Tiberius, 14-37 Flashcards
How does Tacitus portray Tiberius? What did he have to base his account on?
- Tacitus portrays Tiberius as cryptic, harsh, perverted, reitcent, and cold. The emperor, here, is inscrutable to the senate. He stands in stark contrast to Augustus and is presented as an unworthy successor (Annals 1.10.7),
- His account is not first-hand, but based on documents he had access to as a senator, existing literary accounts, and unverifiable rumours.
What perspective does Tacitus write from?
- Writes as a senator and often portrays events in the context of the relationship between emperor and senators,
- Claims that he is writing to teach moral lessons (Annals 3.65), highlights failings so they are not repeated.
How does Suetonius portray Tiberius initially?
Acknowledges that Tiberius was at first respectful and courteous to the senate (Tiberius 27, 29-32). This changing after his son’s death in AD 23 (Tiberius 33).
What does Velleius Paterculus say of Tiberius?
Is highly positive in his view of Tiberius’ reign.
What is a contradiction between Suetonius and Paterculus?
Suetonius (Tibby 47) claims that ‘no magnificent public works’ took place under Tiberius. Paterculus (HoR 2.130.1-2) describes his ‘magnificent public buildings’. The disparity between the works is marked and should caution us about being over-credulous.
What did Tiberius lack compared to Augustus? What did Tiberius, thus, need to do?
Although he was given proconsular imperium equal to Augustus, and had been groomed publically as his successor, he lacked the auctoritas that Augustus had acquired through his long pre-eminence and particular personality.
Immediately he had to be seen to exercise power, while at the same time appearing to the Senate unwilling to do this, so that they might confer upon him the authority to exercise that power. By trying not to offend the Senate, he laid himself open to the blatant hypocrisy as written by Tacitus.
What initial hardship did Tiberius face in his reign? What caused this issue?
Hampered by the rebellion of the Pannonian legions (Annals, 1,16-18) and a second mutiny by the German legions in Mainz (Annals, 1.28-35). Neither of these were political in nature, although the German legions did prefer Germanicus for emperor, but were motivated by the fact that many soldiers had been underpaid or had exceeded their terms of service, yet had not been released. Highlights that, during periods of accession and transfer of power, the opportunity for crisis was far greater.
For what reason does Tacitus claim the Pannonian revolt began?
(Annals 1.16)
1. That the mutiny ‘could be traced to no fresh causes except the change of emperors and the prospect it held out of license in tumult and of profit from civil war’,
2. A man named ‘Percennius, who had once been a leader of one of the theatrical factions, then became a common soldier, had a saucy tongue, and had learnt from his applause of actors how to stir up the crowd. By working on ignorant minds, which doubted as to what would be the terms of military service after Augustus.’
Who was Drusus the younger?
Drusus the younger, 13BC - AD23, was the legitimate son of Tiberius. He received tribunician power in 22 AD, marking him for succession, but was murdered the following year. He is not to be confused with Drusus, Tiberius’ brother.
How did Tiberius handle the Pannonian revolt?
Tiberius who had already irked the Senate (Annals 1.11-12), especially Asinius Gallus, despatched Drusus the younger to deal with the Pannonian rebellion, while Germanicus subdued the German legions.
How does Tacitus portray the quelling of these rebellions?
He highlights the character traits of both Tiberius and Germanicus. In 1.46 Tiberius appears highly ineffective to his contemporaries; while in 1.52, when the mutinies are eventually suppressed, his delight is mixed with concern that Germanicus has now become too popular with the soldiery.
How does Paterculus portray Tiberius’ response to the rebellion?
His account of the mutinies (HoR 2.125.1-5) by contrast presents the accession as seamless. Tiberius seems to deal with the mutinies almost overnight by his ‘long experience as an army commander’ (2.15.3)
What started the conflict between Tiberius and Germanicus?
- Augustus forced Tiberius into adopting Germanicus in AD 4, Tiberius was expected to further the man’s career as a potential successor,
- Tiberius, however, already had a son, Drusus the Younger, so this was problematic,
- Moreover, Germanicus was a capable military leader who inspired loyalty in his troops, as revealed by their desire to make him emperor (Tacitus, Annals 1.35.3; Paterculus 2.125.1). This popularity perturbed Tiberius and, according to Tacitus (1.62.2), made him see Germanicus as a threat.
How did Tiberius remove Germanicus from the political scene in 17 AD?
When problems arose in the eastern provinces, particularly Judaea and Syria, Tiberius suggested that Germanicus settle matters. This had the advantage of seeming to utilise his capabilities, but separated him from the region of his military support. Tiberius also simultaneously replaced the governer of Syria with Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso.
Who was Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso?
Appointed governer of Syria in AD 17 to assist Germanicus in his eastern mission. The two men fell out, and Piso was implicated in Germanicus’ death in AD 19.
What does Tacitus write of Piso in Syria?
According to Tacitus, Piso believed he was in Syria to curb Germanicus’ hopes. Tacitus highlights how groups within the imperial court attached to different potential successors: people flocked to Germanicus because of Tiberius’ personality.
What does Tacitus write of Germanicus and Piso in the Syrian campaign, AD 19?
In 18 AD, on his way east (Annals 2.53; 2.55), Germanicus was welcomed and lauded everywhere he stopped. Yet Piso, travelling behind him, stopped in all the same places and undermined him (2.55). Piso overtook Germanicus at Rhodes and arrived in Syria first, where he began to turn the legions to his side through ‘lavishness and favouritism’ (2.55). The men finally confronted each other and parted in open hatred (2.57).
What does Tacitus write of Germanicus and Piso in the Syrian campaign, AD 19?
The year AD 19 begins with Germanicus visiting the province of Egypt, but without the permission of Tiberius (Annals 2.59-60). Tiberius saw this as a serious challenge to his authority, and indeed his permission was needed, in keeping with the Augustan practice. While Germanicus was away, Piso continued to undermine Germanicus’ activities (2.69.1) and upon his return to Syria, Piso elected to leave. However at this point Germanicus fell severely ill and died. He was convinced that Piso had poisoned him (2.69-71) and that Tiberius was involved.
What were Germanicus’ supposed last words to his wife?
In his dying words to his wife Agrippina (the Elder), Germanicus warned her not to anger those in power. Agrippina the Elder was mother of the future emperor Gaius and granddaughter to Augustus.
What happened to Piso after Germanicus’ death?
He was brought back to Rome for trial, the main charge was that of stirring up civil war in the province of Syria. Piso committed suicide when he realised that Tiberius would not assist him. The Senate still passed a series of judgements over him and his sons, but we get the impression that Tiberius was trying to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
What does Tacitus highlight from the events surrounding Germanicus’ death?
Uses this episode to highlight Tiberius’ cruelty and his disconnection from the plebs. When news of Germanicus’ illness reached Rome, the people grieved in mass, speculating that Tiberius was partly responsible. Tiberius refused even to meet Agrippina when she returned with Germanicus’ ashes, and limited the public honours, encouraging the people to stop grieving. Tiberius appears cold and distant, and Tacitus suggests no real grief for the loss of his adopted son.
What does Paterculus write of the events surrounding Germanicus’ death?
(HoR 2.130.3-130.5) glosses over Germanicus’ death as merely one of Tiberius’ misfortunes, with the real issue being the ‘sorrow, fury, and shame’ that he was forced to endure because of the subsequent hostility of Agrippina and her sons.
Who was Lucius Aelius Sejanus?
Prefect of the Praetorian Guard from AD 14 until his execution in AD 31.
What does Tacitus accuse Sejanus of being?
In the Annals, if Tiberius is the villain, Sejanus is the right-hand man. His character is vilified like no other in the Annals. He is accused of being sexually perverse (4.1), corrupt, power hungry (4.1), and able to manipulate Tiberius to a tremendous degree (4.1).
What did Sejanus’ role afford him, according to Tacitus? What can this potentially be explained by?
- Sejanus had privileged access to Tiberius,
- He exploited this for his own ends, engineering himself into the succession,
- Tiberius’ trust might be explainable by his lack of alternatives; he had begged the senate for colleagues to assit him (1.11.1), but no one volunteered.
What does Tacitus write of Sejanus as doing within his office?
He began to immediately promote the significance of his office (4.2).
What does Paterculus write of Sejanus? What does this show of the senate?
- Has a glowing review of Sejanus,
- Calling him a ‘distinguished assistant’, who enjoyed the ‘long-standing regard’ of the both the people and the emperor, saying that he ‘shared the burdens of the Imperial office’,
- Paterculus’ account as that of a contemporary senator shows us the sycophantic nature of the Senators to those who held power.
What does Dio Cassius write of Sejanus?
- (Roman History 58.4.1) Affirms the sycophantic nature of the Senate, claiming that Sejanus was treated ‘as if he were actually emperor’,
- That Tiberius called him the ‘sharer of my cares’.
What deeds are attributed to Sejanus during his rise?
- The alleged murder of Drusus the Younger, his rival to the throne (Annals 4.3), in AD 23,
- The seduction of Drusus’ wife Livilla, and his attempts to convince Tiberius to allow him to marry her (Annals 4.39-40), given how he could benefit the state.
What was Sejanus’ first impediment? What did he do in response to this?
Tiberius’ refusal to Sejanus’ request to marry Livilla. Sejanus, thus, contrived to have Tiberius leave Rome, first to Campania AD 25, and thence to Capri in AD 26 (Annals 4.41; Tiberius, 39-41). Tiberius’ consent may seem surprising, but he had left the capital frequently during Augustus’ reign, and must have been tired of being princeps, having always claimed he was unsuitable (Annals 1.11-12).
What did Tiberius’ withdrawal from the capital mean for Sejanus?
Sejanus was now effectively the centre of power. Dio (RH 58.5.1) summarises the situation: ‘it was he who appeared to be emperor and Tiberius a kind of off-shore monarch.’
What is recorded as happening in AD 31, relating to Sejanus?
In AD 31, a change overtakes Tiberius, which he claimed was prompted by Sejanus’ persecution of Germanicus’ sons, Nero and Drususs (Tiberius 61.1), who as other potential successors were clear targets for Sejanus. Some other sources suggest that Sejanus’ abandoned wife, Apicata, informed Tiberius of Sejanus’ part in the death of Tiberius’ son, Drusus the Younger.
What happened with the end of Sejanus?
His end was sudden (Dio, RH 58.8.4-10.8; Suetonius, Tibby 65). The Senate and people, who had previously fawned over him, quickly abandoned him, vilifyinf the man in the same breath as they revealed their sycophantic hypocrisy (RH 58.10.7). He and his children were executed in a particularly brutal fashion. Dio record that Sejanus was executed, his body cast down the stairway, where the rabble abused it for three days and afterwards threw it in the river.
Who was Tacfarinas?
An auxiliary deserter who led rebellions in the province of Africa between AD 15 and AD 24.
What does Tacitus write of Tacfarinas?
(Annals 2.52, 3.20-21, 3.32) Tells of the struggle of four successive governers against the rebel group who launched raids on Roman territory which seriously threatened to interrupt the grain supply. Tacfarinas’ troops, despite outnumbering the Romans, were comprehensively defeated by Furius Camillus in AD 17, but Tacfarinas escaped. He continued to ransack villages and eventually recorded a victory against a cohort from the Third Legion, which was subsequently decimated by the proconsul Lucius Apronius for retreating against an enemy (Annals 3.20-1).
What does Tacitus write of Tiberius’ response to Tacfarinas?
Tacitus records Tiberius’ outrage when Tacfarinas wrote demanding a settlement of land for himself and his rebel troops, threatening war if the emperor refused (Annals, 3.73-74). Knowing that a decisive end to the war was necessary, Tiberius appointed Quintus Junius Blaesus as commander, previous commander of the Pannonian legions before they revolted.
How did Tacfarinas’ revolt end?
Blaesus routed Tacfarinas’ men, having won over large numbers through offers of amnesty. Eventually Publius Cornelius Dolabella, knowing that violence against Rome would only cease with Tacfarinas’ death, successfully orchestrated an unexpected early-morning attack on insurgents’ camp where Tacfarinas was killed.
What legal charge returned during Tiberius reign?
Maiestas - a charge of treason against the workings of the Roman state, tried in the Senate; the usual punishment was death and confiscation of propery.
This was one of the most controversial and critical aspects of Tiberius’ reign.
What is sententia?
A particular style of Tacitus’, whereby a seemingly positive remark is immediately undercut by a negative observation.
How does Tacitus record the reintroduction of maiestas?
- Introduces the concept with his usual style of sententia,
- Describes how Tiberius rejected the title of pater patriae (Father of the Fatherland) in an effort to look ‘citizen-like’, Tacitus immediately introduces the term of maiestas.
How is maiestas important to Tacitus’ account?
- Most politically loaded word in the Annals, Tacitus uses it to highlight the tyrannical powers of the emperors,
- He is particularly aggrieved by the maiestas trials, as they were predominantly directed against senators and were seen as a suppression of free speech,
- Tacitus’ bias derives from his experience of similar maiestas trials under Domitian during the AD 90s.
How many maiestas trials does Tacitus detail?
About eighty treason trials under Tiberius.
What do Suetonius and Seneca say of Tiberius’ law enforcement?
- Suetonius maintains that his enforcement of the law was most savage,
- Younger Seneca highlights that ‘treason trials became so commonplace that they amounted to a form of national madness’, and records an attempted false allegation (On Benefits 3.26.1-2). This madness was exacerbated by the rise of professional informants, delatores, who personally profited from making allegations.
What is the significance of Younger Seneca’s ‘On Benefits’?
One of a series of moral essays used to educate the young emperor Nero. The implication is that Tiberius’ actions are not to be emulated.
What were the delatores?
Informants in Tiberian Rome, drawn from any social class, and rewarded with a quarter of the value of the property of those convicted of treason.
What is known of Tiberius’ approach to religion and the imperial cult?
- Often vetoed divine honours for himself,
- By Tiberius’ accession, both Julius Caesar and Augustus had been deified (e.g. Tiberius 40) and so the imperial cult was now part of religious life in the empire,
- Various cities competed to worship Tiberius, presumably to signify allegiance. As with Augustus, there is evidence that aspects of this worship were tolerated in Rome (e.g. the genius of Tiberius inscription in Rome),
- Inscription from the citizens of Gytheion in the Greek Peloponnese from AD 15 asking permission to offer divine honours to Tiberius and the imperial family. Tiberius is quite firm in his rejection of such honours.
What does Suetonius claim of Tiberius’ approach to the imperial cult and divinity?
Suetonius (Tib 26) claims that Tiberius refused all decrees asking for temples and priesthoods to be set up in his honour.
What coin, from the late period of Tiberius’ reign, highlights Augustus’ divinity and the importance, therefore, of Tiberius’ relation to him?
The sestertius of Tiberius
Date: AD 34/35
Obverse: Chariot drawn by four elephants with statue of Augustus; words reading ‘To the Divine Augustus from the Senate and People of Rome’,
Reverse: SC (by the decree of the senate); words reading ‘Augustus, son of Divus Augustus, pontifex maximus, in his 36th year of tribunician power’,
Significance: Emphasises the political and religious significance of Tiberius’ close relationship to the Divine Augustus.
What is the significance of the Genius of Tiberius Inscription?
Evidence of worship of Tiberius’ genius (divine aspect of spirit) by a leading citizen of Rome.
What is known of Tiberius’ relations with the Senators in Rome?
Tiberius did not enjoy particularly good relations with any ranks of society. Despite efforts to work with the Senate, from the very outset the relationship was full of difficulty. Tacitus remarks (Annals 3.65) that Tiberius viewed them as ‘Men primed for slavery!’ The Senate as a body seems sycophantic, but ultimately of limited political significance.
Tiberius had sought collegiality, but either through unwillingness or inability, the Senate had failed to deliver. His exasperation with them as a group becomes clear throughout his reign.
What is known of Tiberius’ relations with the plebs? What did his inaction grant him?
His relations with the plebs were never strong. A virtually reclusive princeps who was cautious with money did not sit well with a populace conditioned to the generosity of Augustus. Suetonius informs us that large-scale generosity was rare (Tib 47-48), while Tacitus notes that he took steps against luxury (Annals, 3.55).
This did mean, however, that he had funds to deal with fires in Rome as well as provide earthquake relief and tax remission for the province of Asia. Gaius inherited a cash surplus.
Although Paterculus maintains that Tiberius was very generous (2.129.3), the contemporary perspective of him was not positive. Suetonius (Tib 75) records the unbridled joy when news of his death reached Rome, accompanied by cries of ‘To the Tiber with Tiberius!’
Why is Tiberius’ portrayal unfairly biased?
He was probably an unpopular emperor but anyone following Augustus would have suffered in comparison. Tiberious was a competent administrator and a careful financier. He even attempted to seem modest, such as his refusal of the pater patriae (Annals 1.72). However, he suffered from his inability to play the role of princeps in the same way as Augustus.
