First Advisor

Diane Harris

Term of Graduation

Spring 1991

Date of Publication

5-2-1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.) in History

Department

History

Language

English

Subjects

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (approximately 4 B.C.-65 A.D.). Apocolocyntosis, Claudius (10 B.C.-54 A.D.) (Emperor of Rome) -- In literature, Lucius Annaeus Seneca (approximately 4 B.C.-65 A.D.) -- Criticism and interpretation

DOI

10.15760/etd.6067

Physical Description

1 online resource (2, v, 117 pages)

Abstract

Seneca's Apocolocyatosis is a satire on the deceased emperor Claudius, probably written in the early months after his death in AD54. Although the authorship and title of the work have been called into question, scholars have now reached a consensus that the satire was written by Seneca and is titled "Apocolocyatosis." Its purpose, characteristic of the Menippean genre, was didactic.

Although the meaning of the Apocolocyatosis has often been discussed, few have emphasized the predominance of the legal theme, when in fact the legal motif is the key to interpreting this work. The work satirizes Claudius particularly in his role as judge. Seneca hoped to influence Nero by this negative example toward good principles of rule, specifically toward observing established Roman legal custom in his role as judge.

Within this thesis is compiled a substantial list of the legal references in the Apocolocyntosis. Claudius' judicial activity as noted in the Apocolocyntosis is correlated with that known from other sources. The victims mentioned by name in the Apocolocyntosis are listed with all references to their deaths in other sources also noted. This data confirms 1) that the legal motif is predominant; 2) that Seneca's criticism of Claudius was loosely based on historical fact; 3) that none of the named victims, as far as they can be traced in the other sources, actually experienced the process of a trial; and 4) that Seneca particularly decried cruelty in an emperor's use of his power.

In sum, in the Apocolocyntosis Seneca satirized Claudius' activities as judge by using the legal motif. The formal accusations against Claudius. however. were of murder. Thus Claudius' worst breach was shown to be by-passing legal procedure altogether, to the extent that some cases were not even heard. In doing so, Claudius not only exercised unnecessary cruelty, but also broke with natural law.

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Comments

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/24079

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