ABSTRACT
The Julio-Claudian emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero are the subject of this chapter. Their reigns are examined in chronological order, and the discussion focuses on the development of Roman institutions; the way imperial power was wielded; policy towards Britain, Parthia, Armenia, and the Caucasus; and the literary, architectural, and archaeological witnesses to the period. The growing power of the praetorian prefect is reflected in the career of Tiberius’s prefect Sejanus, and the way royal women wielded power is examined through the careers of Agrippina the Elder and Agrippina the Younger. Caligula’s illness is discussed, as is his erratic and murderous career. The reign of Claudius included the invasion of Britain and its incorporation as a Roman province, and the introduction of Gallic provincial elites into the senate. Nero’s reign produced some policy successes, notably in Armenia, and peace with Parthia was largely maintained. His reign witnessed the start of the Jewish Revolt, which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple and a new diaspora. Nero’s suicide also coincided with a new period of civil war, between Vindex, Vitellius, Otho, Galba, and Vespasian, together with the completion of the Roman victory in Judaea. Consideration is given to the Sibylline Oracles in the context of the revolt, and the recurring prophecies about Nero that resulted in his transformation into the Antichrist.
