The Flavians and Antonines

The End of the Julio-Claudians (68 CE)

• Augustus' Succession Plan: Intended a kin-based imperial succession, although faced challenges with his own heir.

• Julian Bloodline Emperors:

  • Augustus: Julian blood via mother Atia.

  • Tiberius: Claudian son of Livia, Augustus’ wife.

  • Caligula: Julian blood via mother Agrippina the Elder.

  • Claudius: Julian blood via mother Antonia.

  • Nero: Julian blood via mother Agrippina the Younger.

• End of the Julio-Claudians: Nero declared hostis by the senate and committed suicide (68 CE).

• Consequences: Terrible leadership and instability on the fringes of the empire due to Nero’s neglect of military matters.

Another Civil War (68-69 CE)

• Year of Four Emperors: Quick succession of emperors Galba → Otho → Vitellius → Vespasian.

• Background: Rebellions in Gaul by Vindex supported by Galba.

• Galba's Rule: Praetorian guard and senate support Galba as princeps (68 CE).

• Otho's Role: Galba’s successor attempt leads to Otho’s assassination of Galba; becomes princeps.

• Vitellius' Rise: Legions in Germania reject Galba and support Vitellius, leading to Otho's suicide and Vitellius’ declaration.

• Vespasian’s Claim: Eastern provinces support him, leading to Vitellius’ defeat.

Vespasian (69-79 CE)

• Background: Significant military background, initiated in Judaea (66 CE).

• Claim to Power: Supported by troops and governors, defeats Vitellius.

• Preventing Civil War:

  • Legal Authority: Lex de Imperio Vespasiani solidified imperial powers.

  • Reforms:

  • Civic: Rescinded large concentrations of legions and reinforced traditional Roman career paths.

  • Military: Expanded recruitment in provinces and eliminated local legions.

  • Building: Major construction projects including the Colosseum and temples.

The Flavian Dynasty (69-96 CE)

• Key Emperors: Vespasian, Titus, Domitian.

  • Titus’ Reign (79-81 CE): Known for handling disasters (Pompeii eruption, Roman fire).

  • Domitian’s Reign (81-96 CE): Described as tyrannical but also a significant builder.

Transition to Nerva (96-98 CE)

• Nerva’s Ascension: Appointed by the senate after Domitian's reign, erasing Domitian's legacy.

• Financial Reforms: Funding for child support to Italians and adopting Trajan as successor, marking a shift in imperial succession.

The Five Good Emperors (96-180 CE)

• Qualitative Succession: Unlike previous dynasties, heirs selected for qualifications, leading to improved Roman governance.

• Emperors: Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius.

Trajan (98-117 CE)

• Optimist Princeps: Declared by the senate, known for effective military campaigns, notably in Dacia.

• Building Projects: Column of Trajan, Temple of Trajan, expansion of various city infrastructures.

The Column of Trajan (113 CE)

• Artistic Features: Continuous relief depicting Dacian Wars, showcasing Roman military superiority and Trajan’s leadership.

Hadrian (117-138 CE)

• Reign Focus: Consolidation rather than expansion. Known for building Hadrian’s Wall and enhancing city infrastructure.

• Successor System: Established Pius as successor and endorsed further succession management, continuing stability.

Conclusion of the Course

• End Note: Prosperity under the Five Good Emperors maintained until the ascension of Marcus Aurelius’ son Commodus, which brought new challenges.