How to Buy an Empire - The Pax Romana Podcast 13

The conspiracy to assassinate Caligula was a smashing success. But did the senate really wish to keep the Principate going? Why not go back to the republic? Well, the choice would be made for them; by the Praetorian Guard. For the first of many times, the right to rule the Roman Empire was simply purchased.

Primary sources Referenced:

Suetonius, Life of Claudius 3, 30.

Claudius Coin ('Emperor Received').

Claudius Coin ('Praetorians Received').

Cassius Dio, Roman History 60.3.2-3Buy Professor Elliott's newest book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pox Romana: The Plague that Shook the Roman World⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, published by Princeton University Press.