Tiberius Foreign Policy Flashcards
Triumph of Germanicus
17AD over the Cheruski, Chatti, and other German tribes this side of the Elbe.
The East
Germanicus given command in East (imperium maius) in AD17 “with powers superior…to those of all governors of imperial and senatorial provinces alike.” due to troubles in Armenia, Syria, Judea, Cappadocia
and Commegne
The east: Syria and Judaea
Syria merged with Cilicia when client-king died.Calpurnius Piso appointed as governor of Syria which was apparently so he could keep an eye on Germanicus for Tiberius.
Judaea: financial burdens
The East: Cappadocia and Commegne
Cappadocia: 17AD made a new Roman province on death of client-king.
death of Archelaus, client king of Cappadocia. he was prosecuted because “he was hated by Tiberius” (tac). T got mother Livia to send letter to Archelaus luring him to Rome.
Economic benefits from the new revenue enabled T to reduce the 1 per cent auction tax.
Commegne: made a new Roman province on death of client-king.
death of king of Commegene (and Amanus); most wanted annexation by Rome.
Gallic Rebellion
21AD Heavy depts drove Gallic communities into rebellion lead by Florus among the Treviri. he was rioting against the endless taxation, saying Germanicus’ death had demoralized the Roman army. (tacitus).
The Treviri began under Florus to attack and massacre the Roman business men.
word spread and the rebellions went also among the Aedui and Turoni. The governor of Gaul, Aviolam supressed the rebellions. Florus killed himself which ended the rebellion among the Treviri.
The Aedui was harder to suppress. It was said that the Germans had joined and the Spanish were wavering. Rome criticised Tiberius during “so dangerous a rebellion” (tacitus). They were crushed by the Roman Soldiers due to lacking military experience.
Tiberius responded to the criticism saying the reason he and Drusus had not gone into war was because the Empire was so large and by him leaving the centre of government would be dangerous.
Rhine
AD 17 Suebi and Cherusici (germanic tribes) turned on each other. Suebi asked Rome for help. Tiberius refused to help either side (let them fight among themselves but keep Roman army safe and not risk losing numbers) but sent Drusus to establish peaceful conditions. Shows he cares without getting hands dirty.
Africa
Tacfarinas, a Numidian who had served in the Roman army carried out successful raids on the senatorial province of Africa.
AD17
Beginning of Tacfarinas’ Rebellion. He ordered the army into units and his followers were vagabonfd and marauders. He turned his followers into a formidable enemy by disciplining them and forming into army units.
Camillus, governor of Africa, confronted Tacfarinas with his Roman brigade. Camillus was successful so Tiberius praised his victory in the senate and he was voted an honorary Triumph
AD 20
Further trouble from Tacfarinas (Note how Tacitus’ annalistic approach breaks up the account of Tacfarinas)
Tacfarinas resumed hostilities. he began destroying villages and looting extensively. Commander Decrius ordered his men to fight in the open but his men abandoned him. Apronius, successor of Camillius, heard of this and was disgraced by the demonstration of the Roman army. To punish them, he had every tenth man flogged to death. It was successful and the army then defeated Tacfarainus. Shows Roman value of Honour.
24AD Blaesus appointed after previous senatorial appointees had been ineffective and achieved peace in 2 years.
Blaesus’ successes against Tacfarinas
Dolabella appointed to replace Blaesus; trapped and killed Tacfarinas.
Africa then peaceful and prosperous. Much new building.
Suetonius on Tiberius and Capreae
Suetonius “on his return to Capreae, he let all affairs slide”. Tiberius stopped “sending out new provincial governors; spain and syria were left without legates of consular rank for several years. he allowed the parthians to overrun Armenia, and the Germans to invade Gaul. “A negligence as dangerous to the empire as it was dishonourable”.
The East: Armenia
17AD: Problems due to death of their king.
important for Armenia to be friendly to Rome to provide a buffer against Parthia.
Germanicus sent in AD17 and appointed Ataxias II to throne with agreement of Parthians. Then fairly peaceful until last 3 years of Tiberius’ rule when death of Ataxias II tempted the Parthian King to intervene but he finally accepted Roman choice of Mithridates as client-king of Armenia.
Parthia: new king installed.
Mutiny in Germany
AD 14.
They hoped Germanicus would lead them against T. He did not. The revolting troops were brought round after seeing Germanicus’ wife and child retreating to safety. The ringleaders were executed.
Legions loyalty secured. Germanicus launched campaigns in Germany (destructive raids).
T recalled G in AD17 when he thought the frontier had been stabilized. He did not want Germanicus to expand Rome’s German boarder (consolidated the boarders of the empire)
