing on the public stage, for hitherto a^.^o.^04.
his performances had been confined to private ^^«""- »▼•
houses and gardens, which he considered far too
limited a sphere for his extraordinary voice. He
did not, however, venture to begin at Home, but
selected Naples for the exhibition of his musical
powers, intending to pass from thence into Greece,
and, by gaining the most ancient and celebrated
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480 HI8T0BT OF
prizes^ to Btiiaulate the curiosity and applause of
the Romans. The theatre^ in which he sang at
Naples^ had not been long emptied of its audience,
when it was thrown down by an earthquake ; but,
instead of being alarmed by the accident^ he con-
sidered it as an instance of the providential &Your
of the gods^ and celebrated it by some hymns
composed for the occasion. On his way to the
Adriatic, he stopped at Beneventum, where an
exhibition of gladiators was given by Yatinius,
who was originally a shoemaker of that town, but
by his scurrilous wit and malevolent detractions
had elevated himself into favour with the em-
peror *. In the midst of his pleasures Nero did
not desist from cruelty, but prepared a frivolous
accusation against Torquatus Silanus, who had
excited his jealousy by the liberality of his ex-
penditure, and by his descent from Augustas.
Torquatus, perceiving that his condemnation was
fixed, opened the veins of his arms, and expired ;
upon which Nero, with insulting hypocrisy, de-
clared that, although he was manifestly g^ty, he
would have been spared if he had waited for the
clemency of his judge.
Suet tl 19. For some unknown reason Nero deferred his
de^'^T'^' journey into Greece, and returned to Rome^ where
he publicly announced his intention of visiting
Egypt and the provinces of the east. But before
his departure, he was suddenly seized, in the tem-
ple of Vesta, with a tremor over his whole body
and a dizziness in his head, which so alarmed him
that he remained at Rome, assuring the citizens
* Aom fha cobbler of Beneventum, who was m deforaMd In hk body m
ho was malidoos in his mind, certain cnpa were called VatinUm^ wfakh are
allnded to in JnTonal (Sat. t. 46), and In one of Martial's epigi«Ba(siT. 9S>.
See the note of lipalvs, Tac Ann. xr. 84.
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THS ROMAN EMPEB0B8. 431
that the sorrow^ which they expressed at the fear if bbo,
of his absence^ had induced him to change his a.o.G4.
resolution. The people^ on account of the amuse- ''■^>'— '
ments with which he gratified them^ were really
pleased at his stay. The senators, after doubting
whether he was more to be dreaded at a distance,
or near them, came to the conclusion, which com-
monly results from all disagreeable alternatives,
that the event which had befallen them was the
more g^rievous. He regaled the people with feasts
in all the public places of the city ; and an enter-
tainment, which was given under the superinten-
dence of TigeUinus, was remarkable for unbounded
extravagance and licentiousness. A large raft, on
which tables were spread, was towed about the
lake of Agrippa by vessels ornamented with gold
and ivory : men and women, even those of the
highest rank, abandoned themselves to the most
dissolute pleasures ; and Nero, that no vice nor folly
might be omitted by him, acted the part of a bride
to a man named Pythagoras, put on ^e nuptial veil,
and went through all the ceremonies of marriage.
After this, Rome was the scene of one of theTae.Ann.xT.
most terrible calamities that eyer afflicted the im- ^;^vi. 38.
perial city. A fire broke out in that part of the ^^<^»- ^*^-
circus which was contiguous to the Palatine and
Ceelian hills ; and as there were many shops there,
filled with combustible materials, and the wind
was high, it immediately spread with violent
rapidity. It raged from valley to hill, and from
hill to valley, meeting with little obstruction to its
course in a city which had been hastily rebuilt,
after its capture by the Gauls, with close, irregu-
lar, and winding streets. The consternation of
the citizens, who beheld their houses suddenly
enveloped in flames, their hurried anxiety to save
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432 mSTOKY OF
NsBo, the lives of themselves and relatives^ or to snatch
a! D. fti. their property from destruction^ the lamentations of
^"^^^^^ women and children, and the piteous cries of the
sick and feeble, filled every place with indescribable
tumnlt and confusion* If any one attempted to
extingfuish the flames he was threatened and inti-
midated by a body of incendiaries, some of whom
openly set fire to buildings, declaring that they
had authority for what they did : which was either
true, or advanced for the purpose of aiding their
schemes of licence and rapine. It was not until
the sixth day that the fire was arrested at the foot
of the Esquiline hill, by throwing down edifices for
a considerable distance, and forming a barrier to
its progress. The people had not recovered from
their fears when it broke out again, and raged^ ap-
parently, for three days more *, during which the
porticoes and temples of the gods were the places
principally consumed.
Of the fourteen districts into which ancient
Home was divided, three were entirely destroyed,
four remained uninjured, and in the other seven
the fire had committed such ravages, as to leave
little but the ruins of habitations. The most ancient
structures, such as the great altar and fane which
Evander had built to Hercules, the temple of
Jupiter Stator vowed by Romulus, the temple of
Luna built by Servius Tullius, the palace of Numa,
and the temple of Vesta, together with the Penates
of the lloman people, were all burnt. Most of the
religious edifices, which were vowed and dedicated
in the time of the Gallic and Punic wars, shared
* Tadtnf lays, the fire wis subdued on the sixth day, bat soon bvok«
om again. Soetonina relates, that it lasted six days and seven Dighti;
but there is an ancient inscription, which is given by Casanbon In bis mSs
on SueL Ti. 38, denoting that it continued fbr nine days. QiMiule mrkt fer
I liies artit, Senmianii iemporihmM,
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 433
the same fate: also immense stores of wealth, nbko,
ibnumerable statues and painting by Greek a.d.64.
artists^ and the literary productions of poets^ ^^— v— ^
orators^ and historians. It was remarked as a
singfular coincidence^ that the city was set on
fire the same day of the year*^ as it had been
formerly by the Gauls under Brennus. Nero,
as ruthless as a whole army of barbarians, is
considered to have been the author of this second
conflagration ; for Suetonius and Dion unequivo-
cally impute it to him, and Tacitus briefly observes,
that it was uncertain whether it arose from acci-
dent, or the malice of the prince. He was at
Antium when it commenced, and did not return to
Rome until it approached his palace ; but this and
all the adjoining buildings were consumed by its
yiolence. The wretched people, suddenly deprived
of their homes, were obliged to seek refiige in the
Campus Martins, and in the tombs and public
edifices of the city. Nero, afiecting commiseration
for their suflerings, or dreading the fury of their
resentment, opened his gardens, and caused build-
ings to be quickly raised for their reception, and at
the same time lowered the price of com, and
ordered furniture to be brought from Ostia and
the neighbouring towns. But all this appearance
of humanity procured him no thanks, as it was
folly believed that during the calamity he had
ascended a high tower^ and, struck with the heanty
of the conflagration (as he teimed it), sung a poem
upon the destruction of Troy, arrayed in his
theatrical dress. It was remembered also, that
when the fire broke out a second time, it began
near the house of his minister Tigellinus. From
these and other circumstances the people were
* The 18th of July. S«e LipsioB on Tae. Ann. zvi. Exc. A. — Ed.
VOL. I. F P
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434 HISTORY OF
^'so, persuaded^ that the burning of their capital was
A.D.64. not an accidental event, but had been deliberately
^"^'^"'^ committed by the orders of their emperor.
In rebuilding* the city^ due regard was paid to
both beauty and convenience. The direction of the
streets was marked out^ the roads were widened,
the houses were not to exceed a certain height, and
were to be ornamented with porches. These porches
Nero promised to erect at his own expense, and
also to clear the ground before the buildings were
commenced. Rewai*ds, proportionate to the rank
and fortune of each, were given to all the citizens
who rebuilt their houses within a specified time.
The useless rubbish was to be conveyed to the
marshes of Ostia, in the vessels which brought com
up the Tiber from that port. To protect the city
from the recurrence of such a calamity as had just
destroyed it, he ordered that instead of timber^
Gabinian and Alban stone, which was impervious to
fire, should be used in certain parts of the buildings,
that every house should be protected by separate
walls, that each person should be fumbhed with
some helps for extinguishing sudden fires, and that
inspectors should be appointed for distributing a
more general supply of water. The city, as it
arose from its ruins, presented in some respects a
more beautiful aspect than before ; but the elder
citizens could not forbear complaining, that there
were many antiquities and monuments of genius
which could never be replaced. Some also were of
opinion, that the ancient construction of the city
was more conducive to health, because the narrow
streets and lofty houses excluded the rays of the
sun, which were now allowed to spend their fury
upon the heads of the citizens.
Nero is said to have had the intention of ex-
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THE ROMAN EMPEBORS. 485
tending the walls of Borne as far as Ostia^ and of nbko,
conveying* the sea water into the old city hy a canal. a!d.64'.
It was in conformity with these imperial notions of ^'— v — '
magnitude that he rebuilt his palace^ which he dis- tk. Ann. xV.
tinguished with the epithet of Golden. The vesti- **'
bule was so large^that it contained a colossal statue
of himself a hundred and twenty feet high ; and
there was a triple portico extending the length of a
mile. The grounds were diversified with meadows,
cornfields^ vineyards, and forests, and contained a
great variety of wild and tame animals; there
were also prodigious lakes, surrounded \^ith build-
ings in form of a city. All the interior parts of
the palace were richly ornamented with gold, pre-
cious stones, and mother-of-pearl. The principal
banqueting-room was circular, and was continually
revolving in imitation of the celestial bodies ; and
in this and other apartments, there were contri-
vances for scattering flowers and sprinkling per-
fumes on the heads of the guests. The baths were
supplied with sea water as well as fresh. Nero
was so far satisfied with his new palace, as to ob-
serve, that he had at length got a habitation fit for
a man ! Among other vast undertakings, on which
he expended his treasures, he attempted to dig a
canal, wide enough for large gallies to pass each
other, from the Lake Avernus to Ostio, which was
a distance of a hundred and sixty miles ; but he
was obliged to relinquish the work.
As it was customary for the Romans to offer ex- Tac. Ann. xv.
piations to the gods after any great calamit)^, the ttk vi. lo.
Sibylline books were consulted in consequence of
the burning of the city, and religious rites were
performed to Vulcan, Ceres, and Proserpine ; and
by the matrons chiefly to Juno. But, whatever
efforts Nero made to repair the actual losses of the
FF2
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436 HISTORY OF
nbko, citizens, or to appease the supposed angler of the
A.D.04. gods, the people continued to believe that the con-
^ — ^ — ' flagration had resulted from his orders. Wishing"
to allay their suspicions, and to remove the odium
universally attaching to him, he endeavoured to fix
the crime upon the Christians, who at that time
were residing in considerable numbers at Rome, but
whose tenets and manners were exceedingly unpo*
pular. Those, who fearlessly confessed the religion
which they had espoused, were first apprehended
by his orders, and^ in consequence of the informa-
tion which they gave, numbera of others were seized,
and all subjected to the most horrible punishments.
Nero's cruelty was not satisfied with merely put-
ting them to death; some were clothed in the
skins of wild beasts and torn to pieces by dogs ;
some were nailed to crosses ; and others, after being
€nveloped in inflammable materials, were set on fire
at sunset, and burned for the purpose of illumin-
ating the darkness of night. The emperor's own
gardens were the scene of these barbarities, and
were offered by him for that iniquitous purpose ;
he also exhibited circensian games, driving his
horses, and mingling in the crowd in the dress of a
charioteer. The people, however, commiserated
the sufferings of the Christians, not because the3^
had any regard for their religion, but because they
saw them unjustly tormented for the sake of excul-
pating Nero from an atrocious charge.
This is the first persecution which the Christian
church experienced from the Roman emperors^
and it is important to notice the manner in which
it is described by the ancient authors, Tacitus and
Suetonius. The former of these historians gives
exactly the same account of the origin of our re-
ligion, as we ourselves admit upon the testimony
of more authentic writers. He says, that the
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THE BOMATf EMPEBOBS. 437
Christians derived their appellation from Christy
who was put to death^ in the reign of Tiberius^ by
the procurator Pontius Pilate ; that their religfion,
after being suppressed for a time^ broke out afresh,
and was not only disseminated through Judoea, but
penetrated as far as the Roman capital. This is in*
controvertible evidence, furnished by a hostile
writer, both of the antiquity of our religion, and
of the rapid manner in which it was propagated
after the death of Christ. But while he supplies
us with this important testimony, both he and
Suetonius give most unfavourable representations
of the early Christians. The latter historian calls
them ^^ men addicted to a new and mischievous
superstition." But his terms of reproach are light
compared with those of Tacitus, who describes them
as guilty of hating the human species, odious for
their crimes, and deserving the utmost severity of
punishment. In drawing such a character of the
Christians, the two historians obviously took little
trouble to write with impartiality and truth. The
subject was so uncongenial to their habits and pre-
judices^ that they would scarcely impose upon
themselves the labour of any extraordinary in-
vestigations, but would readily admit the popular
rumours concerning a sect which they despised.
Men in the present day must be allowed to be
much more accurate judges of the principles of
Christianity, than the two heathen historians ; and
unless the early Christians of Rome, at a time they
were sacrificing all their prejudices and interests
for the sake of religion, lived in direct and open
variance with their professed principles, it is impos-
sible to believe the charges alleged against them.
That they were objects of suspicion and dislike
to the people, in whose cities they resided, is ex-
ceedingly credible, because they were obliged to
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488
HISTORY OF
Nbro,
10,11.
A. D. 64.
Tae. AnD. xt«
45—47.
Saet vi. 36.
evince a marked repu^ance to the manners and
sentiments of the heathens^ to avoid their idolatrous
altars^ and to absent themselves from their cruel
and licentious amusements. The unpopularity of
the Christians^ of which we have sufficient testi-
mony^ is a proof that they adhered to some princi*
pies different from those which guided the rest of
the world ; it also shows^ that their religion did
not offer any allurements to the passions of the
crowd, but gained its converts by the irresistible
efficacy of truth.
Nero, having* exhausted his treasures by building
and other acts of profusion, levied ruinous contri-
butions upon the inhabitants of Italy and the
provinces; nor were the allied people, and the cities
called free, protected from his rapacity. He did
not scruple to plunder the temples of Bome, and to
strip them of the gold which had been accumulating
there for ages ; he also sent persons into Greece and
Asia to carry away not only the sacred offerings,
but even the statues of the gods themselves. It was
reported that Seneca, lest he should appear to be
implicated in the guilt of this sacrilege, requested
permission to retire into the country, and when it
was refused, he pretended illness and confined
himself to his chamber. Some persons affirmed,
according to Tacitus, that Nero attempted to
poison him; but either the plot was disclosed by
the freedman who was to execute it, or Seneca
frustrated it by living upon fruits and water.
Among other prodigies supposed to portend
evil, a comet appeared, which filled Nero with so
much anxiety, that he consulted an astrologer upon
the subject, and was advised by him to put to death
the most illustrious citizens, and by this kind of
expiation to avert the danger from himself.
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THE ROMAN EMFEBOBS. 430
CHAPTER VL
A dangerous conspiracy is formed against Nero by
PisOy Fenins JRufaSy and others. — Epicliaris
reveals it to Proculus^ and is betrayed by him. —
7%^ conspirators resolve to execute their plan at
the Circensian Games. — Are discovered by the
imprudence of Scevinus.—Epicharis, being put
to the torturCy refuses to confess^ and at last
strangles herself. — Duplicity of Fenius Bufus.
— Death of Piso and Lateranus. — Bufus is
discovered. — Sub. Flavins and Snip. Asper boldly
reproach Nero for his nnchedness. — Vestinus,
though not involved in the plotj is put to death by
Nero. — Death and character of Lucan the poet.
— Seneca the philosopher commanded to die. —
Consoles his friends. — He and his wife Paullina.
open their veins at the same time. — The life of
Paullina saved by the orders of Nero. — Seneca
easpires after great torture. — Supposed to have
been destined for the imperial dignity by some of
the conspirators. — The attache made by Dion
upon his moral character. — Sis merit as a
nrriter. — The feigned joy of the people of Borne,
upon the disclosure of the conspiracy. — Idola^
trous worship offered to Nero.
The execrable cruelties and follies of Nero^ at neho,
leo^h^ incited many of the Romans to form a a.d. 65.
powerAil conspiracy agtiinst his life. The ostensible
head of the plot was C. Calpurnius Piso, who was l^^kc^.
connected by descent with several of the most
illustrious families of Rome, and had acquired u
Tac. Ann. xv.
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440 mSTOBY OF
itbbo, high degree of popularity by his attractive qualities.
▲.0.65. Eloquence in defending the accused^ liberalily to
^""^^^^ friends^ and courtesy to strang^rs^ were recom-
mended by the external advantages of a graceful
mien^ and a commanding stature. He was by no
means rigid in morals^ but indulged in luxury and
pleasure ; this, however^ did not disparage him in
the eyes of the multitude^ who were too corrupt
themselves to desire much austerity in the person
whom they purposed to raise to the imperial power.
Although he was considered the chief of the con-
spiracy^ yet the plot did not originate with him^ nor
is it certain who it was that first proposed it; but
as soon as it was known, it was eagerly abetted by
many of the military, the knights, and the senators^
and even by women who were inflamed with a
hatred of Nero. Subrius Flavins^ a tribune of a
prsetorian cohort, and Sulpicius Asper, a centurion^
were the most prompt and zealous in the cause.
Plautius Lateranus, consul elect, espoused it from
pure and patriotic motives ; but Airanius Quincti-
anus, a senator, was instigated to revenge the
insults which he had received from Nero ; and M.
Annaeus Lucanus, the poet, and the author of the
Pharsalia^ was provoked by the petty jealousy
with which the emperor had depreciated his fame^
and suppressed his verses. Besides these, a senator
named Flavins Scevinus, Tulliiis Senecio^ who en-
joyed gi*eat intimacy with Nero, and Antonius Nata-
lis, who possessed the confidence of Piso, were emi-
nent persons in the conspiracy. But the partisan who
appeared of the greatest weight was Fenius Bufus^
one of the preetorian preefects, who was unable to
resist the calumnies of his colleague Tigellinus, or to
contend with him in the base and cruel arts by which
he forestalled the favour of the prince. When the
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 441
conspirators were assured that he had joined their nbeo,
party, they hegan with greater confidence to deli- aVd/^.
herate upon the manner of executing their project. '^^ v— ^
Suhrius Flavins proposed that Nero should
he attacked while he was singing upon the stage,
or else in his house at night. Neither of these
suggestions was adopted ; and while the conspira*
tors wavered in the choice of their plans, a certain
freedwoman, named Epicharis, became acquainted
with liieir design, and though she had never before
exhibited any instances of resolution and virtue,
she advocated it with greater warmth than all the
rest. She endeavoured to animate their zeal by
her reproofs, and, as she was living in Campania,
she resolved to solicit some of the commanders of
the fleet at Misenum to favour the plot. With
this view she explored the sentimente of Yolusius
Proculus, who had been engaged in the murder of
Agrippina; and as she found that he was dissa-
tisfied with the rewards which he had received for
so great a crime, she hinted to him that he might
easily repair the injustice which had been done to
him, and disclosed the existence of the conspiracy.
Instead of acceding to it with the alacrity which
she had expected, he betrayed her to Nero; but
as she had concealed the names of the conspirators,
and no witnesses could be produced against her,
she easily repelled the accusation. Nero, however,
judged that the charge, though not corroborated,
might be true, and therefore ordered her to be
detained in custody.
The conspirators, beginning to fear detection,
wished to murder Nero without delay in the villa
of Piso at Baise, where he was a frequent guest,
and where he used to disencumber himself of his
guards. But Piso resisted this proposal, declaring
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44*3 HISTOBY OF
?i'^8' ^^^^ ^^^^ would make their cause odious, if they
A. D. 65. violated the sacred rites of the tahle, and polluted
^^''^^ the gods of Hospitality, by the blood even of the
most flagitious prince. He is said to have been
secretly afraid, that such a plan might deprive him
of the imperial dignity, and be the means of con*
ferring it upon some other competitor. At last it
was resolved, that the assassination should take
place on the festival of Ceres*, when the celebra-
tion of the circensian games would afford oppor-
tunities of free access to the emperor. Lateranus,
who was remarkable for his strength as well as
his courage, was to fall at his knees, on pretence
of offering a petition, and to throw him on the
ground; and in this position he was to be des-
patched by the rest of the conspirators. Scevinus
requested the privilege of strilang the first blow,
and for this object he selected a dagger from
one of the temples, and wore it about hun as an
instrument devoted to some important work.
The plot, though communicated to persons of
various denominations, was carefully concealed by
them all, until nearly the last moment, when the
imprudence of Scevinus was the cause of its dis-
closure. In the former part of his life he had so
abandoned himself to luxury and indolence, that
he was little expected to eng^age in any hazardous
enterprise ; and though he was faithful and zealous
in the conspiracy against Nero, he proved at last
that he had not the caution and composure neces-
sary for such an undertaking. On the day before
the games, after holding a long conference with
Natalis, he went home and sealed his will; and
* The CereaUa^ or feitinl of CarM, took pkoe in April ; bnt on wlwt
day MhoUn «re not agreed. Emeetl and Brotier airign iti eeMmtioa to
the 10th; Lipeim to the I3th; Smith (Diet tf Ani.),\o the 7thorldth
day of the month.— £o.
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THE BOMAN EHP£BOBS. 443
complaining that his faTOurite dagger was blunted^ nbso,
he commanded his freedman Milichus to sharpen 2.V£.
it. At the same time^ preparations were made for ^^-^v^*^
a more snmptuous dinner than nsnal; he presented
some of his slaves with money^ and some with their
freedom^ ordered bandages and other things neces-
sary for wonnds to be got ready^ and appeared to
be absorbed in deep and anzions dionght^ although
he affected to be joyous. Milichns^ observing this
extraordinary behaviour^ began to suspect the
cause of it ; and when he consulted with his wife^
she stimulated both his fears and his avarice^ by
showing that it was useless to conceal those facts
of which so many slaves and freedmen had been
witnesses^ and by urging him to hasten to gain the
rewards which would be given to the first informer.
As soon^ therefore^ as it was day-break^ Milichus
appeared before the imperial residence^ and^ having
gained admission to Nero by declaring himself the
messenger of some important intelligence^ com*
municated all that he had seen^ and all that he
suspected. Scevinus was hurried firom his home
by a military guard^ and made a plausible de-
fence of himself^ explaining all the circumstances
alleged against him as no more than ordinary
occurrences^ except the preparation of the liga-
ments^ which^ he said^ Milichus had undertaken
at his own suggestion^ and for the purpose of
strengthening Us malicious accusation. He re-
viled the pei^dy of his fireedman^ and conducted
himself with so much firmness^ that the charge was
beginning to appear unfounded^ when the wife of
Milichus stated^ that Scevinus had lately held many
secret conversations with Natalis^ and that they
both were intimate friends of Piso. Natalis was
consequently summoned; and when the answers
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444 HISTORY OP
vmo, elicited from him and from Scevinus^ respectingp
▲. D.05. the subject of their conferences^ did not agree^ they
^•^^•^ were put in chains and threatened with torture.
Natalis^ being* terrified into an acknowledgment
of the conspu*acy^ first divulged the name of Piso^
and then of Seneca. The confession of Scevinus
was soon afterwards extorted^ and it implicated
Senecio^ Quinctianus^ Lucan^ and other accomplices.
Nero^ remembering the information which he
had lately received against Epicharis^ and ima*
gining that the fortitude of a woman would be
easily overcome^ commanded her to be put to the
torture. But neither blows^ nor fire^ nor all the
fury of her tormentors^ who were enrnged at her
constancy^ could force her to make any confession.
One day having been wasted in these fruitless
endeavours^ she was to undergo on the foUowiBg*
a repetition of her barbarous trial^ and^ as her
dislocated limbs were unable to support her^ she
was carried in a chair. But before the cruelties
recommenced^ she contrived to make a noose of
part of her dress ; and having fiistened it to the
back of her seat^ she placed her neck in it, and^
leaning forward with the whole weight of her body^
strangled herself, and efiectually set her persecu-
tors at defiance. This firm devotedness, which a
woman displayed for the sake of protecting persons
who were almost unknown to her, formed a remark-
able contrast with the pusillanimity of some of the
male conspirators, who, without being compelled
by torture, betrayed those who should have been
most dear to them. A promise of impunity
induced Lucan to accuse his mother ; and Quino-
tianus and Senecio to accuse their principal frksnds ;
nor did they scruple afterwards to make a general
avowal of the names of the conspirators.
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 445
Nero^ who was in g^eat alarm for his life^ filled nbro,
the city with troops^ and closely surrounded him- a. Lei.
self with guards. Multitudes of accused persons ^— >^— ^
were brought before him, and were considered
criminal, if they had shown cordiality towards any
of the conspirators, or had accidentally met or
accosted them. Besides the severity of Nero and
Tigellinus, they had to experience that of Fenius
Bufus, who, though guilty himself, had not yet
been impeached by the accusers, and who hoped to
prove his ig^norance of the plot by ferocity towards
his accomplices. The conspirators might have
still succeeded in their design, if he had been
as firm and resolute as Subrius Flavins, who,
as he stood by him during* the examination,
offered to attack Nero ; but Kuius checked him .
as he was going* to raise his hand to the hilt of
his sword.
As soon as the treachery of Milichus was known ^
many of the friends of Fiso advised him not to
wait the result of the investigation, which would
certainly end in his destruction, but to encournge
the soldiers and the people to rise against Nero.
He did not, however, listen to their arguments,
but retired to his house, and there awaited his fate,
which was soon announced by the arrival of a
military force. He died by opening the veins of
his arms; and in his will he condescended to
appease Nero by base adulation, for the sake of
his wife Arria Galla, to whom he was warmly
attached, but who had no claim upon his admira-
tion beyond her beauty. The death of Lateranus
followed so quickly, that he had not time to em-
brace and take leave of his children. Being
hurried to a place where slaves were executed, he
was beheaded by a tribune, who was himself privy
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44G HISTORY OV
to the plot; but Lateranus^ who was a man
of great magnanimity^ preserved an honourable
silence^ and abstained from all reproaches.
The soldiers^ however, who were in the con-
spiracy, did not long* escape detection, nor was the
duplicity of Fenius Kufus unpunished. For as he
was threatening* and importuning some of the
accused, Scevinus turned to him with a sarcastic
smile, saying, ^^ There is no one better acquainted
with the affair than yourself/' Bufus began to
stammer, and betrayed his guilt by his terror and
confusion; fresh accusers appeared against him,
and he was seized and bound in the presence of
Nero. He. met his death with very little fortitude,
and gave utterance to fruitless lamentations, even
in his will. Subrius Flavins, the tribune, behaved
with much greater resolution; for, although at first
he attempted to evade the charge, yet he soon laid
aside all dissimulation, and when Nero asked him
why he had violated his military oath of allegiance,
he boldly replied, ^^ Because I detested you. No
soldier could have been more faithful to you, as
long as you deserved fidelity ; but I viewed you
with abhorrence, when I saw you become the
murderer of your mother and wife, a driver of
chariots, an actor, and an incendiary V When he
was going to be beheaded, the tribune commanded
him to stretch out his neck boldly ; to which he
replied, ^^ I wish you may strike as boldly .'^ Nor
was the reproof unjust, for the man scarcely sepa-
rated his head at two blows ; but he boasted of his
cruel awkwardness before Nero by saying, that he
had despatched him with a blow and a half. Sul-
picius Asper and some other centurions died
with a courage not unworthy of Roman soldiers ;
and when Asper was asked by Nero, why he had
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THE ROMAN EMPERORS. 447
conspired against him^ he replied^ ^^ I knew no nbro,
other way of rescuing* you from your flagitious a.d.65.
course of life.'' ^— v— ^
Nero had hoped that Atticus Yestinus^ who
was then consul^ would have been implicated in
the plot ; for he knew the impetuosity of his dispo-
sition^ and had cherished a secret hostility agttinst
him. A close intimacy had once subsisted between
them; but Yestinus had offended him b}"^ some
sharp raillery^ which had too much truth in it to
be easily forgiven by a prince^ and had also pre-
sumed to marry Statilia Messalina^ although he
knew that Nero was one of her paramoui*s. He
had not, however, been admitted into the confi-
dence of the conspirators, and therefore could not
be condemned with the formalities of justice ; but
Nero, in the exercise of arbitrary power, sent a
tribune with a cohort of soldiers to attack him in
his house. Yestinus had discharged that day all the
duties of consul, and was dining with his ii-iends,
when a band of soldiers, entering the room, com-
manded him to appear before the tribune. He
rose without hesitation, and was conducted by
them to a bed-chamber, where a surgeon was
ready to open his veins. Before his strength
failed, he was thrust into a bath, and immersed in
hot water, forbearing all the time to utter any
lamentation or complaint. His unfortunate guests
were placed under guard, and not set at liberty
until late at night; while Nero ridiculed their
terror, and observed, that they had paid dearly
enough for dining with the consul !
In the death of Senecio, Quinctianus, Scevinus,
and other conspirators, nothing memorable oc-
curred. When the veins of Lucan the poet were
opened, and he perceived that his extremities were
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448 HISTORY OP
nbso, jewing cold^ while his heart was warm^ and his
▲.D.(i5. faculties unshaken^ he remembered the descrip-
^"■""^^"^ tion*, which he had given in one of his poems^ of
a soldier dying under similar circumstances. He
began to recite the verses^ and they were the last
words which he uttered. As a man^ he has dis*
graced his memory by the charge which he made
against his mother^ especially as that charge is
supposed to have been false ; it is certain^ that she
was not punished for the alleged offence. As a
writer^ his poem called Pharsalia has raised him
to considerable reputation; although many ^ill
subscribe to the opinion of Quintilian^ that he
wrote more like an orator than a poet. Great
indulgence^ however^ ought to be shown to his
literary faults^ when it is remembered^ that he
died at the early age of twenty-six. He was bom
at Corduba in Spain^ and was the nephew of the
philosopher Seneca.
Seneca himself^ whether justly or not, was
implicated in this fatal conspiracy, ^atalis
affirmed^ that on ha>dng been sent to him, during
his illness, to complain that he excluded Piso
from his society, he had answered, that a frequent
intercourse was not conducive to the interest
of either of them^ but that his welfare and Piso's
were inseparably united. Nero, who had long*
desired to accomplish the death of his pre-
ceptor, sent Silvanus the tribune of a preetorian
cohort, to enquire whether he remembered the
message of Natalis and his own answer. Seneca
had just returned from Campania, and was at his
country-house, about four mUes from Bome, when
he was met by the bearer of the emperor^s com*
mands. He acknowledged that Natalis had visited
• Soppoied to be in the Phtanaha, ill. S35, or is. 80&.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 440
him for the purpose stated, and that he had excused niro,
the visits of Piso upon the grounds of ill healthy A^i^ek.
and a love of retirement. He declared that he ""— v— '
could not assign any reason^ why he should prefer
the welfare of a private person to his own, (which
no doubt was the pretence on which he was accused
of conspiring witii Piso); but that Nero himself
had received sufficient experience, that he was not
addicted to flattery and servility. This free but
innocent answer was reported to Nero, while he
was sitting in company with Poppaea and Tigelli-
nus, who were his secret counsellors in projects of
cruelty. The emperor asked whether Seneca was
preparing himself for a voluntary death; and
when the tribune replied that he saw no signs of
perturbation either in his words or looks, ^^ Then
return,'^ said he, ^^ and command him to die.''
Silvanus, who was himself in the list of the
conspirators, is said to have consulted Fenius
Bufiis, who was not then discovered, whether he
should obey this order, and was persuaded by him
that he ought. He forbore, however, to announce it
in his own person, but entrusted it to one of his
centurions. Seneca, having heard it with com-
posure, requested to make some additions to his
will, but was not allowed ; upon which he turned
to his friends, and told them that though he could
recompense their services in no other way, he
might bequeath them at least the example of his
life, the imitation of which would conduct them to
a virtuous renown. He reproved their tears, and
strengthened their fortitude, reminding them of
the precepts of philosophy, and arguing that, after
Nero had committed so many cruelties against his
relatives, it was not to be expected that he would
spare his guardian and tutor. In consoling his
VOL. I. QQ
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450 HISTOBY OP
nbro, wife as well as his friends^ he seemed to be elated
a.d/^. with that self-sufficient pride which the Stoic
^~^~^ doctrines inspired j for he advised her to calm the
gprief^ which she would feel at the death of her
husband^ by the contemplation of the virtues
which had distinguished his life. Paullina^ how-
ever^ (for that was her name^) declared^ that it was
not her intention to survive^ but that she would die
with him. He did not oppose her resolution^ but
said : ^^ As I have shown you the consolations of
life, I will not envy you the glory of death : may
we both die with equal fortitude, although you will
certainly die with the greater renown.** After this
interchange of philosophical affection, they had the
veins of their arms opened at the same time.
Seneca's constitution was so weakened by old
age and spare diet, that the blood flowed but
slowly ; and it became necessary to cut the veins
of his legs. As he began to be excruciated with
pain, he persuaded his wife to be removed into
another chamber, that the sight of each other's
sufferings might not mutually increase their agony.
Nero, who had no particular animosity against
Faullina, and was sensible that her death would
be an aggravation of his infamy, commanded that
endeavours should be made to save her life. Her
arms, therefore, were bound up, and the blood
stopped. It is uncertain whether she willing^ly
permitted the attempts which were made for her
recovery: the vulgar, who are always ready to
detract from noble actions, asserted that she
wished to die with her husband, as long as she
considered that Nero was implacable against her,
but that, when she found he was disposed to mercy,
her love of life prevailed. But it is difficult to
imagine, how an aged woman, enfeebled with the
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THE BOMAN EMPERORS. 451
I068 of bloody was to resist the efforts of slaves and
soldiers to bind up her wounds. She lived a few
years longer^ cherishing a laudable reverence for
her husband's memory^ and exhibiting in her limbs
and countenance a ghastly paleness^ resulting from
the loss of blood.
Seneca^ preserving his intellectual powers in the
midst of his sufferings^ dictated several things^
which were disseminated among the Romans^ but
have not been recorded by ancient writers. Weary
of the tediousness of his dissolution^ he requested
his friend and physician^ Statins Anneeus^ to give
him the hemlock^ which he had long ago provided
against any sudden necessity of death ; but although
he drank it^ it produced no effect upon his body^
which was cold and exhausted. He was next
placed in a vessel of warm water, with the view
of accelerating his decease, when he sprinkled the
slaves that were near him, saying, that he made
a libation to Jupiter the Liberator. After so
many painful delays, he was at last suffocated
by the vapour of a bath. His body was burned
without any funeral solemnity ; and it is remark-
able, that he had given directions to that effect in
a will, which he had made during the height of his
affluence and power. It is not improbable that
he was privy to the conspiracy of Piso, although
he was condemned upon the most weak and futile
evidence. A report prevailed at Rome, that
Subrius Flavins had resolved, in conjunction with
the centurions, and not without the knowledge of
Seneca^ that after Nero had been slain, Piso also
should be put to death, and the imperial power
bestowed upon Seneca. But if this plan was
really contemplated, and Seneca was aware of it,
his conduct to Piso must be reprobated as artful
GG3
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452 HISTOBY OF
^*^^f and treacherous. Subrius is said to have declared^
A. D. 05. that the Komans would be equally disgraced by
^""■"^"^^ having a tragedian for their prince^ as by having a
harper ; for as Nero used to play on the harp^ so
Piso had sung in a tragic dress.
DUm. bd. ixiL The moral character of Seneca has been violently
attacked by the historian Dion. He accuses him of
having had an adulterous intrigue with Agrippina
(although a bitter hatred afterwards arose between
them)^ and of having acted in every way opposite
to the philosophical principles which he professed.
While Seneca (he says) condemned tyranny^ he
was the teacher of a tyrant : while he inveighed
against those who kept company ^ith princes^ he
himself was always at court : while he reprobated
flatterers^ he himself flattered empresses and freed*
men^ and composed paneg3rrics upon some of them :
while he disparaged riches^ he was immensely rich :
and while he reproved luxury^ he had five hundred
tables for feasting^ made of cedar wood^ with ivoiy
feet, and all exactly similar. He also alleges that
the revolt of the Britons was partly occasioned by
his usurious cruelty ; for, after he had lent them a
large sum of money, he recalled the whole at one
time, and in an arbitrary manner. Lipsius thinks*
that these charges are to be attributed to that
perverseness of Dion, which led him to attack
Cicero, Cassius, Brutus, and other g^reat men
among the Bomans. The accusations against
Seneca have probably been coloured and ex*
aggerated by ihe Bithjrnian historian, but it is
certain that they were not entirely invented by him ;
for similar censures may be inferred even from the
history of Tacitus, who was obviously disposed to
favour the philosopher. Seneca appears to have
• See note of LifMiut tt Twe. Ann. zUL 49.
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS, 453
been a man sincerely desirous of cultirating those
virtues which he recommended in his writings ; but
the difficult situations in which he was placed^ often
rendered his actions inconsistent with his avowed
jMrindples* Both he and Burrhus endeavoured to
preserve Nero in that upright and dignified course
which became his station ; but his corrupt propen-
sities defeated all their efibrts^ and the opposition
which they were obliged to offer to Agrippina
placed them in still more embarrassing cir-
cmnstances. They^ therefore^ submitted to weak
compliances^ which were unworthy of their cha*
racter^ and which did not produce the expected
effects of satisfying the desires of the emperor^
and attaching him to their lenient authority. His
passions^ inflamed by indulgence^ defied all ad-
monition and restraint^ and made him averse to
any counsellors who were not willing to gratify
him by the most unlimited concessions. Seneca^
therefore^ and his colleague^ experienced, when it
was too late, that they had yielded to their prince
in vain. If they had possessed the sterner virtue
of Thrasea, they would probably have resisted him
at first ; and though they could not have restrained
his vices, they woiJd have departed from his court,
without exposing themselves to any worse recom-
pence than that which they eventually met.
Whatever blemishes or vices are to be imputed
to the conduct of Seneca, the most beautifiil
sentiments of morality are to be found in his
writings, as it has always been a much more cMy
task to describe virtue than to practise it. «is
ethical precepts are as pure as those of any heatnen
writer, and may furnish useful instruction to all
who peruse them, if they are careful to separa e
them from the Stoic errors with which they aie
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454 HISTOBY OF
entangled. His style is sparkling^ and possesses
beauties which are attractive to many readers ; but
correct judges will condemn it as too rhetorical^
and as deficient in that simplicity which charac-
terizes the earlier Roman authors. It is remarkable
that the city of Corduba^ in Spain^ produced two
of the most eminent writers in the age of Nero ;
for Seneca^ as well as Lucan^ was bom there. The
family of the philosopher did not settle at Rome
until the reign of Augustus^ nor obtain any higher
rank than the equestrian ; and there is no doubt
that the comparative obscurity of his origin was
one of the causes why he was assailed with a
greater degree of malevolence and envy.
Siiet tl 36. After the principal parties in the conspiracy of
Tu^TL^^' P^8<^ ^^d been put to death, many others were
subjected to the lighter punishment of exile : a few
were pardoned. The children of the condemned
were banished, or killed by famine and poison :
several were destroyed at one feast, together with
their preceptors and slaves. But while the city
was filled with funerals, the wretched inhabitants
were constrained to assume an appearance of joy :
for the death of their sons, brothers, relatives, and
friends, they offered thanks to the gods, adorned
their houses with laurel, and prostrated themselves
in feigned gratitude before the knees of the emperor.
He granted honours to those who had been most
active in discovering the conspiracy, bestowed a
largess upon the soldiers, and ordered that the
guards should receive in future a gratuitous allow-
ance of corn. The senate decreed thanksgivings
and sacrifices to the gods, and especial honours to
the Sun, as if that luminary had been instrumental
in disclosing the secrets of the conspiracy. The
month of April was to be called by the name of
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 455
Nero^ and a temple was to be erected to Baltic. ^>«o>
The dagger of Scevinus was consecrated by Nero M.i.eL
in the Capitol^ and inscribed to Jupiter Vindex: ^"~^~^
a circumstance^ which^ after the revolt of Julius
Vindex in Gaul^ was considered as an oinen of the
emperor's destruction. One of the senators^ out-
stripping the others in blasphemous adulation^
proposed that a temple should be erected^ as soon
as possible^ to the divine Nero ; although it was
not customary to deiiy the emperors until after
their death. We learn from an ancient coin, that
this most detestable of princes was really styled
a god in some of the provinces ; and from this
fact we may infer to what a degrading state of
idolatrous conniption the most civilized nations of
the world were then reduced.
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450 HISTOBY OF
Tmc Ann. xyI.
1—6.
Scut Yl. ai.
CHAPTER VII.
Basms deludes Nero. — Nero^s conduct at the
Oanies. — Nero Julh Poppaa a4>cidentaUy, puts
Antonia to deaths and marries StatiUa MessaUna.
— C. Longinus hanished^and J. Silanus murdered.
— L. VetuSy his mother^n'laWy and daughter ^ all
hill themselves at the same time. — Names of same
of the months changed. — Hurricanes in Campania^
and a plague at Home. — Nero relieves the
Lgonnese. — Beduces Pontus Polemaniacus and
the Cottian Alps to Boman provinces. — Death of
C. Petronius. — Accusation of Thrasea^ SoranuSy
and others. — Defence of Servilia. — Death of
Thrasea. — Tiridates receives the diadem from
Nereis hands. — Nero visits Oreece. — Performs
in several gam^es. — Attempts to cut through the
Isthmus of Corinth. — Deaths of Scrib. BufuSy
Scrib. ProculuSy and Corbulo. — Nero scarcely
prevailed on to leave Greece. — Declares the whole
province free. — Enters Naples and Bome in a
triumphal manner.
The cupidity of Nero was egregiously deceived by
the vain promises of a Roman Imight named
Cesellius Bassus^ who was mad enough to mistake
his dreams for realities^ or to hazard his life upon
the invention of a wild imposture. He persuaded
the emperor that he had discovered in his own
lands in Africa a cave of immense depth^ containing
prodigious treasures of gold^ which Dido had de*
posited there^ when she fled from Tyre^ and which
might by a little labour be raised from the place of
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THE BOBfAN EMPERiDBS. 457
their long concealment. Nero^ without taking any
pains to ascertain the truth^ eagerly believed the
improbable story^ and dispatched some triremes
wUch were to bring to Rome without delay the
extraordinary riches. The people were as cre-
dulous as himself; and as it happened to be the
time when the contests of music and eloquence
were celebrated^ the orators expatiated upon the
signal favour of the gods towards their prince^ and
the miraculous manner in which they poured their
treasures upon him. In the meantime he pursued
his luxury and extravagance to more than their
usual lengthy in expectation of the wealth which
was soon to replenish his finances. His messengers^
having arrived in Africa^ explored the spot which
Bassus pointed out^ and made a fruitless search in
his own^ and in the surrounding lands. When the
delusion became manifest^ he protested that his
dreams had never before deceived him^ and under
the influence of shame and fear he put himself to a
voluntary death. Some^ however^ reported that he
was imprisoned and afterwards liberated^ with the
loss of all his property.
To console Nero for his disappointment, the sen-
ate offered him the prize for singing, and the crown
for eloquence. Having declared that he would
not gain them by undue favour, but would abide by
the equity of the judges, he first recited a poem ;
and afterwards, when the mob requested that he
would exhibit all his accomplishments, he appeared
on the stage playing his harp, and strictly ob-
served the rules which were established for musical
performers. When he had finished, he bent his
knee, and, paying obeisance to the audience, pre-
tended to wait in trembling 'anxiety for the
sufiSrages of the judges. The people of Bome,
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458 HISTORY OP
nb&o, accustomed to theatrical exhibitions, knew how to
▲.D.G5. applaud him in the most regfular and opportune
""^^"^ manner; but persons from the free towns and pro-
vinces were often struck by the soldiers for their
awkwardness and want of zeal in commending^
the performances of their emperor. Many of the
knights were crushed to death in the crowd^ and some
were attacked with fatal diseases in consequence of
remaining* so long in their seats. Spies were placed
to watch the looks and behaviour of the spectators;
and the poorer persons^ who exhibited any marks
of reluctance or weariness^ were immediately
punished^ while the richer were doomed to expe-
rience the future animosity of the prince. It
is related that the celebrated Vespasian was re-
proved by a freedman for his apparent drowsineBs,
and that his offence was with difficulty concealed
through the intercession of his friends.
siMt Ti. 35. After the games^ Poppeea^ who was in a state of
pregnancy^ died in consequence of a kick which she
received from Nero^ because she had petulantly
reproved him^ when he had returned late from
chariot-driving. It is not believed that he had any
malicious intention of destroying her^ for he appears
to have loved her as much as his savage nature
would allow^ and was desirous of having children.
Her body was not bumt^ according to the Roman
custom^ but was embalmed^ and deposited in the
tomb of the Caesars. It appears that she received
divine honours ; and she was publicly panegyrized
by Nero on account of her beauty and other acci*
dental advantages. She was so studious of her
personal attractions^ that she declared she would
rather die than grow old^ and she had five hundred
she-asses^ in whose milk she used to bathe herself.
As she had always incited Nero to acte of cruelty
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 450
and vice, it seemed but an act of retributive justice vno,
that she should perish by his barbarity. After her a. i-ei.
death he wished to marry Antonia, the daughter ^~^^— ^
of Claudius, and his own sister-in-law ; but she re-
fused him, and was therefore destroyed under pre-
tence of treason. His choice afterwards fell upon
Statilia Messalina, the widow of the consul Vestinus,
whom he had lately murdered, and she consented
to become the imperial consort.
C. Cassius Longinus, an eminent lawyer, was xac. Ann. xti.
prohibited from attending the obsequies of Poppeea, SML%i.37.
which was a sufficient intimation that he had fallen
under the displeasure of the emperor. He was a
man of ancient property and dignified manners,
and was accused by Nero of treasonable intentions,
because among the images of his ancestors he pre-
served that of C. Cassius, who had conspired
against Julius Caesar. L. Junius Silanus, a youth
eminent for his virtues as well as rank, was aUeged
to be one of his accomplices, and they were both
sent into exile by a decree of the senate. Cassius^
who was blind, was transported into Sardinia.
Silanus was confined at Barium, a town of Apulia,
and was submitting to his unjust fate with wise
fortitude, when he was visited by a centurion, who
commanded him to open his veins. He replied that
his mind was prepared for death, but that he would
not quietly yield to any one the glory of being
his executioner. The centurion, perceiving his
resolution, ordered his soldiers to attack him ; and
although he was unarmed, he struggled with his
assailants, and fell covered with wounds, as if he
had been on the field of battle.
L. Vetus, his mother-in-law Sextia, and his
daughter Pollutia, were hateful to Nero, for no
other reason than because they seemed to reproach
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400 HISTORY OP
J^j^Ho, him for the death of Ruhellius Flautus^ who had
A.D.65. heen the son-in-law of Yetus. PoUutia had
^""^""^^ cherished an inconsolable grief since the assassina-
tion of her husband^ preserving the garments
stained with his bloody as sad memorisls of the
catastrophe^ and refusing all food except what
was necessary for sustaining mere life. She ven-
tured^ however, to importune Nero in behalf of her
father, and when she found that he was inexorable,
they prepared for death. Some persons endeay-
oured to persuade Yetus to nominate the emperor
heir of great part of his property, in order to
secure the rest to his grand-children ; but he re-
fiised, after having spent his life in dignified free-
dom, to disgrace his last moments with sudi an
act of servility. He bestowed upon his slaves the
money which he had with him, and commanded
them to carry away all the property that could be
moved, except three couches, which were placed in
the same chamber, to support himself, his mother-
in-law, and his daughter. They opened their veins
with tiie same weapon, and died in sight of each
other^ the eldest expiring first, and the young^est
last. After their burial they were accused before
the senate, and condemned to be publicly exe-
cuted like criminals; but Nero, now that they
were dead, pretended to interfere, and allowed
them the favour of dying in private I
As the month of April had been called after Kera,
so it was now determined that May should be
called the month of Claudius^ and June that of Ger-'
manicus. Cornelius Orfitus, a man of consular
rank, who proposed this alteration, declared that
the name of June had become inauspicious on
account of the ofiences of the two Silani, who had
each borne the appellation of Junius. We are
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THE BOMAlf EMPEBOBS. 401
not infonned what it was that rendered the name itbso,
of May unlucky. iV«,
Not only moral erils, but the most grievous ^— v— ^
physical calamities overwhelmed the inhabitants of
Italy. Campania was desolated by hurricanes,
which destroyed the fruits of the earth, and threw
down trees and villas, carrying its fiury into the
neighbourhood of Rome. In the city itself a
violent pestilence attacked all ages and ranks of
people, sometimes with so much rapidity, that
those who were sitting and bewailing their rela-
tives were burnt on the same funeral pile with
them* The destruction of the knights and senators
was considered less lamentable than that of the
other citizens, because their natural death ap-
peared to rescue them from the sanguinary violence
of Nero. This, probably, was the plague which, SiMt yi. ao.
according to Suetonius, destroyed thirty thousand
persons in one autumn.
Amidst many instances of cruelty, Nero per-s«Me.Ep.xcL
formed an act of beneficence to tiie people of
Lyons, by granting them a sum of money to
rebuild their city, which had been totally consumed
by fire in one night. This accident happened
about a hundred years after the foundation of the
colony. The kingdom of Pontus Polemoniacus siMt ti. ik.
became a Roman province by the concession of its
monarch Polemon: and the Cottian Alps ex-
perienced the same change upon the death of the
prince Cottius. The date of these events is not
fully ascertained.
la the last book which time has spared of his nsbo,
valuable Annals, Tacitus laments that he is under ^\!m.
the necessity of recording the destruction of so tac. aha. xw.
many Romans, who perbhed vnth little variety in ^^' ^'
the circumstances of their death, and with the same
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462 HISTOBY OP
^■*J» passive submission to the authority of the tyrant.
JLD.66. He observes^ that it was such a visitation of the
^^''^^ ang-er of the gods^ as could not be related and
dispatched at once^ like the slaugfhter of armies
and the capture of cities^ but that it was necessary
to revert often to the painful subject. P. Anteius
and Ostorius Scapula were constrained to put
themselves to deatii upon the frivolous charge of
having* consulted astrolog'ers respecting their own
fate^ and the fate of Nero. The latter^ who was
the son of that Ostorius who had been commander
in Britain^ was distinguished for his military
achievements^ and had guined a civic crown for
the preservation of the life of a citizen. Annseus
Mella^ the brother of Seneca^ and the fEtther of
Lucan^ was accused of being privy to the con-
spiracy^ for which his two relatives had already
perished. As his wealth had inflamed the cupidity
of Nero^ he had no chance of justice : and in
his will he bequeathed a large sum of money to
the emperor's favourite, Tigellinus, with the hope
of ensuring the rest of his property to his rightM
heirs.
The death of C. Petronius, as well as his life, was
remarkable for some extraordinary circumstances.
He was a man who had inverted the order of
nature, by giving his days to sleep, and devoting
his nights to business, but principally to pleasure.
He had gained as much notoriety by his indolence,
as others had by the most careful diligence ; but,
instead of being a gross voluptuary, he endeavoured
to heighten his enjoyments with the charms of
elegance and refinement. He had borne some of
the highest offices of the state, and had discharged
the duties of them with sufficient vigour ; but, as
soon as he was liberated from them, he returned to
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 403
his usual course of slothful indulgfence. Nero^ ^'bo*
attracted by his skill in the arts of luxury^ admitted a. d. ed.
him to the number of his few familiar friends^ and ^"'^'^"^
relied upon his exquisite judgment in all affairs of
el^fance and taste. But this distinction excited
the envy of Tigellinus^ who suborned a slave to
accuse Petronius of having* been the friend of the
conspirator Scevinus. As Nero's cruelty pre-
dominated over all his other vices, the charge was
believed, and Petronius was not even allowed an
opportunity of repelling* it. Without indulging
any weak hopes or fears, he ordered his veins to be
opened, but as it was his intention to die at leisure,
he commanded them to be bound up, and then
opened again. During the interval in which he
was suspended between life and death, he con-
rersed with his friends upon trifling subjects, and
heard them recite songs and amusing verses. He
distributed money to some of his slaves, and in-
flicted stripes upon others; he regaled himself
with feasting, slept, and acted in every way as if
he had not the slightest anticipation of death.
Instead of flattering Nero or Tigellinus in his
last moments, as many of the condemned Romans
were mean enough to do, he wrote a description
of the lascivious manner in which the emperor
spent his nights, and sent it to him sealed : after
which he broke his signet, that it might not be
used for the purpose of criminating others. This
exposure of Nero's secret wickedness caused the
banishment of a senator's wife named Silia, who
was supposed to have divulged the iniquity of those
scenes, to which she had been admitted. Such
was the death of Petronius, who is believed by
many to be the same Petronius Arbiter, of whose
writings some obscene fragrments are still extant.
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404 HISTOBT OF
nbbo, Idpsius^ however^ doubts^ and other critics deny,
A. D. 68. their identity.
""^^^^^ Haying* killed so many eminent men, Nero at
last (says the historian) desired to destroy yirtue
itself in the persons of Thrasea Foetus, and Barea
Soranus. Thrasea had lon^ been odious at court,
because his rig^d virtue did not allow him to imi-
tate the servilily of the other citizens, and to sanc-
tion all the vices and extravagances of Nero. He
had often opposed the foolish and cruel decrees of
the senate ; and it was remarked that when divine
honours were voted to Poppeea, he was absent
' from the house, and did not attend the ceremony
of the funeral. For the last three years he had
never entered the senate, considering, perhaps,
that his individual opposition was &r too wc^
to resist the torrent of corruption. But his ab-
sence was imputed to him as a crime: he was
accused of being* disaffected to the prince, and hos-
tile to the manners and customs of the age, of
shunning the various solemnities at which others
gave proof of their adulation, and (what in those
days was an atrocious crime) of not having sacri-
ficed for the celestial voice of the emperor ! Barea
Soranus had also exposed himself to the hatred of
Nero by the general excellence of his character,
and by the justice and zeal which he had displayed
when he was proconsul of Asia. He had deaned
out the port of Ephesus, and had forborne to
punish the people of Perg'amus, who had not per-
mitted the emperor's freedmen to carry away their
statues and paintings. It was resolved, therefore,
to accuse hun of being the friend of Rubellius
Flautus, whom Nero had put to death, and of
attempting to excite rebellion in his province.
The senators were summoned, and two pr»-
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THE B0MA17 EMPEBOBS. 405
torian cohorts were placed in the temple where vno,
they assemhled. A band of ai*med citizens beset a.d. 66.
the approach to it ; soldiers were dispersed through ^"-^^— '
yarious parts of the city^ and all means were em-
ployed to intimidate the senators in their delibera-
tions. Nothing* could be alleged against Thrasea^
except that he had lately secluded himself from all
affairs of the state. His son-in-law Helvidius
Priscus was implicated in his pretended guilt;
and two other persons^ named Agrippinus and
Montanus^ were accused at the same time upon
groundless charges. Besides the seditious at-
tempts imputed to Soranus^ his enemies had
discoyered that his daughter Servilia had been
imprudent enough to consult magicians respecting
the fate of her father^ and the event of the trial.
She had not yet reached her twentieth year^ and
had lately been torn from her husband^ who had
been banished as an accomplice in the conspiracy
of Piso. She was now conducted into the senate^
and placed opposite her aged father^ whose looks
she scarcely dared to encounter^ as she was con-
scious that she had unintentionally increased the
peril of his situation.
Her pitiless accuser asked her^ whether she
had not sold her ornaments^ in order to raise
money for the performance of magical rites. Upon
hearing this question^ she cast herself upon the
ground^ and^ after shedding a flood of tears and
observing a long silence^ embraced the altar that
was near her^ and declared : ^^ I have invoked no
impious gods^ I have been guilty of no impre-
cations^ nor have I desired more than this one
thing in my unfortunate prayers^ that thou^ 0
Caesar^ and ye^ 0 senators, would preserve the
life of my excellent father. For this purpose I
VOL. I. H H
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460 HI8T0BY OF
nbxo, have given my jewels and other decorations of
A. D. 66. my person ; and^ if it had heen required^ I would
^~^^~^. willingly have surrendered my very life's hlood.
The persons who exercise magical arts have been
hitherto unknown to me^ and let them be responsi-
ble for the nature of their own conduct : I^ at
leasts have never mentioned the prince except
with veneration^ and in the number of the gods.
Whatever I have done, my unhappy father was
ignorant of my plans, and if any offence has been
committed, I am the only delinquent.'' Soranus
scarcely allowed her time to finish her speech,
assuring the senators, that she had not gone with
him into Asia, that she was top young to be
acquainted with Plautus, and that she was in no
way privy to the crimes of her husband. He
earnestly entreated them to let him be the only
sufferer, and not to punish a daughter whose only
offence was an excessive anxiety for the safety of
her father; and he was going to rush into the
arms of Servilia, but was prevented by the inter-
position of the lictors. The senators commiserated
the unjust fate of all the accused parties, but they
were over-awed by the armed bands of the tyrant,
and compelled to pass a sentence of condemnation*
Thrasea^ Soranus, and Servilia, were commanded
to put themselves to death, in whatever way they
pleased: Helvidius was banished from Italy.
Rewards were granted, as usual, to those who had
disgraced themselves in the office of accusers.
The day had begun to decline, and Thrasea was
spending his time in his gardens with a great
number of his friends. His chief attention was
directed to Demetrius the Cynic philosopher, and
from what transpired of their conversation, they
seemed to be discoursing upon the nature of the
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THE SOMAN EMPEBOBS. 407
soul, and the eeparation of the body and spirit. nb»o,
One of his intimate friends informed him of the jld.66.
sentence of the senate^ and all who were present ^~v— ^
beg^ to weep and deplore his fate ; but he advised
them to take their leave of bim^ and not to en-
danger themselves by their zeal in his behalf. His
wife Arria^ who was the daughter of the celebrated
Arria that had so courageously stabbed herself
before her husband Psetus^ was desii'ous of imita-
ting the example of her mother; but Thrasea
wisely forbade her^ reminding her that she ought
to live for their daughter's sake^ and not deprive
her of the only succour on which she could rely.
Having proceeded to the porch of his house^ he
was met by the quaestor^ who delivered to him the
decree of the senate ; and he was gratified by the
intelligence that his son-in-law was only to be
banished from Italy. Being attended into his
chamber by Helvidiiis and Demetrius^ he suffered
the veins of both his arms to be opened^ and; as soon
as the blood began to flow^ he sprinkled the ground
with it^ saying; ^'Let us make a libation to Jupiter
the Liberator.''* He then called the quaestor
near him^ exhorting him. to view his death steadily^
as he lived in times in . which it was necessary
to strengthen the mind by the contemplation of
acts of fortitude. His dissolution was slow^ and
he did not expire until he had suffered great
agonies. He appears to have been the most
virtuous Roman of the age in which he lived; and
amidst the general depravity of his countr3rmen he
exhibited to them a brilliant example of inflexible
* Tba MUM ezprMdon wai uied by Senecti when he wu dying. Upduf
HdakB, that it wm intendad to allude to the coatom of the Oreeks, who, at
tfaafcr ftaatiy poured out a libation to Zc^c Z^^VP- The words show that
bodi Saneea and Thnsea regarded their death as a liberation from the
power of a tyrant*
HH3
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488 HISTOBT OP
integrity and courage. He wrote a life of Cato
of Utica^ whom probably be contemplated as
a model for the direction of hie conduct. It seems
a strange exception to his usual austerity of be-
haviour^ that he sang in a tragic dress at the
games of his native ci^^ Padua. He had offended
Nero by the reluctant part which he took in his
amusements ; and therefore we must suppose that
there was something more innocent in the games
of his birth-place^ or that they were recommended
by the antiquity of their origin^ which might be
traced to Antenor the Trojan.
At the time when Thrasea and Soranus were
condemned^ Tiridates had arrived from the east,
according to a promise which he had made three
years before^ in order to receive the crown of
i>i<m.bdii. Armenia from Nero's hands. He brought with
him not only his own children^ but those of Volo-
geses^ Pacorus^ and Monobazus^ and was escorted
by three thousand of the Parthian cavalry^ and bj
many Bomans. He travelled the whole way by
land*^ descending into Italy through lUyricum,
and being received in all the cities through which
he passed with great demonstrations of joy and
respect. He rode on horseback^ and his wife also
rode near him covered with a golden helmet
to conceal her from the gaze of the crowd^ until
they arrived in Italy, when chariots were sent to
carry them to the emperor, who was at Naples.
Tiridates, when urged to lay aside his sword,
would not comply; but he bent his knee before
Nero, and did obeisance to him, saluting him with
the title of his lord. After being entertained with
• Pliny (Nat Hist xxz. 8), layg that lie wm a Haglan, and, theralbn,
sernpnlona of committing any pollution in the sea. He returned^ howerer,
upon that element from Brunduriom to Dyrrachinm.
Suet Ti. Id.
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THE BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 460
splendid games at Puteoli^ he was conducted to
Bome^ where all the citizens were eager to view
the foreign potentate. On an appointed day Nero
entered the forum in a triumphal dress^ and placed
himself on a curule seat on the rostra^ heing sur*
rounded with the senators and his guards^ while
hands of soldiers were stationed about the adjoining
temples. Tiridates^ compelled to use the language
of submission and adulation^ approached Nero^
declaring that he was his slave^ that his fate
depended upon his mercy^ and that he had come
to worship him as his god^ and as no less than
Mithra^ or the Sun. Nero commended his pru-
dence^ which had induced him to come into his
august presence^ and assured him that he should
feel that he had power to take away and to bestow
kingdoms. After this^ the Armenian ascended by
a sloping stage to the knees of the emperor, who,
having raised him with his right hand and kissed
him, placed the regal diadem on his head. Tiri-
dates, although placed in these humiliating cir-
cumstances, is described as a man of spirit and
penetration, besides being disting^shed for his
beauty and stature. He was as much disgusted
with the folly of Nero, in driving chariots and
playing on the harp, as he was pleased with the
character and achievements of Corbulo, and won-
dered that so great a general should submit to so
contemptible a master. He observed to the em-
peror, with a sarcasm which he did not understand,
'^Your Corbulo is an excellent slaved* But, upon
the whole, he so artAiUy flattered and insinuated
himself into the favour of Nero, that he received
from him immense presents, and was allowed to
take workmen into Armenia for the purpose of
rebuilding Artaxata, which he called Neronea, iu
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470 rasTOBY OP
nbbo, honcmr of the emperor. In consequence of his
IS 13
A. o. 06. suhmission the salutation of Imperator was given
^^^^^^ to Nero, who deposited a laurel crown in the
Capitol, and ordered the temple of Janus to be
shut.
Dioii.ixm. Nero was desirous that Yolog^es should visit
2^^ Borne, as well as Tiridates; but the Parthian
monarch would not comply with the invitation, and,
after being importuned upon the subject, wrote
word back, that it was much easier for Nero than
himself to perform so long a voyage, and that if
he would come into Asia, they might arrange the
plan of an interview with one another. The
Roman prince was offended at this reply, and,
as if he had some warlike intentions in his mind,
sent spies to the Caspian Gates, and also into
Ethiopia. All his achievements, however, termi-
nated in a peaceful visit to Greece, for the purpose
of displaying his accomplishments in singing and
driving. Some of the Greek cities, in wh^h there
were musical contests, had sent to him all the
crowns which were bestowed upon the best per-
formers on the harp. The delegates, who brought
them, were received with great courtesy, and
entertained at his table. They requested to hear
his divine voice ; and, after he had sung to them,
they applauded him so rapturously, that he de-
clared the Greeks alone had a critical ear, and
were competent to judge of his acquirements. He
resolved, therefore, to visit their country, and took
with him a multitude of men, who, if they had
been warriors, would have been numerous enough to
have subdued Parthia and other countries of the
east ; but the descendants of Flaminius and Mum-
mius appeared now as degenerate as the Greeks
themselves, carying the harp instead of the sword,
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THE ROMAN EMPEBOBS. 471
and wearilur masks and buskins, instead of helmets i^bbo,
- ^ ' 13,14.
and greaves. ▲. d. 67.
All the gfames of Greece were celebrated in the ""^^^^^
same year^ in order that Nero might have an
opportunily of appearing in them^ and some of
them were even repeated duringf the twelvemonth.
He exhibited himself everywhere^ singing and
driving chariots^ and was rewarded with no less
than one thousand eight hundred and eight
crowns^ all of which probably were granted to
his rank more than his skill. At Olympia he
drove a chariot yoked with ten horses^ although^
in one of his poems^ he had censured King Mith-
ridates for the same feat. He was thrown out; and
was unable to finish the race ; but did not^ on that
account^ lose the prize. He sung and sustained
various characters in tragedy^ and; on one occa-
sion^ a spectator^ seeing him in an extraordinary
situation; asked a by-stander what was the matter
with him ; to which he replied; The emperor is in
labour; for he was performing the part of Canace.
Whenever he sang; all persons were expected to
be loud and vehement in their applause; and were
not permitted to leave the theatre even upon the
most urgent occasion. They were sometimes con-
fined from morning to night; so that women are
said to have been delivered of children there; and
other persons pretended to be dead; in order that
they might be carried out.
While Nero was in Greece; he attempted to cut Saet. w. lo.
through the isthmus of Corinth; so as to effect a
junction between the Ionian and jEgean seaS; and
convert the Peloponnesus into an island. Before
the commencement of the work he encouraged his
guards by an harangue; and at a signal which was
given by the trumpet; he dug the first portion of
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472 HI8T0BY OP
Ns&o, earthy and raised it in a basket upon his shoulders.
A.D.67« Although multitudes of labourers^ many of whom
^^-^^'"^ were sent from foreign countries^ were employed
in the undertaking*^ it proceeded but slowly. The
men were averse to it^ and terrified one another
with superstitious reports^ alleging* that blood had
issued from the gfround^ that spectres had been
seen^ and groans been heard. The attention of
Nero was soon occupied by more important affairs,
and his attempts, like those of most others^ did
not succeed in altering* the appearance of nature.
Won. ixut The profusion with which he lavished his trea-
sures^ and the suspicious fear with which he re-
garded all eminent men, induced him to commit
many acts of injustice and cruelty. There were
two brothers^ Scribonius Bufus and Scribonius
Proculus^ remarkable for their wealthy the great
unanimity of their dispositions^ and the similarity
of their employments, each having been intrust^
for some time with the government of one of the
Germanies. They were made the victims of some
false accusations^ and commanded to come into
Greece ; but Nero refused to admit them into his
presence^ and the indignities with which they were
treated compelled them to destroy themselves.
Corbulo^ the greatest general of his age, and whom
Nero had been accustomed to call his benefactor
and father, was invited into Greece in so honour-
able a way as not to excite his suspicion. But as
soon as he arrived at Cenchrefe, which was the
port of Corinth, he was ordered to kill himself.
His death, no doubt, had been previously resolved
upon; although some reported that the emperor
was going to play upon the harp, and was ashamed
to be seen in his musical dress by so great a man.
As soon as Corbulo received the fatal command^ he
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THE BOMAN EMPEB0B8. 478
seized a aword^ and^ wounding himself with great nmmo,
violence^ exclaimed '^ I deeeire it f for he repented ifi.^er.
at last of ha^g maintained a scmpuloas alle- ^— ^^^^-^
giance towards the emperor^ and of venturing un*
armed into the presence of so faithless a master.
If his ambition had been equal to his power^ he
might have passed sentence of execution upon
Nero^ instead of being condemned by him ; but his
rigid justice and fidelity prevented him from as-
piring to the imperial dignity^ of which all men
pronounced him worthy. He was a man of great
stature^ pompous in his language^ and able to win
the admiration of the soldiers by external appear*
ances^ as well as intrinsic merit. He is said to
have written some account of places in the East^
and of his own achievements there.
Nero^ as if he had resolved to commit every dioo. izul
species of folly and atrocity^ married a man named ^^^'
Sporus (whom he called Sabina^ on account of his
resemblance to his late wife Popptea)^ and the
nuptials were celebrated by all the Greeks. Rome
and Italy were left under the tyrannical govern-
ment of a freedman named Helius^ who banished
the citizens^ confiscated their property, and even
put knights and senators to death, without asking
the permission of Nero. The empire, therefore, was
oppressed by the cruelty of two masters, Nero
and Helius, and it was doubted which of them
exercised the more arbitrary sway. Helius, how-
ever, was anxious for the emperor's return j but
when he urged him upon that subject, he received
for reply, that his chief desire should be, that Nero
might return with an increase of his musical fame.
After writing many fruitless letters, Helius at last
went over to Greece, and terrified him by the in-
formation that a great conspiracy was being con-
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474 HI8T0BY OP
fa" 4' c^J'teda* Rome. He prepared, therefore, to quit
A. i. 67. Greece, after having afflicted it hy his cruelty and
^~^'~' rapine for the space of a twelvemonih. Before his
departure he rewarded the judges, whose partiality
had allotted liim so many crowns, and declared
the whole province of Greece to be firee. He him-
self was the herald of this great boon, proclaiming
it with his own voice from the middle of the stadium
during the celebration of the Isthmian games.
In his voyage to Italy he encountered a tempest,
and some persons were put to death for rashly ex-
pressing their hopes that he might be destroyed by
it. Having landed in safety, he entered Naples,
which was the first city in wbich he had publicly
exhibited his musical skill, in a chariot drawn by
white horses, and through a breach made in the
walls, because that was the customary mode of
receiving those who had been victors in the
Grecian games. In a similar manner he entered
Antium and Albanum; but when he arrived at
Bome, he ascended the chariot in which Augustus
had so often triumphed, wearing the Olympic
crown on his head, and carrying the Pythian in his
right hand. His other crowns were borne before
hmi, with inscriptions denoting the places in which
they had been gtdned, and the species of contest
for which they had been awarded; nor was it
omitted that Nero Ceesar was the first of the
Romans who had ever been honoured with victories
of that nature. The streets, as he passed along,
were strewed with saffron, the altars smoked with
incense and sacrifices, while the people and the
senators saluted him with the flattering titles of
Hercules and Apollo.
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THE BOMAlf EMPEBORS. 475
CHAPTER VIII.
Julius Vindex instigates the Gauls to revolt. —
Writes to Galba^ the Governor of Spain^ who
seconds his projects ^ and declares himself Lieu^
tenant of the Senate. — Nero at first disregards
the insurrection in Gaul. — Is terr\fiedj and re-
tums to BomSy hut adapts no effective precautions.
— Deposes the two Consuls j and prepares for an
expedition into Gaul. — Verginius Rtfus having
te^en up arms in defence of Kero, his troops rout
those of Vindexy who hills himself in despair. —
Verginius reuses the imperial dignity which is
offered to him by his soldiers. — Galba in great
difficulty and consternation. — Nymphidius per--
suades the praetorian guards to forsake Nero. —
The Emperor flies from RomSy and secretes him-
self.— Being declared an enemy by the SenatCy hCy
after much irresolutiony puts himself to death. —
Is buried in the tomb of the Domitii. — The last
of the Casars. — His exteriory chara^ctery and
superstition. — The Momans exult at his deathy
but some continue to honour his memory.
The power of Nero^ after it had oppressed and nbro,
deg^raded the Boman empire for a period of nearly a.b'.'gs.
fourteen years^ at lengih received a fatal concussion. ^— v — '
C. Julius Yindex^ who g'ovemed the province of 8ii«t.'vt4b.
Celtic Gaul^ with the title of proprietory was dis-
tinguished both for strength of body and prudence
of mind^ for great skill in military affairs^ and for
a courage that enabled him to take the lead in
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10.
476 HISTOBY OP
dangerous enterprises. He derived his origin
from the ancient kings of Gaul^ and by his fkther
had acquired the rank of a senator of Rome.
Disgusted by the tyranny of Nero^ he assembled
his countr3rmen together^ and^ after expatiating^
upon his unparalleled atrocities^ openly exhorted
them to renounce the authority of so detestable
a ruler. The Gauls^ who were suffering under a
grievous load of pecuniary exactions^ were not
slow in listening to the proposal j so that Yindex
soon found himself at the head of a numerous and
powerful faction,
saet TiL 9, But although he had resolved to overthrow the
tjrranny of Nero^ he was not sufficiently ambitious^
nor sufficiently confident in his own resources^ to
aim at the imperial dignity for himself. He wrote^
therefore^ to Servius Sulpicius Ghdba^ who enjo^^ed
an eminent reputation^ and had been for some
years governor of Spain*^ conjuring him to place
himself at the head of the empire^ and to vindicate
the liberty of the human race. Oalba^ at that time^
was holding an assembly at New Carthage^ and
had received letters from the lieutenant of Aqui-
tania^ beseeching him to send succours for the
purpose of checking the movements of Yindex.
He did not deliberate long^ as both his hopes and
fears incited him to fiivour the commotions in
Gaul. Some favourable auspices and omens^ to
which the wisest pagans attached an unreasonable
importance^ seemed to promise him great success
and dignity; and^ what was a &r stronger incentive
to enterprise, he learned that Nero had sent secret
instructions that he should be put to death. Urged,
therefore, by his own imminent peril, he ascended
the tribunal, as if he was about to give manumid-
* Tarmeonensis.
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THE ROMAN EMPEROBS. 477
Bion to some slaves ; but he ordered a g^eat many
statues of persons who had been murdered by Nero^
to be set before him^ as memorials of his cruelty^
and began to deplore the miserable state of the
times in which thev lived. His adherents, who
were probably prepared for such a scene, saluted
him Ihnperor; he declined this lofky title, but
openly styled himself Lieutenant of the Seriate and
qjf^the Boman People.
As he had but one legion under his command,
he commenced a levy of troops throughout his
province ; he selected the most aged and prudent
of his officers^ who were to assist him by their
counsel, and form a kind of senate ) and he also
chose some youths of the equestrian order, who
were to serve as his body guard. At the same time^
he dispersed edicts through the provinces, inviting
all persons to join the confederacy^ and to promote
the common cause by their strenuous exertions.
Information respecting the revolt in Gaul was snet. tl 4o,
received by Nero at Naples, towards the end of
March, as it arrived on the anniversary of the day
on which he had killed his mother. Having lately
become infatuated with an opinion of his good
fortune^ he heard the tidings with indifference, and,
as some thought, with secret pleasure, as they gave
him a specious opportunity of plundering the rich
province of Gaul, according to the rights of war.
Instead of taking measures to avert the danger^
he went and beheld the wrestlers exercise^ when
still more unfavourable intelligence was brought to
him at supper time, he threatened the insurgents
with his d^pleasure; yet, for eight successive days,
he issued no orders for resisting their progress, but
maintained an unreasonable silence upon the
subject. At length the frequent and insulting
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478 HISTOBT OF
edicts of Yindex induced him to write to the
Senate^ requesting them to avenge the dignity of
himself and the republic; and he excused his
absence from Rome^ on the plea of having a sore
throat. Nothing gave him greater mor^cation^
than that his enemies presumed to call him a bad
musician^ and to give hun the name of jEnobarbus^
instead of Nero. To manifest his contempt of their
insolence^ he declared^ that he would resume that
ancient cognomen of his family ; and he thought,
that their injustice in upbraiding him with igno*
ranee of an art, on which he had bestowed so much
sedulous attention, was a refutation of all their
other charges ; for, as he complacently asked the
by-standers, ^^ Did they know any one who was a
better player than himself?" He deemed his
musical skill not only a most noble accomplish-
ment, but an unfailing resource in case of any
reverse of fortune ; for when the astrologers pre*
dieted to him, that he should one day be forsaken,
he replied, that art could support itself in any
country.
Terrified by the constant accumulation of evil
tidings, he resolved to return to Rome. On his
road thither, he observed, on a certain monument,
the representation of a Oaul overcome by a Soman
knight; and this trifling omen so elated him, that
he leaped for joy, and offered adoration to the
heavens. When he arrived at the capital, he did
not convene either the senate or the people, but
summoned some of the principal citizens to his
palace, and, having held a hasly consultation with
them, spent the remainder of the day in showing
them some hydraulic instruments of a new con-
struction for playing music. He explained to
them minutely the nature of the contrivance^
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THS BOMAN EMPEBOBS. 470
descanted upon its difficulty^ and declared^ that
he would produce them in the theatre^ if Yindex
would permit him. A price was set upon the head
of that commander^ and the troops^ which wereg^t.^4^;®'
mustering in the East for a war against the
Albanians^ were recalled. But when Nero heard
that the Spanish provinces had revolted under
Gralba^ he was overwhelmed with giief and terror,
and lay for some time speechless and almost dead ;
and upon his recovery, he tore his garments, beat
his head, and exclaimed that he was ruined. He
did not, however, omit his usual course of luxury
and amusement, and when some more favourable
news arrived from the provinces, his spu*its ap-
peared to revive, and he sang at a splendid enter-
tainment lewd and satirical verses upon the leaders
of the insurrection.
He is supposed at the beginning of the revolt s«iet- ^ *»
to have entertained many atrocious projects, such Dionl iziu.
as poisoning all the senators, setting the city on fire,
and letting wild beasts loose upon the miserable in-
habitants; these and other plans of cruelty were said,
however, to have been abandoned by him, not from
any feelings of compunction, but from his inability
to execute them. Thinking it necessary to make
an expedition into Gaul, he deposed the two consuls
before their time had expired, and invested himself
alone with the dignity of their office. Having
assumed the fasces, he declared to his friends that,
when he arrived in the province, he would present
himself unarmed before the rebellious troops, and
do nothing but weep ; that after recalling them to
a sense of their duty, he would on the following
day, amidst the general rejoicing, sing songs of
victory, which (he said) ought to be immediately
composed for him. In preparing for his journey,
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480 flISTOBY OP
his' chief anxiety was to provide vehicles for carrjong
his theatrical apparatus^ and to dress the concubines^
who were to follow him^ like men^ and to arm them
with Amazonian axes and bucklers. He demanded
contributions from the citizens ; and his rigorous
exactions^ together with the scarcity of provisions^
exposed him to loud complaints and reproachful
insults*. Many omens^ portending his destruction^
were remembered or invented by the credulous ;
and among others it was remarked^ that the last
play^ in which he publicly performed^ was CEldipus
in ExiUy and that he fell while he was reciting the
following words :
'^Mj father, mother, wife, all bid me die.'^f
Dion. ixiu. While the revolt against the authority of Nero
Tal Hist L ' was Spreading both in Gaul and Spain, Yei^nius
*^'**- Rufus, who commanded the province of Upper
Germany^ took up arms in his defence^ and marched
with great promptitude against the insurgents.
Many of the cities of Gaid had preserved their
allegiance; but on his arrival at Yesontioi^^ the
inhabitants refused to receive him^ and he made
preparations for besieging their town. Yindex
marched to their succour \ but when he was at a
short distance^ the two commanders agreed to hold
a conference with each other. The meeting was so
private that no third person was allowed to be
present^ and it was merely conjectured that they
had entered into some compact for the overthrow
of Nero's tyranny. Whatever their stipulations
• Some of the wltddmSy In wUeh the Bomans faMlQlgedy eaa hatdly be
tnoelated faito Engliih. It waa mitten on the pillm in the citj, that he
had rooaed even GaUoB (the Gaola or the Cocks), hj hia ali^;lnf . Jlaay
penona naed to pretend to quarrel with their alaToa aft night, in otdm to
hare the ntiaftctlon of calling out fiir Vindex^ no^bitr eqniroeal tam.
t
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THE BOMAN EHPEBOBS. 481
were^ th^ did not adopt sufficient means to com-
municate them to their troops^ and to insure their
obedience. For Yindex advanced with his army as
if he was about to take possession of the town ; and
the troops of Yerginius^ observing this movement^
and thinking it was directed against themselves^
fell upon them^ while they were quite unprepared
for such an attack^ and put them to a complete
rout. Yindex^ seeing this unexpected end of his
projects^ and thinkings perhaps^ that he had been
treated with perfidy^ killed himself; although
many persons^ who inflicted wounds on his dead
body^ claimed the glory of having slain him.
Verginius is said to have greatly deplored an
event^ which happened either by his remissness^ or
by his inability to curb the ferocity of his soldiers.
'Ihe sovereign power seemed now at his absolute
disposal^ and although his troops frequently urged
liim to accept it^ he declined the tempting offer.
He was a man of equestrian family, and had
derived little lustre from his ancestors ; but he was
active and zealous^ and had sufiicient power to
aggrandize himself (if he had so desired), amidst
the convulsions which had begun to agitate the
Boman Empire. For his soldiers, being seized
with the general disaffection to Nero, pulled down
the statues of the emperor, and saluted their own
general with the titles of Csesar and Augustus.
But he firmly resisted their proposals, and when
he found the imperial names written on one of his
standards, he ordered them to be erased. He had
great difficulty in restraining the ardour of his
soldiers, and in persuading them to leave the choice
of a sovereign to the authority of the senate and
people, to whom he considered that it rightfully
belonged. This wisdom and forbearance, although
VOL. I. 1 1
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488 BISTOBY OP
they deprived him of the 1)rief possession of a
dangeroas power^ procured him the cordial applause
of all virtuous men^ and enabled him to live in
tranquility many years after the most forward
/competitors for the imperial dignity had perished
in their ambitious struggles.
Suet tu. Galba's operations in Spain did not proceed so
wiivitod. "Successfully as they had commenced; for part of
T^ Ann. xr. hj^ cavalry began to repent of the scheme in which
they had engaged^ and he was nearly assassinated
by some slaves^ who were given to him for that
purpose by a freedman of Nero. While he was
discouraged by these event«^ information of the
death of Yindex almost filled him with despair^
and he began to deliberate whether he should not
destroy himself. But that crisis^ which the armies
of Spain and Gaul seemed unable to effect^ was ac-
complished by the intrigues of an individual at
•Bome. Nymphidius Sabinus^ a man of low origin^
was preefect of the pnetorian guards in conjunction
with Tigellinus. His mother^ who was a freed-
woman^ had. been distinguished for some personal
attractions^ which she prostituted among the slaves
and attendants about the court; and as Nym-
phidius happened to be tall and of a fierce coun-
tenance, he boasted he was the son of the Emperor
Caligula. Observing the perilous situation in
•which Nero was placed, and anxious to further his
own ambitious projects, be persuaded the prae-
torian guards to desert him, promising thrai a
very large gratuity in the name of Galba. This
artifice succeeded ; and Nero, with his chief pnK
vinces in rebellion, soon found himself forsaken by
his guards and by the citizens of Rome.
s«»t vi. Alarmed by the fearful tidings which be received
Di^ioiL respecting the disposition of his armies^ Nero had
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THE ROMAN EMPSltOBS. 483
retired into the Servilian gnrdens^ takings nith him
in a golden hox a dose of poison^ which he had
received from Locusta. Having dispatched the
mo8t faithful of his freedmen to Ostia^ in order to
prepare some vessels for putting to sea^ he ex-
plored the sentiments of the tribunes and cen-
turions of the gfuards, whether they would be
willing to accompany him in his flight. Some
openly refused, others clearly evinced their re-
luctance, and one man upbraided him in the words xn. xii. c4g.
of Virgil, exclaiming,
'' Is it 80 hard a thing to die r
Finding that he could place no reliance on their
fidelity, he began to deliberate whether he should
take refuge among the Farthians, or entreat the
protection of Oalba, or even appear in the forum
in mourning apparel, and beseech the forgiveness
of the citizens for his past delinquencies, trusting
that at least they would grant him the office of
preefect of Egypt. The execution of any of these
dangerous schemes was deferred until the following
day. But about midnight, being awaked from his
slumbers, he found that his military guard had
forsaken him, and, leaping from his bed in dismay,
he dispersed his friends to seek for them. When
they brought him no intelligence, he himself un-
dertook the search; but, wherever he went, he
found the doors fastened, and no one answered to
his call; On returning to his chamber he dis-
covered that his attendants had fled from it, and had
carried away even the coverlets of his bed, and his
hox of poison. In a paroxysm of despair he called
for Spicillus the gladiator, or any one else who
would have courage to stab him ; and when there
was no one to undertake such an office, he ex-
112
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484 HISTOBY OP
claimed^ ^^Have I then neither friend nor foeT and
he rushed out^ as if he intended to throw himself
into the Tiber.
When he became more composed^ he was de-
sirous of secreting* himself^ and his freedman
Phaon offered him his villa^ which was about four
miles from Bome^ between the Salarian and No-
mentan roads. He set out for this place on horse-
back bare-footed^ wrapped in an old cloak^ and
escorted by only four attendants^ among whom
were Sporus and Epaphroditus. Everything con-
tributed to oppress his courage^ and terrify his
guilty conscience ; for there was a sudden earth-
quake^ the. lightning flashed in his face^ and^ as he
passed by the praetorian camp^ he heard the
soldiers shouting in favour of Galba^ and exe-
crating himself. Some persons^ whom he met on
the road^ thought that he and his party were in
pursuit of Nero ; others asked them^ if there were
any news respecting the emperor ; and once when
he was obliged to uncover his face^ he was re-
cognized and saluted by an old guard. When he
approached the villa^ as he was afraid of entering
at the front gate^ he dismounted from his horse^
and garments being laid under his feet^ he passed
with difficulty through thickets and brambles to
the back of the house. Phaon requested him to
hide himself for a short time in a sand-pit, but
he declared that he would not be buried alive;
and while he was waiting, he took some water
to drink out of a ditch, exclaiming, ^^ This
is Nero's sweet beverage.^* At last he gained
• In the Latin it is deeoeta^ or boiled water. It a|ipem Ibat th»
andenti boiled that liqqor, before they drank it. Herodotoa nimm
(1. 188) that when the King of Persia travelled, the water of tha rhcr
Choaspes waa carried for him in ulrer veaseU, after it had nndeigoaa the
proceaa of boiling.
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THE SOMAN EMPEBOBS. 485
admission into the house by creeping^ througph a
narrow hole ; and^ having thrown himself on an
hnmble bed^ he spent the remainder of the night in
ceaseless trepidation, being alarmed at every sound
which he heard. Although exhausted with hunger
and thirst, he refused some coarse bread which was
offered him, but drank a little warm water.
His attendants, aware of the ignominious fate
which would soon overtake him, urged him to
anticipate it by a voluntary death. He ordered
them^ therefore, to dig a grave of the same dimen-
sions as his body, to adorn it with whatever pieces
of marble they could collect together, and to get
water and wood ready for the purposes of washing
and burning his corpse. While these preparations
were proceeding, he continued to weep, and every
now and then exclaimed, ^^ Oh ! that such a per-
former as I shoidd perish l^ In the mean time,
the senate at Rome had declared him a public
enemy, and ordered that he should be apprehended,
and punished according to ancient custom. In-
formation respecting this decree was brought by
one of the messengers of Phaon ; and when Nero
received it, he enquired what was the nature of the
punishment which was specified. As soon as he
understood that the criminal was stripped naked,
fastened by his neck to a stake, and scourged to
death, he was so terrified, that he drew out two
daggers (which he had brought with him), as if he
intended instantly to stab himself; but, after feeling
their points, he replaced them, alleging that the
fatal hour had not yet come. He commanded
Sporus to begin a funeral lamentation, and even
requested that some one would set him an example
how to die courageously ; for he was not insensible
of his own pusillanimity, and upbraided himself
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486 HI8T0BY OF
for a weakness which he could not conquer. At
last the approach of some horsemen^ who had been
dispatched from Rome to apprehend him^ convinced
him that there was no further time for irresolution.
Having exclaimed in Greek^ ^^The prance of
winged coursers strikes my ear,*'* he applied the
dagger to his throaty but even then had not
strength and courage to give himself the fatal
blow^ until he was assisted by Epaphroditus.
Before he was dead, a centurion rushed into the
room, and appl}dng his cloak to the wound, pre-
tended that he had come to his assistance; but
Nero said, " It is too late,*' and reproachfully
asked him, ^^ Is this your fidelity ?** After uttering
these words he expired, while his eyes stiffened and
started from his head in such a manner, as terrified
those who beheld him.
Suet ▼1.40— It had been his most earnest request to his
iHon. \xm. attendants, that his head should not be separated
from his body, but that he should be burnt entire*
This favour was allowed by Icelus, the freedman of
Oalba, who at the beginning of the revolt had
been thrown into prison, but was now of import-
ance enough to take a part in the direction of
affairs. By his permission, the funeral of Kero
was conducted with considerable splendour, his
remains being deposited in the tomb of the Domitii^
by his two nurses and by his concubine Acte.
Nero destroyed himself on the 0th or 11th of
June, the same day on which he had formerly
killed his wife Octavia. He died in the thirty-first
year of his age, having abused the imperial power
for thirteen years and nearly eight months. He
was considered the last of the Caesars, although he
was not related to that illustrious house, except on
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THE BOMAN EMPEROBS. 487
His motiher^s side^ and by the privilegfe of adbptio'n.
We are gravely informed by ancient historians^
that the destruction of the family of the Ceesars
was clearly portended by the failure of a breed of °*
chickens^ which Livia had reared^ and by the death
of some laurels^ which she had planted^ under
rather extraordinary circumstances I For as she
was travelling to her villa, shortly after her mar-
riage witn Augnstus, an eagle dropped into her
lap a white hen with a sprig of laurel in its mouth ;
both of which, under proper nurture, were exceed-
ingly prolific, until the end of the Ccesars ap-
proached 1
Nero was a little below the ordinary stature;
his body was spotted in a disagreeable manner,
his hair rather yellow, his eyes grey and dull, his
countenance not ill formed, but devoid of comeli-
ness, his neck very thick, as may be observed in
his medals, his abdomen large, and his legs slender.
Although he indulged in the most immoderate
luxury, he was seldom ill, and never so severely, as
to compel him to abstain from wine and his usual
diet. His conduct, except at the beginning of his
reign, was a tissue of every thing that is foul and
sanguinary. A vicious disposition, and a loose
education under a profligate mother, the licence of
absolute power enjoyed at an early age, and the
corrupt solicitations with which others assailed his
youth, seem to have been the causes which impelled
him to the commission of the grossest crimes and
follies, and have rendered his name detestable, as
that of a monster, rather than of a human being.
Although he despised the religious rites of his
country, he was not free from superstition. The
Syrian goddess* was for a time the object of his
* Aftergate or Astarte.
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488 HISTORY OP
adoration^ but was afterwards treated by him with
contempt and insult. The idol which received the
greatest share of his worship was a little image of
a girl^ which had been given him by some unknown
person from among the people^ as a protection
against conspirators. It happened immediately
afterwards^ that a plot was detected; and this
circumstance gave him such confidence in his new
deity^ that he offered it three sacrifices every day^
and wished to persuade others^ that it inspired him
with a knowledge of futurity.
The death of Nero occasioned at first such joy
at Bome^ that the people ran about the streets with
caps on their heads^ in imitation of slaves who had
just received their liberty. Many^ however, for a
long time adorned his tomb with flowers^ both in
spring and summer : they even placed his images
in the rostra^ and issued edicts in his name, as if
he was still alive, and would soon return to inflict
vengeance on his enemies. Yologeses also, the
Parthian king, when he sent ambassadors to the
senate concerning a renewal of his alliance with the
Romans, made an earnest request, that the memory
of Nero should be duly honoured.
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LIST OP CONSULS,
FROX
THIRD YEAR OF AUGUSTUS TO LAST YEAR OF NERO,
[a a 90, TO A. D. 68.]
B.C.
Emp. Augustus, v. 29
Sex. Apuleius
Emp. Augustus, vi. 28
M* Agrippa, ii.
Emp. Augustus, vii. 27
M. Agrippa, iiL
Emp. Augustus, viii. 26
T. Statilius Taurus
Emp. Augustus, ix. 25
M. Junius Silanos
Emp. Augustus, z. 24
G. Norbanus Flaccus
Emp* Augustus, zL -23
Cn. Calpurnius Piso
M. Claudius Marcellus .^Bserninus - - - - 22
L. AiTuntius
M^LolHus 21
Q. .£milius Lepidus
M. Apuleius - 20
P. SiUus Nerva
C. Sentius Satuminus 10
Q. Lucretius
P. Cornelius Lentulus Marcellinus 18
Cn. Cornelius Lentulus
VOL. I. K K
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490 LIST OP CONSULS.
BLO.
C. Purnius 17
C. Junius Silanos
L. Domitiiifl iBnobarbus • 16
P. Cornelius Scipio
M. Drosua Libo 15
L. Calpumius Piso
M. Licinias Graasus 14
Cn. Corneliua Lentulus
Tib. Claudius Nero .... ^ ... IS
P. Quintilius Yams
M. Valerius Messala Barbatus 12
P. Sulpidus Quirinius
Q. iBIius Tubero 11
Paulus Fabius Mazimus
Julius Antonius 10
Q. Fabius Africanus
Claudius Nero Drusus 9
T. Quintius Crispinus
C. Asinius Gallus 8
C. Mardus Censorinus
Tib* Claudius Nero, ii. 7
Cn. Calpumius Piso^ ii.
D. Lealius Balbus C
C. Antistius Vetus
Emp. Aug^ustnSy xii. 5
L. Cornelius SjUa
C. Calvisius Sabinus -4
L. Paasienus Rufus
L. Cornelius Lentulus -3
M. Valerius Messalinus
Emp. Augustus^ ziii. S
M. Plautius Silranus
Cossus Cornelius Lentulus 1
L. Calpumius Piso
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LIST OF CONSULS. 401
C* Jnlins OflBsar ---- ..-l
Iim ^Rrnfliw PaulllS
P.Vmidns 2
P. Alfinna YaniB
M. iBlina Lama 3
M« ServilioB
Sex. MboB Catoa 4
C. Senthis Sataminna
Cn« Cornelius Cinna Magniu 5
L. YaleriiiB Messala Yblasus
M. .£milius Lepidna 6
L. Amintiiu
Q. CsBcflioB Metellus Creticna 7
A. Licmiua Nerva Silanua
Poriiia Camilliifl --- ---•-8
Sex. Nonius Quintilianus
Q. Sulpidus Camerinns 9
Q. Poppseus Secundus
On the abdication of the former ^
M. Pappins Mutilus
P. Corneliua Dolabella 10
C. Junius Silanus
M. .Smilius Lepidus 11
T. Statilius Taurus
Gtermanieus Caesar - 12
C. Fonteius Capito
L. Munatius Plancus 13
C. Silius Csedna
Sex. Pompeins - 1*
Sex. Apuleiua
Drusus Caesar '15
C. Norbanus Flaccus
KK2
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492 LIST OF CONSTUJA.
T. Statilius Siaenna Taoras 16
L. Scribonius Libo
C. Csaoiliua Rufus -17
L. Pomponius Flaocua
Emp« Tiberiofly liL 13
GermanicoB Csbbbi, iL
M. Janioa Silanus 19
L. Norbanus BalbuB
M. Valerius Messala 20
M. Aoreliiia Cotta
Emp. Tiberiusy iy. - 21
Drasus OflBsar, iL
C. Sulp,Qalba 22
D. Haterios Agrippa
C. Aainiiia PoUio 23
C. Antiatiua Vetus
Sex. Cornelias Cetheg;as -----. 24
Yisellius Y arro
Coss. Com. Lenttdus 25
M. Asinius Agrippa
Cn. Lentulos Getulicus 26
C. Calvisius Sabinus
M. Licinius Craasus -'- - . . . -27
L. Calpumius'Piso
App. Junius Silanus '• 28
P. Silius Nerva
C. Rubilius Qeminus -•- 29
C. Fufitts Qeminus
M. Vinicius - • 3q
L. Cass. Longinus
Emp. Tiberius, v. .- • - -. . -81
L. .^BUus Sejanus
Cn. Domitius iEnobarbus 32
M. Furius Camillus Scribonianus
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UST OF CONSULS. 408
A.D.
Ser. Snip. Galba 33
L. Cornelius Sylla
Poulliu Fabitts Persicas 34
L.yitellius
C. Cestiufl Gallufl 36
M. Servilhu
Q. Plautius 36
Sex. Papinius
Cn. Acenoniiis Proculus 37
C. Pontius Nigrinus
In July: —
Emp. Caius
Tiberius Claudius Nero Drusus Germanicus
M. Aquilius Julianus 38
P. Nonius Asprenas
Emp. CaiuS; iL 39
L. Apronius Ceesianus
Emp. Caius, iiL {Sole Consul) •^O
Emp. Caius, iv. 41
Cn. Sentius Saturninus
Emp. Claudius, ii. 42
C. Csecina Largus
Emp. Claudius, iiL 43
L. Yitellius, ii.
L. Quintius Crispinus 44
M. Statilius Taurus
M. Vinicius, ii. 45
T. Statilius Taurus Corvinus
Valerius Asiaticus 46
M. Junius Silanus
p. Claudius, iv. - - - - - - - 47
L. Yitellius, iii.
Aulus Vitellius 48
L. Yipsianus
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494 LIST OP CONSULS.
C. Pompeins Longinns Gallus ... • - 49
Q. Yeranius
C. AntiBtius Vetus 60
M. Suilius Rufiis
Emp. Claudius^ v. - - 81
Set. Comeliiifl Orfitus
P. ComeUus Sylla 52
L. Salviiifl Otho Titianiu
D. Junhifl Silanufl 58
Q. Haterins
M. AsiniiiB Marcellus 54
M\ Adliiu Ariola
Emp. Nero 56
L. Antistias Y etaa
Q. Yolofliiis Saturninus 56
P. Cornelras Scipio
Emp. Nero, ii. 57
L. Calpurniiia Piso
Emp. Nero, iiL ---68
Yalerius Messala
C. Yipaianus Apronianus 69
C. Fonteinfl Capito
Emp. Nero, iv. ®9
Goflsus ComeUus Lentalns
C. Casoniufl Paetufl 61
P. Petronios Turpilianus
P. Marius Celmw *2
L. ABinius Gallus
C. Memmina Regains *-6S
L. Yerginius Rnfos
C. Lecanius Bassos - - - - - - 64
M. LicinxQS Crassos
P.SiUusNerva 65
C. Julius Atticus Yestinus
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LIST OF CONSULS. 495
A.D.
C. SnetooiuB Panlliinu 66
L. Ponthis Telesiniia
L. Fonteiiu Capito 67
C* Julius Rafiia
C SOias ItalicuB 68
H. Oaleriiia Traehalus
END OP VOI^ I.
LOHDOlf :
ruMWTwn If MiAv AVB Wirt, rwrrim lavr.
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*** "'if 017^8
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AN OVERDUE FEE IF THIS BOOK IS NOT
RETURNED TO THE LIBRARY ON OR
BEFORE THE LAST DATE STAMPED
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