Explain the role of the senate during the Julio-Claudian Era.
...e to the terror against suspected treasonists. For the many people, which enjoyed affixing themselves to greatness, Tiberius was a disappointment. As it was expected, the senate approved its recognition of Gaius as Tiberius’ successor. And being the son of the popular and well remembered Germanicus, the Romans welcomed Gaius as their new emperor. Gaius wanted to rule well. He returned to the courts the power to make independent decisions in sentencing people, the numbers of jurors were increased in order the proceedings to be rapid. A budget was published, and more building began. However along with good intentions, Gaius suffered from narcissism. And his kind mannerisms did not last for a long period of time. For his own contentment Gaius participated in the Gladiator games enthusiastically, and it was expected of the Senate to do so also. The senate became further alienated due to his selfish acts such as draining the treasury which Tiberius worked hard for to fill and the Senate was not consulted, personal property was confiscated and wealth of the Patrician class so that the aerarium was filled. As a result to these many issues which abruptly arose throughout Gaius’ rule, there were many conspiracies which led to his death. Claudius wanted to make sincere efforts to co-operate with the senate on Augustian lines. The senate's initial hesitation in granting him the throne was the source of much resentment by Claudius. Meanwhile the senator disliked him for not being their free choice of ruler. So Claudius came to be the first Roman emperor in a line of many to follow who was not truly appointed by the senate, but by the army's men. He came to be the first emperor who granted the praetorians a large bonus payment at his accession creating another threatening precedent for the future. He inisisted that the senate work with great efficiency He cared about the empire. During his thirteen years of reign, he continued public works, he gave Rome a new aqueduct. He built a new harbor at Ostia (near Rome), and he improved the judiciary. Also he extended citizenship in the provinces and created numerous new colonies. With the help of his freedmen advisors, Claudius reformed the financial affairs of the state and empire, creating a separate fund for the emperor's private household expenses. As almost all grain had to be imported, mainly from Africa and Egypt, Claudius offered insurances against losses on the open sea, to encourage potential importers and to build up stocks against winter times of famine. Among his extensive building projects Claudius constructed the port of Ostia (Portus), a scheme already proposed by Julius Caesar. This .eased congestion on the river Tiber Claudius was no great ruler. He believed in the Roman Empire, and he desired glory and popularity enough to lead an invasion into Britain The Senate, having returned to being intimidated responded routinely and gave its assent to Nero's succession. And taking his great, great-grandfather Augustus as his model, Nero began his rule adhering to what he perceived to be ideals. His old tut...