Daily # 9 Week 5

         Were the Julio-Claudians really as bad as they seem?

Yes, the Julio-Claudians were really as bad as they seemed.Most of them were great rulers that have been honored throughout history though. The Julio Claudian dynasty refers to the first five emperors who ruled in the Roman Empire. These rulers consisted of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. They held their reign in the time of the second half of the first century, ending when Nero took his own life. Many great leaders came out of the Julio-Claudians, like Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar is known for his great relationship with his subjects, he really knew what his people wanted and how he could get them on his side. Writers didn't write about any of the five emperors in a positive way They made them seem crazy and unsuccessful instead.  Augustus kept on remarrying his only daughter, Julia, so he could possess an heir to the thrown after he died. Tiberius was next who was officially adopted by Emperor Augustus. Tiberius was known for his extreme cruelty, breaking a young boy’s legs when he complained.  Then, Caligula was also a direct descendent of Augustus Caesar. But even with his powerful dynasty, Caligula was still a little insane. He was the first actual emperor of the Julio Claudians. He killed his own cousin, to ensure his right to the throne. Caligula also found amusement in death, money, and sexual intercourse. Last was Claudius. He was Caligula's uncle. Claudius was found hidden behind a curtain when told he was the new ruler of the Roman Emperor. His great nephew, Nero, was next in line to the throne when Claudius died from poison. Nero, his great nephew was next in line to the throne and was another direct descendant from Augustus Caesar. He executed his own mother then framed it as a suicide. All five men were not good leaders and only cared about their power.