Challenges To Reign

Question 1

Plots

Answer 1

Pliny lists a plethora of issues augustus faced, though most others report a peaceful reign

Velleius Paterculus refers to a plot by Lepidus, which he ‘unearthed with swiftness’
Suetonius notes a number of conspiracies, (‘quashes … a number of conspiracies … younger Lepidus’) one confirming Paterculus’,
also mentions a plot by Maurenia and Caepeo, affirmed by Velleius Paterculus (Lucius Murena and Fannius Caepio entered a plot) and Macrobius failing likewise

Question 2

Potential issues

Answer 2

Seneca mentions a later plot wherein the person attempted was shown mercy (16 BC) - not sure as to whether any of these were real, or all fabricated by Julio Claudians

Tacitus warns against contemporary sources to all Julio Claudian emperors (The Histories … falsified through terror) though points fingers at successors, not Augustus