e empire had become more complex, and the definition of imperial and senatorial authority was becoming vague. According to Scullard "Claudius reacted sharply from Gaius' autocracy and sincerely tried to co-operate with the senate on Augustan lines" He showed great respect for the senate and attempted to increase its prestige by encouraging the senators to debate and vote seriously. He revised the membership, added new Patrician families and extended senatorial privileges to the Aedui, in order to infuse new blood into the aristocracy and strengthen the senate, meanwhile, revealing his
             statesmanlike attitude. In 44 Claudius returned the provinces of Achaea and Macedonia to the senate after they had been converted into imperial provinces by Tiberius. He also distributed newly acquired provinces equally between legates of senatorial and imperial rank. The election of magistracies was returned from the assembly to the senate and many senatorial decrees were issued during his reign. However, despite his apparent show of respect and his desire for he senates co-operat
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