Rome 4: Influence of Claudius' wives and freedmen

What is the overall view?

A key criticism of his rule was that he was weak and easily influenced.

Sources argue that his wives and freedmen were the real powers behind the throne and used this to their advantage.

Suetonius quote

“he was directed not by his own judgement but by the influence of his wives and freedmen”

Describe the roles of freedmen

They became a central part of the imperial civil service

What were the possible reasons for freedmen having such big roles?

The Senate’s hostility

Senate’s ineffectiveness as a partner in government

The emperor’s need for more help administrating the empire

Claudius’ respect for the Senate: he didnt feel he could ask noble senators, free-born magistrates to serve in his civil service as if they were not his equals.

Who were important freedmen and what did they do?

Narcissus: ab epistulis, in charge of Claudius’ correspondence.

Pallas: a rationibus, supervised the revenues which flowed into the fisci.

Callistus: a libellis, had to attend all petitions and requests to the emperor.

Suetonius quotes about women’s influence

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What was the influence of Messalina?

Third wife.

Had her own political influence, causing Claudius embrarrassmnt.

Messalina is alleged to be a nymphomaniac who was regularly unfaithful (including with consul designate Gaius Silius)

What was the plot with Gaius Silius?

Messalina and Gaius got married whilst Claudius was in Ostia. When he returned both were executed.

What impact did Messalina’s plot have on Claudius?

Political threat: the senate would back up consul designate Silius to be the new emperor.

He was saved by Narcissus.

The Praetorian guard stayed loyal to him.

Claudius seemed inclined to forgive Messalina but she was killed by a guard.

What was the influence of Agrippina the Younger?

Was proposed to be his wife by Pallas.

Influenced him to adopt her son (Nero) and place him above Britannicus (52AD)