1. Keeping up with the Julio-Claudians Aim: to understand the complex nature of the Imperial Family Starter: Why do people find celebrity families so interesting/ Appealing?

2. Imperial Family in the 1 st Century The Imperial Family had become the ultimate celebrity family in the 1 st Century. They were the topic of hot gossip and conspiracy (AO3!!). Largely as a result of complex family rivalries.

3. The Julio-Claudian Emperors Quickly: (Stick in &) look at the information on the 5 Julio-Claudian Emperors. What patterns can you identify? Can we make a judgement about power/ succession in Imperial Rome?

4. A Family affair Changes in Succession: Unlike the kings (chosen by interregnum*), the next Emperor was largely chosen by family. None of the successors were direct heirs of the previous Emperor. What does this tell you about the route to becoming Emperor?

5. The Murky waters of the Imperial Family There wasn’t really a hereditary line to the Throne. The Imperial family was very complicated. Ultimately ANYONE (male) in the family could be Emperor. It was a case of getting to the right spot at the right time.

6. Task: (in pairs) Read and order the 11 cards explaining the relationships in the Imperial Family. Once you’ve ordered them (they are numbered!), use them to fill in the Family Tree. Make sure you mark on any ‘unusual’ or ‘potentially dangerous’ relationships.

7. Ext: Questions Why is there a need to join the 2 sides of the family: (think: Mark Anthony and Marcus Agrippa). Whose marriages would be illegal today? Who (type of person) tends to marry the most? How many Emperors are ‘step children/ adoptive children’ of the previous Emperor?

8. Plenary Women couldn’t hold office or positions of direct power in Rome. How could (Imperial) women influence power and politics in Rome?