The Lives of the Caesars · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides extensive endnotes and annotations for the main text, offering clarifications, cross-references, and historical context on various events, customs, and figures mentioned throughout the book.
What happens
This chapter provides extensive endnotes and annotations for the main text, offering clarifications, cross-references, and historical context on various events, customs, and figures mentioned throughout the book. It includes explanations of Roman practices such as gladiatorial games, religious rites, legal procedures, and architectural landmarks, as well as notes on specific passages about emperors like Domitian, Vespasian, Titus, and Nero.
Themes in this chapter
Dynastic Legacy and Family
The endnotes frequently reference the Flavian dynasty, including Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, and their building projects and deification.
Public Image and Propaganda
Notes discuss Domitian's triumphs, the construction of public buildings like the Colosseum, and the use of games and spectacles to shape public perception.
Political Intrigue and Violence
References to Domitian's charges, the assassination of emperors, and the use of violence in Roman politics are present in the notes.
Characters to notice
- Domitian
Referenced multiple times in endnotes regarding his reign, building projects, and policies.
- Vespasian
Mentioned in notes about his homestead, reign, and the Flavian dynasty.
- Titus
Noted for his abilities, building projects, and the tax on Jews.
- Nero
Referenced in notes about his reign, the great fire, and his statue.
- Claudius
Mentioned in notes about his policies, building projects, and reign.
- Julius Caesar
Referenced in notes about his campaign in Gaul and his role as aedile.
- Augustus
Mentioned in notes about his reign, laws, and building projects.
- Caligula
Referenced in notes about his reign and building projects.
Key passages
“To propitiate the gods, who were supposed to inflict such evils upon mankind by way of punishment.”
To appease the gods, who were believed to send disasters as punishment.
Explanation of the purpose of religious rites during calamities.
“The weapons of gladiators were regularly examined by the editor , or giver of the games, to see if they were sharp enough; cf. Dio, 68.3, who tells a similar story of the emperor Nerva.”
The sponsor of the games routinely checked gladiators' weapons for sharpness, as also noted by Dio about Emperor Nerva.
Clarification of gladiatorial weapon inspection practices.
“The old homestead at Cutiliae, near Reate; see Vespasian, 24.”
The family estate at Cutiliae, near Reate, as referenced in the life of Vespasian.
Geographical note on Vespasian's birthplace.
“Ad Malum Punicum was a street on the Quirinal hill, probably corresponding with the modern Via delle Quattro Fontane; see Platner, Topography of Rome , p. 485.”
Ad Malum Punicum was a street on the Quirinal Hill, likely the same as today's Via delle Quattro Fontane.
Identification of an ancient Roman street.
“He was but eighteen years old at the time.”
He was only eighteen years old then.
Note on the young age of a prince at a certain event.
“The usual procedure for a youthful prince; cf. Tiberius, 6.4.”
This was the standard practice for a young prince, as seen in Tiberius's biography.
Explanation of a common practice for young Roman princes.
