1.2 Tiberius AD 14-37 Flashcards
Who was Tiberius?
An outstanding military general and key player in the complex succession to Augustus
What was Tiberius’s approach to ruling?
He was presented as a cryptic ruler who made no real attempt to win the support of the lower and upper classes
What did Tiberius eventually accomplish in terms of succession?
He eventually won over others either dead, disgraced, or too inexperienced
True or False: Tiberius actively sought the support of the lower classes.
False
Fill in the blank: Tiberius was a key player in the complex succession to _______.
Augustus
What are the contrasting views of Tiberius among historians?
Some admire him while others highlight his hypocrisy, cruelty, and perversity
Tacitus portrays Tiberius negatively, while Velleius Paterculus offers a positive view.
How does Tacitus portray Tiberius?
As cryptic, harsh, perverted, reticent, and cold
He presents Tiberius as inscrutable to the Senate and an unworthy successor to Augustus.
What is a key characteristic of Tacitus’s writing style?
He writes as a senator and often contextualizes events in relation to the emperor-senator relationship
His accounts aim to teach moral lessons.
What does Tacitus claim about his purpose in writing?
He aims to teach moral lessons and highlight failings to prevent their repetition
This is mentioned in Annals 3.65.
What is Dio Cassius’s relationship to Tacitus’s work?
His account is broadly similar to Tacitus’s, based on common traditions and documents, using Annals as a main source
This indicates reliance on earlier historical accounts.
How does Suetonius’s portrayal of Tiberius differ from Tacitus’s?
Suetonius acknowledges Tiberius was initially respectful and courteous to senators
Changes in Tiberius’s behavior occurred after his son’s death in AD 23.
What does Velleius Paterculus say about Tiberius’s reign?
He offers a highly positive view, claiming Tiberius’s reign included magnificent public buildings
This contrasts with Suetonius’s claim of no significant public works.
What was the context of Tiberius’s accession to power?
There was no precedent of succession for Tiberius to follow after Augustus’s death
Augustus had groomed Tiberius as his successor, but Tiberius lacked the auctoritas.
What challenges did Tiberius face during his accession?
Rebellions from the Pannonian legions and a mutiny from the German legions
These were motivated by underpayment and soldiers not being released after their service.
How does Tacitus describe Tiberius’s handling of the mutinies?
He appears highly ineffective and is concerned about Germanicus’s popularity with the soldiers
This is detailed in Annals 1.46 and 1.52.
What is Velleius Paterculus’s take on the mutinies?
He presents Tiberius’s accession as seamless and claims he dealt with the mutinies quickly
He attributes this to Tiberius’s long experience as an army commander.
What does the text suggest about the reliability of historical sources?
There is a need for critical understanding of the reliability of sources and their agendas
Different historians have varying interpretations of Tiberius’s actions and reign.
What is Tacitus’ moralistic agenda reflected in his characterization?
Most characters are depicted as ‘heroes’ and ‘villains’
This dichotomy is particularly evident in the portrayals of Germanicus and Sejanus.
Who were the two key figures under Tiberius highlighted by Tacitus?
Germanicus and Sejanus
Their contrasting roles illustrate the political dynamics of Tiberius’ reign.
What was Tiberius’ reaction to Germanicus’ popularity?
Tiberius saw Germanicus as a threat
This perception stemmed from Germanicus’ loyalty among troops and aspirations for power.
What strategic move did Tiberius make regarding Germanicus’ military support?
Tiberius sent Germanicus to settle issues in Judaea and Syria
This separated Germanicus from his military base of support.
What was the role of Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso in relation to Germanicus?
Piso was appointed governor of Syria to undermine Germanicus
Piso believed he was sent to curb Germanicus’ ambitions.
What happened during Germanicus’ journey to the east in 18 AD?
He was welcomed and lauded everywhere, while Piso undermined him
Piso’s tactics included lavishness and favoritism to sway the legions.
What was Germanicus’ fate upon returning to Syria?
He fell seriously ill and died, believing he was poisoned by Piso
Germanicus warned his wife Agrippina not to anger those in power.
What was the outcome of Piso’s trial in Rome?
Piso committed suicide before the trial concluded
The Senate passed judgments against him and his sons despite his death.
How did Tacitus depict Tiberius’ reaction to Germanicus’ death?
Tiberius appeared cold and distant, showing no real grief
He refused to meet Agrippina and limited public honors for Germanicus.
How does Velleius Paterculus’ account differ from Tacitus’ regarding Germanicus’ death?
Velleius glosses over it as a misfortune for Tiberius, focusing on his sorrow and shame
This reflects a more sympathetic view of Tiberius.
What role did Sejanus play during Tiberius’ reign?
Sejanus was Tiberius’ right-hand man and a political opportunist
His character is depicted as corrupt and power-hungry.
What was Sejanus’ position in the Roman political structure?
He was commander of the Praetorian Guard
This position gave him privileged access to Tiberius.
What actions did Sejanus take to consolidate power?
He engineered himself into the succession and manipulated Tiberius
Tiberius’ trust in Sejanus stemmed from a lack of alternatives.
What severe actions did Sejanus allegedly commit?
He was accused of murdering Tiberius’ son Drusus and seducing his wife Livilla
These acts were part of his plot to gain power.
How did the relationship between Tiberius and Sejanus change by 31 AD?
Tiberius turned against Sejanus due to his persecution of Germanicus’ sons
This shift marked the beginning of Sejanus’ downfall.
What was the fate of Sejanus and his children?
They were executed in a brutal fashion
This execution reflected the sudden change in Tiberius’ favor towards him.
Who was the auxiliary deserter that led revolts during Tiberius’ reign?
Tacfarinas
Tacfarinas led revolts in the province of Africa, threatening Roman territory.
What was the main threat posed by Tacfarinas and his troops?
They threatened to interrupt the grain supply
Tacfarinas’ raids on Roman territory posed significant risks to grain supplies.
In what year were Tacfarinas’ troops comprehensively defeated by Furius Camillus?
17
Despite the defeat, Tacfarinas managed to escape.
What happened to the Third Legion’s cohort during the conflict with Tacfarinas?
It was decimated for retreating
The proconsul Lucius Apronius took severe action against the cohort for their retreat.
What demand did Tacfarinas make to Emperor Tiberius?
A settlement of land for himself and his rebel troops
Tacfarinas threatened war if his demands were not met.
Who did Tiberius appoint as commander to end the conflict with Tacfarinas?
Quintus Junius Blaesus
Blaesus was successful in routing Tacfarinas’ men.
What strategy did Quintus Junius Blaesus use to gain support from Tacfarinas’ troops?
He offered an amnesty
This approach helped him win over large numbers of Tacfarinas’ men.
Who orchestrated the successful attack that killed Tacfarinas?
Publius Cornelius Dolabella
Dolabella executed an unexpected early-morning attack on the insurgents’ camp.
What does Tacitus’ description of the war reveal about Tiberius’ reign?
The problems Tiberius faced in bringing stability to the empire
It illustrates the challenges and reliance on others during his early reign.
What other issues did Tiberius face during his early reign besides the revolt led by Tacfarinas?
Mutinies in Pannonia and Germany
These mutinies further complicated Tiberius’ efforts to maintain control.
True or False: Tacfarinas was ultimately captured and executed during the conflict.
False
Tacfarinas was killed in an unexpected attack, not captured.
What is the term that Tacitus uses to highlight the tyrannical power of the emperors?
Maiestas
Maiestas is the most politically loaded word in the Annals, symbolizing treason and reflecting the authoritarian nature of Tiberius’ rule.
What title did Tiberius reject to appear ‘citizen-like’?
Pater patriae
The title translates to ‘Father of the Fatherland’ and signifies a role of respect and authority.
How many treason trials does Tacitus detail under Tiberius?
About eighty
These trials were predominantly directed against senators and were considered a form of political repression.
Who agrees that Tiberius enforced the law of maiestas savagely?
Suetonius
Suetonius was a Roman historian who documented the lives of emperors, including Tiberius.
What did the Younger Seneca say about treason trials during Tiberius’ reign?
‘Became so commonplace that they amounted to a form of national madness’
This reflects the extent of the treason trials and their impact on Roman society.
What role did professional informants, or delatores, play during Tiberius’ reign?
They profited from making accusations
The rise of delatores contributed to the atmosphere of fear and suspicion, driving the frequency of treason trials.
True or False: Tacitus had a positive view of the maiestas trials.
False
Tacitus was aggrieved by these trials and viewed them as a suppression of free speech.
Fill in the blank: Tacitus introduces the concept of maiestas with his usual style of _______.
Sententia
Sententia refers to a style of writing where a positive statement is followed by a contrasting negative observation.
What was the societal impact of the treason trials under Tiberius?
Suppression of free speech
The trials created an environment of fear, where individuals were cautious about expressing dissent.
Who experienced similar maiestas trials as Tacitus during the 90s?
Domitian
Tacitus’ bias against the maiestas trials is partly informed by his experiences under the reign of Domitian.
What action demonstrates Tiberius’ reluctance to engage with public life?
His repeated vetoing of divine honours for himself
Tiberius’ refusal to accept divine honours contrasts with Julius Caesar and Augustus, who were both deified.
By the time of Tiberius’ accession, who had already been deified?
Julius Caesar and Augustus
The deification of these leaders established the imperial cult as part of religious life in the empire.
What was the nature of competition among cities regarding Tiberius?
Cities competed to worship Tiberius to signify allegiance
This was similar to the worship practices established for Augustus.
Was worship of Tiberius tolerated in Rome?
Yes, aspects of this worship were tolerated
Evidence suggests that the imperial cult had a presence in Rome.
What request did the citizens of Gytheion make in 15?
They asked permission to offer divine honours to Tiberius and the imperial family
This inscription illustrates the desire for Tiberius to be honored in the same manner as previous leaders.
How did Tiberius respond to requests for divine honours?
He firmly rejected such honours
This rejection aligns with claims made by Suetonius regarding Tiberius’ refusal of temples and priesthoods established in his honour.
True or False: Tiberius accepted all decrees asking for temples in his honour.
False
Tiberius is noted for refusing all such requests.
How did Tiberius view the Senate?
Tiberius viewed them as ‘Men primed for slavery!’
Tacitus remarks on Tiberius’ perception of the Senate in Annals 3.65.
What was the nature of Tiberius’ relationship with the Senate?
It was full of difficulty and exasperation
Tiberius sought collegiality but was met with limited political significance from the Senate.
How did Tiberius’ reclusive nature affect his popularity?
It did not sit well with the populace conditioned to the generosity of Augustus
Tiberius was virtually reclusive and cautious with money.
What did Suetonius say about Tiberius’ generosity?
Large-scale generosity was rare
Tiberius’ cautious approach to finances contrasted sharply with Augustus’ generosity.
What financial actions did Tiberius take despite his reputation?
He dealt with fires in Rome, provided earthquake relief, and tax remission for Asia
These actions contributed to a cash surplus for his successor, Gaius.
What was the contemporary perspective on Tiberius’ generosity according to Velleius Paterculus?
He portrayed Tiberius as very generous
However, this view was not widely shared among contemporaries.
What was the public reaction to Tiberius’ death?
There was unbridled joy, with cries of ‘To the Tiber with Tiberius!’
Suetonius records this reaction, indicating Tiberius was unpopular.
How did Tiberius attempt to present himself in terms of modesty?
He refused the title of ‘Father of the Fatherland’
This refusal was similar to Augustus’ approach.
What were Tiberius’ strengths as an emperor?
He was a competent administrator and a careful financier
His administrative skills contrasted with his unpopularity.
Fill in the blank: Tiberius had a surplus of funds due to his cautious financial management, which allowed him to provide _______.
earthquake relief and tax remission for Asia
True or False: Tiberius was widely regarded as a generous emperor during his reign.
False
His reputation for generosity was largely negative compared to Augustus.
