Keeping up with the Julio-ClaudiansAim: to understand the complex nature of the Imperial

Family

Starter: Why do people find celebrity families so interesting/ Appealing?

Imperial Family in the 1st Century

• The Imperial Family had become the ultimate celebrity family in the 1st Century.

• They were the topic of hot gossip and conspiracy (AO3!!).

• Largely as a result of complex family rivalries.

The Julio-Claudian Emperors

Quickly:(Stick in &) look at the information on the 5 Julio-Claudian Emperors.

What patterns can you identify?

Can we make a judgement about power/ succession in Imperial Rome?

A Family affair• Changes in Succession:• Unlike the kings (chosen by

interregnum*), the next Emperor was largely chosen by family.

• None of the successors were direct heirs of the previous Emperor.

• What does this tell you about the route to becoming Emperor?

The Murky waters of the Imperial Family

• There wasn’t really a hereditary line to the Throne.

• The Imperial family was very complicated.

• Ultimately ANYONE (male) in the family could be Emperor.

• It was a case of getting to the right spot at the right time.

Task: (in pairs)• Read and order the 11 cards

explaining the relationships in the Imperial Family.

• Once you’ve ordered them (they are numbered!), use them to fill in the Family Tree.• Make sure you mark on any

‘unusual’ or ‘potentially dangerous’ relationships.

Ext: Questions• Why is there a need to join the 2 sides of

the family: (think: Mark Anthony and Marcus Agrippa).

• Whose marriages would be illegal today?• Who (type of person) tends to marry the

most?• How many Emperors are ‘step children/

adoptive children’ of the previous Emperor?

Plenary• Women couldn’t hold

office or positions of direct power in Rome.

• How could (Imperial) women influence power and politics in Rome?