Drusus Nero

Yes, now you come to mention it, he was .

Germanicus - I think our posts have crossed. But to throw the ball back into your court - I would ask what sources you use to support the fact that he was a great general. Tacitus? We all know that he painted everyone in a good light who was opposed to Tiberius. Suetonius? He merely echoed his popularity with the uneducated mob. I will admit that my 'sources' are more a modern interpretation of the ancients - Syme, Grant, Seager et al. who have sifted the primary sources and formed a less than favourable picture of this great 'godling'. What gains did he make? I will readily admit that he wanted to become the next emperor - that was the trouble. How do you defend a hysteric who, on falling ill, announces to all and sundry that he is the victim of witchcraft and poison? A drama queen if ever there was one! And let us not forget his foray into Egypt. Since the earliest days of Augustus' annexation of the province, Egypt had become the emperor's private property if you will. All generals - regardless of their rank or relation to the imperial family - had to have permission from the emperor to enter the province. Germanicus considered himself above such rules and therefore incurred Tiberius' suspicion. As a member of the imperial family he should have known how provocative this was. If this was the action of someone who could count on the legions of the empire to back him, he grossly miscalculated. Not only this - Piso was used as scapegoat to appease the people who had lost their darling. Due to the unfavourable picture of Tiberius painted by Tacitus, Germanicus has been lauded by far and away above what he deserves. Well, Augusta, I take it you're not much of a fan of Germanicus? .

You're right!, Germanicus (and Aggrippina to some extent) did very well to keep order in the camp. One of the problems was the men hadn't been paid for a long time and were getting restless . I think at one point wasn't Castor in the running to be the next emperor?.

Is this from 'I Claudius' or from where? In the series I think it was early morning when Claudius was informed of Messalina's fate? .

Do you think there ever was a chance Claudius might have forgiven Messalina if he hadn't been tricked in signing her death warrant?. I think if he'd had the choice he would have banished her, as I believe she was the only one of his wives he really did love.

Do you think he was the right man to send to Germany and aid Tiberius after the Teutoburg Forest massacre?.

To be honest, I'm not sure, I should have kept that magazine. Then I could have posted the photo on this thread for everyone to have a look.

Up until his illness and untimely death Germanicus showed alot of promise as a great leader of men. Do you think he would have led his legions to further glory on the battle field if his life had not been cut short?. That is, of course, assuming he hadn't become emperor instead of Tiberius after Augustus's death.

In the series Livia did seem dead set against the match . I think it was because she hoped to make her son,Tiberius, Julia's next husband?.

How very true .

That idea had never occurred to me before . Wow, just think of what it would've been like if the Roman empire had never existed. It just doesn't bear thinking about .

I recall many years ago reading in a magazine about a rock group (or it may have been heavy metal I can't remember now?) who staged the assasination of Caligula during one of their concerts. It was quite an unusual idea, mixing rock music with ancient history .

Yeah, "Up Pompey" was very funny , and I've seen the film version once or twice over the years too!. It's a shame that no channel seems to show repeats of "Chelmsford 123" , I think it'd be great if it was reshown.

'Little marmoset'? I can't resist this one... Herod to Claudius...... upon a little moment of endearment. Go on Drusus... answer that one I gave The Augusta!! I hold no fears of this fine lady as I am a long way up the road!!!! (I now cower behind my desk etc awaiting a word perfect answer!!!) Ooh, I had to really think about this one , let see if my memory serves me right... Augutus: You know alot of people think you're a fool. But you're not so simple, are you?. Claudius: No sir. I haven't watched my "I, Claudius" DVD for quite a while now, this was just from memory, pretty impressive, eh? .

That was Herod Agrippa's nickname for Claudius.

That certainly would be an unusual way of solving their problems .

In the past I've watched a few episodes of the Frankie Howard comedy series "Up Pompey", and I was wondering what everyone else thought of the series? . You see, a few years ago I started a collection of books, films and T.V. programmes that were set in ancient Rome, because it's my favorite era of history. You know the sort of thing "Carry On Cleo", "I, Claudius", "Rome" etc . Anyway, I was curious if "Up Pompey" was rated very highly amongst you guys?, I'd love to hear your views on the subject or . Incidentily, does anyone remember a series called "Chelmsford 123" they used to show on UK Gold a long time ago?, it was a comedy show based on the Roman occupation.

I think one of the most dramatic plotlines involving Livilla was when she was flirting with Posthumous in her room and then accused him of rape . Of course, it was all a scheme devised by Livia (who else?), to remove yet another possible heir to the throne. By the way, I'd love it if anyone would care to test my "I, Claudius" knowledge .

I think the script writers on "I, Claudius" wanted to add a bit of sensationalism regarding the affair between Livilla and Sejanus, well, that's how it seemed to me anyway. Kevin McNally was briliant as Castor, he and Pat worked well together, he was the only actor to play the same character as a teenager and as an adult . As you might guessed, I'm a bit of an "I,Claudius" trivia buff, it's always been my favorite show .

He did seem rather a weak-minded boy . I think the portrayal Brian Blessed gave as Augustus Caesar was much better .

I have heard of "The Cleopatras" and have seen little snippets of "The Borgias" on old T.V. clip shows, were they really as infamously bad as I've heard they were? .

Yes, Gaius Octavius, I think you're right!. What did you think of the character of Livilla?. I know, because of the crimes the "real" Livilla committed during her lifetime, that no record exists of her in the public archives. So each person must form their own opinion of what she was really like. Now you've done it ! Just wait until The Augusta gets her mitts on this post!! Hope you've got your reading glasses! Do you think she'll have her own opinions on the subject ? .

If the rumours about Brutus being Caesar's illegitimate son were true, then I think he most certainly would have been groomed by Julius to succeed him. It obviously would have caused trouble between Brutus and Anthony, who was Caesar's right-hand man for so many years, and might have assumed he'd be the next in line after Caesar's (natural) death. As for Octavius, I doubt he would have amounted to much if Caesar had lived to ripe old age. If the series "Rome" is to be believed, the young Octavius was controlled by his mother, and it seems to me he didn't have much personal ambition.

Yes, Gaius Octavius, I think you're right!. What did you think of the character of Livilla?. I know, because of the crimes the "real" Livilla committed during her lifetime, that no record exists of her in the public archives. So each person must form their own opinion of what she was really like.

I don't know if it's true?, but I heard that the BBC actually filmed alot more of the scene where Caligula ate Drusilla's baby than was seen in the final edit, it is quite understandable that they decided to not show all of it in the programme. As it is, the camera cuts away after Claudius is shown opening the door and he turns away looking sickened, what he must have seen in that room is left to the viewer's imagination.