ROMA O Grande Império - Episódio 01: A Era dos Imperadores (4/5)

Summary

The script offers a detailed exploration of key Roman emperors, their rule, and controversial actions. It begins with Caesar's family issues and the brutal reigns of his successors, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Caligula's eccentricity, Claudius' paranoia, and Nero's infamous reign—marked by violence and self-indulgence—are highlighted, along with Nero's disastrous policies, including the Great Fire of Rome. Nero’s complex legacy, blending cruelty with a passion for art, is examined. Following Nero’s death, the empire endures political turmoil, until Vespasian ascends, rebuilding Rome and establishing the iconic Colosseum, symbolizing a new era of power.

Takeaways

• 😀 Julius Caesar may have coined the term 'family,' but it was the emperors who followed him who truly defined the concept of imperial succession.
• 😀 Caligula, the successor of Caesar, was infamous for his erratic behavior and brutal tactics, even appointing his horse as consul before being assassinated in 41 AD.
• 😀 Claudius, though physically weak and paranoid, was reluctantly made emperor after Caligula's assassination, only to later be poisoned by his wife Agrippina.
• 😀 Agrippina, who had orchestrated Claudius' death, sought to make her son Nero emperor, though their relationship turned hostile as Nero eventually had her murdered.
• 😀 Nero, often portrayed as a cruel and self-indulgent tyrant, also had a passion for the arts and music, even performing publicly despite being mocked for it.
• 😀 Nero's reign included the execution of his mother, two wives, and a half-brother, as well as a notorious penchant for cruelty towards people he deemed threats.
• 😀 In 64 AD, the Great Fire of Rome broke out, with some believing Nero deliberately set it to make room for his extravagant 'Golden House,' though this is debated.
• 😀 Despite being blamed for the fire, Nero used it as an opportunity to rebuild the city and construct grand buildings, though the aristocracy criticized him for his excesses.
• 😀 Nero’s paranoia and tyrannical behavior led to widespread rebellion, and in 68 AD, he committed suicide, leaving Rome in a state of instability.
• 😀 After Nero’s death, the Roman Empire saw a turbulent year with four emperors taking the throne in quick succession, leading to Vespasian’s eventual rise to power and the rebuilding of Rome.

Q & A

Who is credited with inventing the term 'family' in the context of Roman emperors?

Cesar is credited with inventing the term 'family,' a concept that was further refined by the emperors who succeeded him.

What led to the assassination of Emperor Caligula?

Caligula was assassinated in 41 AD by his own senators due to his brutal tactics, perceived madness, and extreme actions, such as appointing his horse as consul.

How did Emperor Claudius become the ruler of Rome?

Claudius became emperor after the assassination of Caligula. He was discovered hiding behind palace curtains by the Praetorian Guard, who then forced the Romans to accept him as their leader.

What were some of the issues Claudius faced during his reign?

Claudius faced constant fear of assassination, including surviving six attempts on his life. His paranoia led to the execution of 35 senators and over 300 knights.

How did Agrippina contribute to Claudius's death?

Agrippina, Claudius's wife, secretly wanted her son Nero to become emperor. She orchestrated Claudius’s death by poisoning him with mushrooms, and later had a doctor help finish the job when the poison didn’t work immediately.

What role did Nero’s mother, Agrippina, play in his rise to power?

Agrippina helped Nero rise to power, expecting to be rewarded with a position in governance, but Nero soon turned against her, ultimately having her killed.

How was Nero portrayed in historical records?

Nero was portrayed negatively in historical records, depicted as a tyrant, indulgent and mad, known for his violent actions including the murder of his mother, two wives, and a half-brother.

What was Nero’s attitude towards the arts and his public performances?

Despite his brutal reputation, Nero was passionate about the arts, particularly music and acting. He performed publicly, which scandalized the Roman nobility, though they dared not criticize his musical talent.

What role did the Great Fire of Rome play in Nero’s reign?

The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD led to widespread destruction, but Nero used the opportunity to rebuild parts of the city and construct his grand 'Golden House,' a lavish palace. Some people believed he caused the fire to clear space for his personal projects, although this remains unproven.

How did Nero’s reign end?

Nero’s reign ended when he was abandoned by his supporters, and facing imminent assassination, he took his own life by cutting his throat at the age of 30 in 68 AD.

What happened after Nero’s death?

After Nero’s death, the Roman Empire went through a period of instability, with three emperors rising and falling violently. Ultimately, Vespasian took the throne in 69 AD and started rebuilding Rome, including the construction of the Colosseum.