Emperors - Tiberius Flashcards
(42 cards)
When did Tiberius reign?
AD 14- 37
How does Tacitus generally portray Tiberius? And why?
In a negative light. Largely because his account is not first hand. As a senator, Tacitus often writes within the context of the relationship between emperor and senators.
How does Dio Cassius portray Tiberius generally? Why?
negatively. He used the same traditions and documents as Tacitus, including using the Annals as his main source
How does Suetonius portray Tiberius generally?
As being respectful and courteous to the senators at first but changing after his son’s death in AD23.
How does Velleius Paterculus generally portray Tiberius? And why?
largely positively.
When did Velleius Paterculus write his History of Rome?
AD 30
When did Suetonius write his Life of Tiberius?
AD 120-125
When did Tacitus write his Annals?
early 2nd century AD
When did Dio Cassius write his Roman History?
3rd century AD
What two issues faced Tiberius at the start of his reign and why?
- rebellion of the Pannonian legions
- mutiny of the German legions at Mainz
- these were not political but because many soldiers were underpaid or hadn’t been released from service after completing their terms. Highlights that crisis was more likely during power transfers
Who did Tiberius send to subdue the rebellion of the Pannonian legions?
Drusus the younger (his son)
Who did Tiberius send to subdue the rebellion of the German legions at Mainz?
Germanicus
Where did Tiberius send Germanicus in 17AD?
To settle discontent in the eastern provinces of Judaea and Syria
Who did Tiberius make governor of Syria, and send at the same time as he sent Germanicus?
Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso
Conflict between Piso and Germanicus - summary and result?
- 18AD Germanicus travelled through Syria and was welcomed,
- Piso was following behind and undermining him. He then arrived at Syria first and turned the legions to his side. - 19AD Germanicus visited Egypt and on his return Piso decided to leave Syria.
- At this time Germanicus became seriously ill and was convinced Piso poisoned him. - Told his wife Agrippina not to trust those in power.
- Piso stood trial (main charge stirring up civil war in Syria) and killed himself when realising that Tiberius wouldn’t help him
How does Tacitus portray Sejanus?
Perverse, corrupt and power-hungry. In Tacitus’ black and white view, Sejanus was very much a villain (along w T)
From when was Sejanus Prefect of the Praetorian Guard?
AD 14-31
How does Velleius Paterculus portray Sejanus and why does it differ from Tacitus?
As a ‘distinguished assistant’ held in high regard by both the people and the emperor. This was written before Sejanus’ eventual downfall, and displays the sycophancy of the senators towards powerful men
How does Dio describe Sejanus’ treatment by the senate and emperor?
treated ‘as if he were actually emperor’
Tiberius called him ‘sharer of my Cares’
‘it was he who appeared to be emperor and Tiberius a kind of off-shore monarch’
Dio on Sejanus’ power after he convinced Tiberius to leave Rome in 25AD
When was Sejanus executed and why?
in 31AD. Tiberius supposedly was prompted by Sejanus’ persecution of Germanicus’ sons or was told by Sejanus’ abandoned wife of his part in the death of Drusus.
Who was Tacfarinas?
an auxiliary deserter
When did Tacfarinas and his troops launch raids on Roman territory and fight regional Governors in Africa?
between 15 and 24 AD
Tacitus on how Tacfarinas was defeated?
Publius Cornelius Dolabella orchestrated an early morning attack where Tacfarinas was killed
