Who Murdered Messalina?

[Octavia]

Hi all. Due to various sources, there are some that say Claudius put Messalina to death, but was it his advisers or himself? I personally think it was the advisers, for acording to I, Claudius, they handled pretty much everything concerning it and only had Claudius sign the death worent, only for him to find out the next morning.

[ASCLEPIADES]

Salve, CO!

 

Strictly speaking, the death of Valeria Messalina was the result of a summary execution.

I don't know of any Classical author who denied that she was convicted in fraganti for adultery, bigamy and no less than high treason, among other possible charges.

 

Here, Suetonius' Life of Claudius:

26

Edited July 25, 2007 by ASCLEPIADES

[Gaius Paulinus Maximus]

Hi all. Due to various sources, there are some that say Claudius put Messalina to death, but was it his advisers or himself? I personally think it was the advisers, for acording to I, Claudius, they handled pretty much everything concerning it and only had Claudius sign the death worent, only for him to find out the next morning.

 

Lets not forget that 'I Claudius' was a TV show after all so was probably responsible for manipulating the truth a little.

 

Your right about the sources, Suetonius is quiet clear that Claudius gave the order, where as Tacitus hints at it being the work of Narcissus but doesnt totally deny that Claudius had any knowledge of the murder of his wife.

 

Throughout history Claudius has always been made out to be a bumbling idiot but personally I don't think he was. He managed to stay alive throughout the murderous reign of his nephew Caligula, partly because Caligula saw him as no threat due to his apparent stupidity and then he proceeded to rule the empire for another thirteen fairly successful years. Not a bad achievement for a so called fool.

Edited July 25, 2007 by Gaius Paulinus Maximus

[Octavia]

You are right Gaius, in saying that the movie of Claudius could be exagerated a little. That's why I wondered if Narcicus or Palas has something to do with Messalina's death. You are also right in saying that Claudius was no food. I can agree with that one. He lived through out the various reigns of wicked emperors like Tiberius and Caligula and manged to survive. Very smart if you ask me.