Germanicus and the butterflies

[Arch-Angel]

A rough draft of the first few events. What does everyone think? Eventually the map will probably look something like what is attached.

14 AD – At the age of 67, Augustus dies. Tiberius, due to the machinations of Livia, is confirmed as Princep, in essence the second Emperor of Rome.

18 AD – Germanicus assumes command of the eastern portion of the Empire.

19AD – POD – A servant of Livia is assaulted by brigands on the road. The servant is killed, but when the authorities arrive they discover a letter from Livia to Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso directing him to poison Germanicus. When Germanicus learns of this he arranges for the death of Piso, but knows that he can’t move against his grandmother, not yet.

20 AD – After quietly building support in the Senate, Germanicus arranges for Tiberius to suffer from an accident. Tiberius dies shortly their after when he is shot with a bow during a hunting trip. Germanicus and the Senate move quickly. Germanicus is confirmed as Princep along with all the other titles of Augustus, with the exception of Augustus, claiming he does not deserve it. Germanicus orders the removal of Sejanus, who is promptly killed, and Livia who is sent to live on the island of Crete.
- In his first appearance before the Senate Germanicus vows to be a servant of the people and share power with the Senate, his manner is similar to that of Augustus and win him even more popularity. He also proclaims that Rome shall continue to be called a Republic, even though for all intents and purposes it is now an Empire, if a pseudo-constitutional one.
- Germanicus makes preparations to expand the Empire. He appoints his brother Claudius as Caretaker of Rome, getting the Senate to give him tribunicia potestas, and sets off with his son Drusus and the legions. They leave north, intent on crushing the Germanic tribes.

21 to 27 AD – Germanicus and the legions win victory after bloody victory against the tribes of central Europe. After each tribe is conquered the survivors are dispersed throughout the Empire as slaves. They finally reach the Elbe River. Germanicus contemplates continuing over the river, but knows his coffers are shrinking rationalizes the river makes a good natural barrier. He decides to put an end to the campaign. He returns to the Rome as a Triumph his held for his mighty victories.

23 AD – At a villa outside of Rome a Patrician and his chief farmer observe an arrow going into the ground. They watch as the arrow leaves a straight, deep furrow in the ground. The farmer talks the patrician into an experiment. The farmer contacts an ironsmith and together they create what would become a mould-board plow. Soon the farm is producing more food than ever before; the design soon spreads throughout the area and then the Empire.

27 AD – Uncomfortable with the nature of the Empire, Germanicus lays out Codex Germanicus. It gives clear powers to both the Princep and the Senate. This will lay the groundwork for future constitutional developments

33 AD – Jesus of Nazareth is put to death. Simon Peter, too, is arrested with Jesus when he attempts to defend his teacher. As he hangs on the cross it’s reported that he anoints his brother James to “care for his Church.” James and the apostles continue to preach and carry on the teachings of Jesus, but still consider themselves Jewish.

 

[Epimethius]

Interesting im guessing the map is what will happen to the empire? I like how you allow the plow to be the result of a natural discovery. I cant wait to see how this develops.

 

[carlton_bach]

I believe you are gong too far with the POD-parcel. There is very little point to a mouldboard plough in Roman Italy (indeed, in many parts of the country it is dangerous rather than helpful), and the machine is a bit more complex than attaching a knife to a hook plough. Its developent is not at all improbably (and probably happened OTL around that time), but you might consider putting it in Gaul, and taking it in steps rather than as one stroke of genius. A heavier plough for heavier soils, which in turn requires wheels, which in turn allows a heavier share, which in turns prompts the coulter, which in turn allows a broader share...

As to the Germanican Code, it is too early for that IMO. Under Germanicus, the authority of the emperor still *is* a constitutional construct as far as those interested in the technicalities are concerned. The Senate might well object, at least in principle, to this unilateral coup, and the army would likely override its statutes at some future point no matter what they said. (OTL, the senate and people had a clearly envisioned role in selecting and supervising emperors and it required the legal fiction of the army being the senate and people under arms to justify its role to some lawyers).

 

[Hecatee]

In fact it is not needed to invent the plough or the harvester because they do exist or begin to exist around that period since Pliny described them : they are indeed in use in northern Gaul ( Colonia Augusta Treveriri ) and could very well have been adopted. Now have you agriculture liking patrician see some in operation during a travel to the campainging emperor and you got two very precious machines which more than double the grain production of the Empire, diminish the need for manpower in the farms, allows for much new defrishing, and change the Empire's economy.

 

[Sgt Detritus]

Interesting im guessing the map is what will happen to the empire? I like how you allow the plow to be the result of a natural discovery. I cant wait to see how this develops.

The question is, is the purple bit this world's version of the Eastern Roman Empire or some kind of Islamic empire?

One other thing, what will happend to Germanicus' son 'Little Boots' aka Caligula

 

[Borys]

Ahoj!
The Elbe border would reach south to the Czech Mountains (Rudavy?), so there one of the thre options should be taken:
- border runs WESTWARDS along the mountains, following the present German-Czech border to Vienna
or
- border runs EASTWARDS along the mountains, following the present German-Czech and Polish-Czech border, then down the Morava River (or is it the Vag?) to the Danube
or
- border runs up the Elbe into the Czech plateau, following course of some southern tributuray to area of Vienna

As drawn, the border startsd somewhere near Gdansk, and then runs cross country through Cracow to Bratislavia. It is possible that this is NOT the border achieved by Germanicus in Germania, but the way it runs seems wrong. Neither along a river nor mountains.

And I think the Codex Germanicus would use his proper name, i.e. in this ATL most likely the Codex Nero.

Yes, the pretence of the Senate ruling the country was maintained for about one century more, up to more or less Domitian.
I think. You should google for "principate period" and "dominate period". My memory of Roman history is now hazy.
Borys

 

[MerryPrankster]

Perhaps some kind of event occurs that forces Germanicus to nail down the constitutional situation in a more definite manner?

Say the wars with the Germans require more than one important general and after the Germans are defeated, said general challenges Germanicus for mastery (think the Crisis of the 3rd Century in miniature). Perhaps a section of the army embittered by something Germanicus did supports said general, so the fact that this general lacks popular legitimacy (not being a member of the House of Caesar) doesn't prevent him from making a power grab.

After he defeats the other, Germanicus drafts the Codex Nero or whatever we wish to call it, to re-establish rule of law where political power is concerned.

 

[Arch-Angel]

14 AD – At the age of 67, Augustus dies. Tiberius, due to the machinations of Livia, is confirmed as Princep, in essence the second Emperor of Rome.

18 AD – Germanicus assumes command of the eastern portion of the Empire.

19AD – POD – A servant of Livia is assaulted by brigands on the road. The servant is killed, but when the authorities arrive they discover a letter from Livia to Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso directing him to poison Germanicus. When Germanicus learns of this he arranges for the death of Piso, but knows that he can’t move against his grandmother, not yet.

20 AD – After quietly building support in the Senate, Germanicus arranges for Tiberius to suffer from an accident. Tiberius dies shortly their after when he is shot with a bow during a hunting trip. Germanicus and the Senate move quickly. Germanicus is confirmed as Princep along with all the other titles of Augustus, with the exception of Augustus, claiming he does not deserve it. Germanicus orders the removal of Sejanus, who is promptly killed, and Livia who is sent to live on the island of Crete.
- In his first appearance before the Senate Germanicus vows to be a servant of the people and share power with the Senate, his manner is similar to that of Augustus and win him even more popularity. He also proclaims that Rome shall continue to be called a Republic, even though for all intents and purposes it is now an Empire, if a pseudo-constitutional one.
- Germanicus makes preparations to expand the Empire. He appoints his brother Claudius as Caretaker of Rome, getting the Senate to give him tribunicia potestas, and sets off with his oldest two sons Nero and Drusus and the legions. They leave north, intent on crushing the Germanic tribes.

21 to 27 AD – Germanicus and the legions win victory after bloody victory against the tribes of central Europe. After each tribe is conquered the survivors are dispersed throughout the Empire as slaves. They finally reach the Elbe River. Germanicus contemplates continuing over the river, but knows his coffers are shrinking rationalizes the river makes a good natural barrier. He decides to put an end to the campaign. He returns to the Rome as a Triumph his held for his mighty victories.

22 AD to 27 AD – Claudius, a realist as well as an able administrator, realizes the Senate can be a useful tool and ally. He sees himself, as well as his brother, in a dualist capacity, both as servant of and supervisor of the Senate and intern the people. Of course he knows that despite his brother’s entrustment, he is not his brother and thus needs to tread a careful course. During Senate debates he sits with the senators and speaks in turn, he increases the wages of jurors, passes several edicts with the approval of the Senate, he reforms the Senate, and builds many public works. It wins him the approval of the Senate and of the people.

23 AD – While campaigning with Germanicus, a patrician by the name of Antonius Nereus views the farming of habits of the inhabitants of Northern Gaul. They use a heavier plow shaped to turn the soil over on itself. His farm had been struggling and decides to purchase one of the plows as well as pay one of the smiths of a local village to instruct his men on the construction of such plows. He sends the plow and the plans back to his farm with orders to implement the design. Soon his farm is one of the most productive in the land. Other farmers begin using the same design, a food boom is on. Rome faces few shortages of food from now on and within a generation the population will be much greater.

27 AD – Germanicus returns to Rome. He approves of his brothers changes and administration of the Empire. Germanicus names Claudius Governor of Germania Magna. Furthermore, a great number of former farm workers travel with Claudius caravan. They have been out of work with the changes in farm technology and have been growing disgruntled. Germanicus decides to remove the problem and to shore up his new provinces at the same time by sending this loyal and true Romans north. He encourages their move by granting them reasonable farm plots of their own.
- Germanicus uses his popularity to be a bit more demanding with the Senate. He still holds the Senate in high regard, but he functions more of a superior than a first among equals. Some Senators do not approve, but most ultimately accept because of Germanicus’ victories and popularity as well as he still respects the Senate.

30 AD – Germanicus sets about to deal with a variety of public works, including the improvement of roads to the North and expansion of ports through out the Empire.

33 AD – Jesus of Nazareth is put to death. Simon Peter, too, is arrested with Jesus when he attempts to defend his teacher. As he hangs on the cross it’s reported that he anoints his brother James to “care for his Church.” James and the apostles continue to preach and carry on the teachings of Jesus, but still consider themselves Jewish.

35 AD – With the new plow now being used on most farms, farmers are having difficulty with the soil. It seems to be wearing out, even with a three-year rotation. Different experts begin trying different techniques that meet with mixed results. Finally, someone lets their fields sit for an extra year. This four year rotation seems to help solve the problem. Another population boom is around the corner.
- A small rebellion breaks out in Judea brought on by the Saducees. The Romans respond by killing a great number of them as well as their zealot allies. As a result the Pharisees and even some Nazrim are placed on the Sanhedrin. Furthermore, Germanicus, with the advice of his brother Claudius and the consent of the Senate, re-establishes the Kingdom of Judea as a client state under Herod Agrippa. Herod is given the lands of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. Herod agrees to continue paying tribute while winning the support of his people.

36 AD – Germanicus again goes on campaign, this time leading his legions over to Britannia. This time he leaves his second son, Drusus in charge of administering Rome.
- Herod, now firmly in control in Jerusalem, decides to meet with the ever growing Nazarim leaders. He meets with James and a number of the Apostles and hears of Jesus of Nazareth and his many miracles. While not convinced of Jesus’s divinity he does respect their piety and their wisdom. Herod agrees to allow them continue to teach and even sends his son to learn from them.

 

[Arch-Angel]

With some slight adjustments and additions. I've decided to go with Hecatee's idea of exporting the plow from Gaul. I furthermore, did away with the Codex for right now, though something similar will eventually be adopted.

The question is, is the purple bit this world's version of the Eastern Roman Empire or some kind of Islamic empire?

One other thing, what will happend to Germanicus' son 'Little Boots' aka Caligula

The purple state will not be Islamic. I haven't decided on a name but its going to be a mix of Greek, Jewish, and Arab cultures under a heavily modified Christian (virtually a sect of Judaism) faith based in Jerusalem. Islam isn't even going to develop.

The Elbe border would reach south to the Czech Mountains (Rudavy?), so there one of the thre options should be taken:
- border runs WESTWARDS along the mountains, following the present German-Czech border to Vienna
or
- border runs EASTWARDS along the mountains, following the present German-Czech and Polish-Czech border, then down the Morava River (or is it the Vag?) to the Danube
or
- border runs up the Elbe into the Czech plateau, following course of some southern tributuray to area of Vienna

As drawn, the border startsd somewhere near Gdansk, and then runs cross country through Cracow to Bratislavia. It is possible that this is NOT the border achieved by Germanicus in Germania, but the way it runs seems wrong. Neither along a river nor mountains.

That map is in the future, roughly right before the turn of the millennium. Rome's border in the east, running roughly along the Vistula down to the Carpathian Mountains. Though I might edit that, I haven't decide if I want to wipe out the Dacians or not.

14 AD – At the age of 67, Augustus dies. Tiberius, due to the machinations of Livia, is confirmed as Princep, in essence the second Emperor of Rome.

18 AD – Germanicus assumes command of the eastern portion of the Empire.

19AD – POD – A servant of Livia is assaulted by brigands on the road. The servant is killed, but when the authorities arrive they discover a letter from Livia to Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso directing him to poison Germanicus. When Germanicus learns of this he arranges for the death of Piso, but knows that he can’t move against his grandmother, not yet.

20 AD – After quietly building support in the Senate, Germanicus arranges for Tiberius to suffer from an accident. Tiberius dies shortly their after when he is shot with a bow during a hunting trip. Germanicus and the Senate move quickly. Germanicus is confirmed as Princep along with all the other titles of Augustus, with the exception of Augustus, claiming he does not deserve it. Germanicus orders the removal of Sejanus, who is promptly killed, and Livia who is sent to live on the island of Crete.
- In his first appearance before the Senate Germanicus vows to be a servant of the people and share power with the Senate, his manner is similar to that of Augustus and win him even more popularity. He also proclaims that Rome shall continue to be called a Republic, even though for all intents and purposes it is now an Empire, if a pseudo-constitutional one.
- Germanicus makes preparations to expand the Empire. He appoints his brother Claudius as Caretaker of Rome, getting the Senate to give him tribunicia potestas, and sets off with his oldest two sons Nero and Drusus and the legions. They leave north, intent on crushing the Germanic tribes.

21 to 27 AD – Germanicus and the legions win victory after bloody victory against the tribes of central Europe. After each tribe is conquered the survivors are dispersed throughout the Empire as slaves. They finally reach the Elbe River. Germanicus contemplates continuing over the river, but knows his coffers are shrinking rationalizes the river makes a good natural barrier. He decides to put an end to the campaign. He returns to the Rome as a Triumph his held for his mighty victories.

22 AD to 27 AD – Claudius, a realist as well as an able administrator, realizes the Senate can be a useful tool and ally. He sees himself, as well as his brother, in a dualist capacity, both as servant of and supervisor of the Senate and intern the people. Of course he knows that despite his brother’s entrustment, he is not his brother and thus needs to tread a careful course. During Senate debates he sits with the senators and speaks in turn, he increases the wages of jurors, passes several edicts with the approval of the Senate, he reforms the Senate, and builds many public works. It wins him the approval of the Senate and of the people.

23 AD – While campaigning with Germanicus, a patrician by the name of Antonius Nereus views the farming of habits of the inhabitants of Northern Gaul. They use a heavier plow shaped to turn the soil over on itself. His farm had been struggling and decides to purchase one of the plows as well as pay one of the smiths of a local village to instruct his men on the construction of such plows. He sends the plow and the plans back to his farm with orders to implement the design. Soon his farm is one of the most productive in the land. Other farmers begin using the same design, a food boom is on. Rome faces few shortages of food from now on and within a generation the population will be much greater.

27 AD – Germanicus returns to Rome. He approves of his brothers changes and administration of the Empire. Germanicus names Claudius Governor of Germania Magna. Furthermore, a great number of former farm workers travel with Claudius caravan. They have been out of work with the changes in farm technology and have been growing disgruntled. Germanicus decides to remove the problem and to shore up his new provinces at the same time by sending this loyal and true Romans north. He encourages their move by granting them reasonable farm plots of their own.
- Germanicus uses his popularity to be a bit more demanding with the Senate. He still holds the Senate in high regard, but he functions more of a superior than a first among equals. Some Senators do not approve, but most ultimately accept because of Germanicus’ victories and popularity as well as he still respects the Senate.

30 AD – Germanicus sets about to deal with a variety of public works, including the improvement of roads to the North and expansion of ports through out the Empire.

33 AD – Jesus of Nazareth is put to death. Simon Peter, too, is arrested with Jesus when he attempts to defend his teacher. As he hangs on the cross it’s reported that he anoints his brother James to “care for his Church.” James and the apostles continue to preach and carry on the teachings of Jesus, but still consider themselves Jewish.

35 AD – With the new plow now being used on most farms, farmers are having difficulty with the soil. It seems to be wearing out, even with a three-year rotation. Different experts begin trying different techniques that meet with mixed results. Finally, someone lets their fields sit for an extra year. This four year rotation seems to help solve the problem. Another population boom is around the corner.
- A small rebellion breaks out in Judea brought on by the Saducees. The Romans respond by killing a great number of them as well as their zealot allies. As a result the Pharisees and even some Nazrim are placed on the Sanhedrin. Furthermore, Germanicus, with the advice of his brother Claudius and the consent of the Senate, re-establishes the Kingdom of Judea as a client state under Herod Agrippa. Herod is given the lands of Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. Herod agrees to continue paying tribute while winning the support of his people.

36 AD – Germanicus again goes on campaign, this time leading his legions over to Britannia. This time he leaves his second son, Drusus in charge of administering Rome.
- Herod, now firmly in control in Jerusalem, decides to meet with the ever growing Nazarim leaders. He meets with James and a number of the Apostles and hears of Jesus of Nazareth and his many miracles. While not convinced of Jesus’s divinity he does respect their piety and their wisdom. Herod agrees to allow them continue to teach and even sends his son to learn from them.

 

[Admiral Brown]

Very interesting!!!

Just a sugestion: maybe, if you went a more democratic senate, or a more accepted one, you can have representatives from other parts of the empire incorporated into it. I thing Cesar had proposed something like that. If they were elected by the towns, better. The Senate doesn't have to be a legilative body; it can be just a body of control.

 

[Borys]

Ahoj!
IIRC provincial senators were being added to the senate throughout the Ist century. Provincial meaning from the provinces, not country yokels
Some senators could had been grandsons or great-grandsons of tribal chieftains from pre-Roman conquest.
By early IInd century the non-Italian senator families will start supplying emperors.

Borys

 

[Arch-Angel]

Very interesting!!!

Just a sugestion: maybe, if you went a more democratic senate, or a more accepted one, you can have representatives from other parts of the empire incorporated into it. I thing Cesar had proposed something like that. If they were elected by the towns, better. The Senate doesn't have to be a legilative body; it can be just a body of control.

That actually a good idea. I will start something like that under Drusus or his heir (I haven't decided if I want to have Drusus have a son, have the line go to Caligula (a much saner version) or pass back to Claudius).

 

[Hecatee]

Well the Senate at this time is still an italian only body. It was not before OTL Claudius that the roman born in provinces other than Italy or the city of Rome entered it. You may want to accelerate the process a bit but it would not do that much good because there would'nt be enough province born rich enough men availlable. In fact what might be done is to keep the Senate as historical and create later ( around 180 ? ) a body made by representative of the equestrial order from each province called by a old republican name to keep apparences

 

[Borys]

Ahoj!
Thank you for correcting me on provincial senators. I thought their admission had began under Augusts.
Borys

 

[Arch-Angel]

Part 2 rough draft. Its not complete I want to add more towards the end about whats going on with the Nazarim and such but I thought I would post it.

37 AD to 43 AD – Germanicus and Nero land at Rutupiae (OTL Richborough) with four legions. They encounter stiff and bloody resistance, but push forward. By 38, they control the lands south of the Thames River. Tragedy strikes, however, when Nero is killed during the Battle of the Bay (an attempt to secure OTL Glouchester). The Romans carry the day, but Germanicus orders all the prisoners have their arms cut off and be throne into the Bay. The town is renamed Neria in his son’s honor. Germanicus is determined to push further though. His forces move as far north as OTL Liverpool before stopping and establishing a string of forts and defenses that stretch from coast to coast. He also encourages Roman settlement in cities that his establishes.

37 AD – A Greek philosopher named Andronicus arrives in Judea. As he travels he hears more and more about the Nazarim and their wisdom. He decides to visit Jerusalem where he encounters James teaching at the Temple. Andronicus and James engage in a discussion that lasts several hours and is witnessed by many, including Herod’s son. At the end of the conversation, James compares Jesus to the Logos, a term Andronicus is very familiar with. With that utterance it is said that Andronicus faints and when he recovers he announces he has heard the words of Jesus. He immediately is circumcised and coverts to the Nazarim sect of Judaism. James anoints him as a priest and the two develop a strong friendship, Andronicus lending his philosophical training and wisdom to the growing theology of the Nazarim. Soon Andronicus departs from Judea with a number of other followers including Herod Agrippa’s son, and with James’s blessing begins to teach and covert gentiles from the North.
- Drusus receives a series of letters from his uncle Claudius in Germania. The letters contain advice and wisdom on how to administer the Emperor. Above all, Claudius advises Drusus to respect the Senate, but “to make sure they respect you.” He also says the power of the Princep lies in three things, the military, the Senate, and the people. The letters state that it is necessary to have at least two of those bodies on the side of the Emperor to have a successful reign. The letters will become known as the Claudian Dialogues and become a valued guide to all future Emperors.

40 AD – Nazarim communities now exist in Alexandria, Antioch, Athens, Damascus, and throughout the Hellenist East. There is evening a small community in Rome, but they are forbidden from proselytizing and classical pagan faiths remain dominant in the city.

43 AD – Germanicus leaves Britannia heading south to Hispania. He begins a tour of the Empire that lasts until 47 AD.

44 AD – Using the wealth his father has just won in Britannia, Drusus sets out to improve and repair several bits of infrastructure that had been falling into disrepair. He also wins favor with the people by limiting corruption, protecting the rights of freedmen, and lowered taxes for the lower classes. He was tolerated by the Senate because he showed them a great deal of respect when it came to debate and voting.

47 AD – Herod Agrippa dies in Jerusalem. His son returns from his travels with Andronicus and is crowned King in Jerusalem as Herod Agrippa II. He has since adopted Nazarim and uses his power to appoint James as Kohen Gadol. This causes some outrage since the Kohen are supposed to be from the tribe of Levi and James is clearly from the tribe of Judah. Herod II reasons with the people, arguing that Jesus became the new Great Priest and thus his line should now serve as Kohen Gadol.
- Germanicus returns from his tour of the Empire. He enjoyed his tour of the well developed western portions of the Empire, but was most distressed about the eastern regions. After consultation with the Senate he orders the construction and improvement of several roads through Greece and Asia Minor all the way to Damascus. He also sends expeditions of settlers to the region. The construction will take several years and cost large sums of money, but go a long way in uniting the Empire.

50 AD – Herod Agrippa II institutes further reforms. He appoints himself Nassi of the Great Sanhedrin, but elevates the Great Sanhedrin to become the national legislature, similar to the Senate of Rome. He also establishes lesser Sanhedrin is several important cities. As such the Great Sanhedrin is now both the legislative body for the Kingdom of Judea and the ruling religious body of Judaism.
- Germanicus dies in his sleep. His son Drusus is crowned Princep, in accordance with the wishes of Germanicus. He is remembered as another exemplary Emperor, both in lands conquered and administrative reforms (though administrative leadership mostly came through Claudius and then Drusus). It will be the precedents set by Germanicus and his proxies that set the tone for Emperors to come.

51 AD – Drusus began his reign in a rather surprising move; he made plans to invade and conquer the Vandals. This stirs some controversy in the Senate as well as with his uncle Claudius. However, he wins the day arguing the wealth that can come from the new provinces. He appoints his younger brother Gaius (OTL Caligula) as commander of the five legions set for the invasion. Gaius wins the support of several tribes and sets the goal of reaching the Vistula River.

51 AD to 56 AD – Gaius leads a fairly successful and quick campaign. He manages to crush the opposing tribes one by one and avoids any major disasters. The lands are broken up into three provinces. Gaius also writes to his brother discussing the temperatures that make “Northern Gaul feel like Syria.” Drusus decides that any further attempts to extend in that direction would be too costly and it would be difficult to adequately administer them, thus he decrees the Vistula shall be the eastern border for the Empire from then on.

51 AD to 57 AD – Drusus commissions the construction of beautifications through the city of Rome. He constructs several parks, gymnasiums, theatres, and bath houses.

54 AD – Claudius, Germanicus’s younger brother, dies in Germania.

57 AD – Drusus dies of pneumonia. Gaius speeds back to Rome to be with his dying brother, arriving just in time to be with his brother on his last day. Several Senators and Magistrates are quickly brought to the estate of Drusus to witness the decree that Gaius is to be his heir (all of his children pre-deceased him). Drusus dies shortly their after, Gaius is crowned Princep.

 

[Hecatee]

Two points. First the jewish reforms will cause revolts, massive ones, costly to fight. Those 10 years will not be peacefull and their will be murder.

Second the Vandals are not formed yet. Most of the great tribal groups we know are from a later date, at the time they are simply numerous very small tribes, nothing like the Dacians, Franks etc...

 

[carlton_bach]

Ahoj!
Thank you for correcting me on provincial senators. I thought their admission had began under Augusts.
Borys

There really isn't such a thing as a 'provincial senator' in legal terms. The Senate as a body consists of those either gaining access through offices held or through 'adlection' to its ranks by its members voting on it. A given individual, as soon as he qualifies (i.e. meets the wealth requirements, holds Roman citizenship from birth or through viritane grant, and is found morally unobjectionable by the censors) could become a senator. Origin does not affect this.

Of course, in reality the social networks of the senatorial aristocracy largely extended through Italy only, and most emperors respected these traditions. But even Caesar muscled through some Gallic members, and technically, this wasn't different from any other adlection. (Emperors could not simply appoint senators, at least until well into the third century, but it would be a brave assembly not to embrace their 'suggestions' for office.)

It is misleading to think of the Senate as either a legislative or representative body. What it was supposed to be was basically a cross of the ultimate gentlemen's club and the NSC: the place where movers and shakers congregate to make important decisions, and where recruiting for key positions begins and ends. The fact that senatusconsulta had legal force was more of an afterthought.

 

[Arch-Angel]

Two points. First the jewish reforms will cause revolts, massive ones, costly to fight. Those 10 years will not be peacefull and their will be murder.

Second the Vandals are not formed yet. Most of the great tribal groups we know are from a later date, at the time they are simply numerous very small tribes, nothing like the Dacians, Franks etc...

Hmmm...Ok, I will see about changing that in some fashion. Either amending the reforms, through some bread to make up for it, or to crush it.

As for the vandals. I could have sworn they are around by this time. Oh well. I'll figure something out, thats why its a rough draft.

 

[Hecatee]

Well I can make some enquiries about the Vandals ( after all I just got my diploma in ancient history less than 48h ago, so I don't have anything better to do currently ) but my Late Antiquity course is rather fresh in my mind and I think I'm not mistaken.

About the situation in Judea the trouble is that the Jews were a rather violent people especially when religion was concerned, and the Zealots are only one exemple between many, the earlier Maccabees being another one. So I think you'd have some kind of rebellion ( which may lead to an earlier Massada for exemple ), agravated by the fact some may say ( rather rightly ) that the king's only a puppet and that's living under a pagan emperor as the roman emperor is not the way a Jew should live.

 

[carlton_bach]

As for the vandals. I could have sworn they are around by this time. Oh well. I'll figure something out, thats why its a rough draft.

The Vandals are mentioned in the first century (Pliny and Tacitus both), but they were likely a much smaller tribe then than they were to become. The contemporary authors believed that they had just come in from Scandinavia. Archeologists nowadays copnsider a specific material culture in modern-day northern Poland to be 'Vandal'.