Paper About the Lyon Tablets in Ancient Rome

Paul Farah

Analysis of Claudius’s Speech on the Gallic Senators (48 CE)

1. What are the main points of the inscription?

The main point of the Lyon Tablet inscription is that Claudius wants to let Romanized individuals from Gaul to have the same chances as any Roman to enter the senatorial class, thus allowing them to become senators. His main argument about this whole situation was centered on the fact that the senate was currently made up of senators from all over the Roman Empire. “It is now time, Tiberius Caesar Germanicus, to reveal to the conscript fathers where your speech is leading: for now you [the senators] have come to the farthest borders of Galiia Narbonensis” (Lyon Tablet, 59-61) so why would they not allow wealthy and upper-class men from Gaul join the senatorial class. Thus, Claudius pleaded the case of Gallia Comata to the Senate.

2. What are the main points of Claudius’s speech in Tacitus?

Claudius’ main point in his speech, in Tacitus’ recounting, is that since “they [the Gauls] have preserved an unbroken and loyal peace. United as they now are with us…” (Mellor 345; lines 29-30). Due to this, they should be allowed to share in the all of the wealth, glory, and spoils that come from being within the Roman Empire. This includes being part of the senatorial class. Claudius supported his argument by identifying current families in the senatorial class that were not of Rome, “Julii came from Alba, the Coruncanii from Camerium, the Porci from Tusculum…the Balbi came from Spain.” (Mellor; lines 6-16) Each of these families prove that this is a useful strategy for adding to the senatorial class. This is why Claudius is arguing to allow the Gauls to join.

3. Whom does each document address?

Claudius’ speech in the Lyon Tablet was addressed to the Senate, trying to convince them to be in favor of admitting Romanized Gauls into the Senate. But in Tacitus’ recounting of Claudius’ speech in his historical annals, the speech is not directed at anyone...