ABSTRACT
Second, libertas. Claudius could not trump the consuls' proclamation in 41, but he could offer something approaching it, for which the same word would do: aes coins struck at Rome bear on their reverse a liberty cap (worn by slaves on their liberation) and the legend LIIJERTAS AUGUSTA S(enatus) C(onsulto). The view that this Augustan liberty is a riposte to unqualified, that is, Republican liberty, is surely correct. Claudius continued to be presented as a champion of freedom on later coins and on the Cyzicus arch of 5 r. Claudius was an eager participant in meetings of the House, more so than any other emperor between Augustus' prime and the reign of Vespasian, at least until the last years of his reign, and we shall sec him trying to involve the senate in discussion and decision-making - where practicable - to mitigate damage to the relationship. He could present himself as one of the senate when he chose, as in 48 when he was trying to persuade the House to look with favour on would-be members from Comata, though he is not found reiterating Tiberius' claim to be just a senator invested with peculiar power.4
