The discussion of Roman emperors will be thematic as well as chronological.

Tiberius

How does the emperor relate to the senate?

Is Tiberius interested in shared governance?
Are the senators interested in shared governance?

How important is the selection of advisors?

Who is Sejanus and what does he do?
Does he contribute to Tiberius' negative reputation?
Why does Tiberius leave Rome and why is this problematic?

This study guide is being created. You might not want to print the whole thing yet.

Later Julio-Claudian Emperors

What role do women play in the imperial family?

What role does upbringing have in making for "bad" emperors?

Optional: See a Julio-Claudian Family Tree

Vespasian and Sons (Titus and Domitian) = Flavian Dynasty

What role can the military play in selecting an emperor? and under what circumstances?

Please note: Sabinus is Vespasian's elder brother; Titus and Domitian are Vespasian's sons.

Trajan

Please note that the Life of Trajan that you have been assigned is not an ancient text, but a compilation of information found in the ancient texts by the translator of The Augustan History. Skim over the reading in this text to see how Trajan spends his time. You might find it useful to view a map or two or more.

How does military expansion function in the empire?

Does the emperor micro-manage the provinces?

What's wrong with Christians?

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With Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius I want to look at some questions of culture in the Roman Empire.

Hadrian

How does architecture reflect the cultural diversity of the Roman empire?
How does architecture reflect imperial power?

Marcus Aurelius

What impact does Greek philosophy have on Roman intellectual pursuits?

Commodus (from the Augustan History)

Does Commodus live according to the Stoic principles his father professed?
How is his relationship with the senate? Why? (You do not need to remember the names of all the people with whom he has problems)
What is Commodus' relationship with Tigidius Perennis? Does this remind you of any other relationships we have seen? Who was Cleander?
After Commodus' death, how did the senate react? how did Pertinax and Severus, react? Why?
In the senatorial decree, which emperors' names are linked with his?
Please note, there are stemma (family trees) at the end of the Lives of the Later Caesars.

Severan Dynasty (from Boatwright, 405-425)

Who declares Severus emperor? Under what circumstances?
Does Severus consider the senate's role to be important? Evidence to support your answer?
How and why does Severus use postumous adoptions?
How is Severus' relationship with the senate.

Skip pages 413-416 (Caracalla to Severus Alexander)

Read the Roman Law section carefully and skim the section on Roman citizenship.