Back to Ancient History Sourcebook | Ancient History Sourcebook: Claudius (b. 10 BCE, r. 41 CE - d.54 CE): A Discourse in the Senate, c. 48 CE : Claudius, the third successor of Augustus (41 to 54 A.D.), had a reputation as a pedantic and long-winded individual. He was not without abilities as a ruler, however, and did much to equalize the condition of the Italians and the Provincials. The ...

Back to Ancient History Sourcebook | Ancient History Sourcebook: Tacitus: Admitting Provincials to the Senate, 48 CE In 48 CE the emperor Claudius filled some vacancies in the Senate with some Roman citizens from Gaul. This began the process of extending the Senate to be a body with members from the entire Empire. His activity, and speech on the issue, was recorded by Tacitus. An inscription of ...