@article{ART003183709},
author={Ko Hanseok},
title={Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning},
journal={Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University},
issn={1598-3021},
year={2025},
volume={82},
number={1},
pages={159-185},
doi={10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159}
TY - JOUR
AU - Ko Hanseok
TI - Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning
JO - Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University
PY - 2025
VL - 82
IS - 1
PB - Institute of Humanities, Seoul National University
SP - 159
EP - 185
SN - 1598-3021
AB - This article aims to re-examine the historical significance of Emperor Claudius’ promotion of haruspicy. In his speech, which Tacitus transcribed an indirect discourse, Claudius contrasted “Italian art” with “foreign superstition”, and urged the Roman people to remember the role of the art of divination in times of need. On this basis, he proposed to the senators that they establish a college of haruspices. By expanding the practice of haruspicy from an Etruscan art, that was alien to the Roman mindset, to an “Italian art”, Claudius simultaneously elevated the status of haruspicy and used it to gain access to the high priesthood. This framing is similar to another of his speeches the following year, in which he sought to bring Gallic patricians into the Roman senate.
Claudius’ proposals were motivated by the threat of rebellion, as well as the reorganization of the imperial order. After the triumph of the Britannia expedition, he consolidated his direct control over the empire, reorganizing the hierarchy between the city of Rome, Italy, and the provinces. At the beginning of this process, Claudius sought to recognize the religious authority that the Etruscans had previously lacked. In doing so, his aim seems to have been to expand the centrality of the city of Rome, while also supporting his regime through prophecy. Although his actions did not lead to positive results, the work enabled him to move forward in 48 CE with a measure that would allow Gallic patricians to join the Roman Senate
KW - Claudius;Haruspicy;Etruria;Tacitus;Roman Empire;Imperial Order
DO - 10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
ER -
Ko Hanseok. (2025). Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 82(1), 159-185.
Ko Hanseok. 2025, "Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning", Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, vol.82, no.1 pp.159-185. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
Ko Hanseok "Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 82.1 pp.159-185 (2025) : 159.
Ko Hanseok. Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning. 2025; 82(1), 159-185. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
Ko Hanseok. "Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 82, no.1 (2025) : 159-185.doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
Ko Hanseok. Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 82(1), 159-185. doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
Ko Hanseok. Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University. 2025; 82(1) 159-185. doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
Ko Hanseok. Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning. 2025; 82(1), 159-185. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
Ko Hanseok. "Emperor Claudius’ Promotion of Haruspicy in 47 CE and its Historical Meaning" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 82, no.1 (2025) : 159-185.doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.1.202502.159
