Germanicus and Sejanus Flashcards
(24 cards)
Who was Germanicus?
Nephew of Tiberius, adopted by Augustus in 4AD, an important general by age 14.
What did the troops desire regarding Germanicus?
They desired to make him emperor.
What were the circumstances of Germanicus’ death?
He died under suspicious circumstances in 19AD.
What problem arose for Tiberius concerning Germanicus?
Tiberius saw Germanicus’ popularity as a threat to his position.
What was Tiberius’ suggestion for Germanicus in 17BC?
To send Germanicus to deal with problems in Judea and Syria.
Who was Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso?
The governor of Syria who was implicated in Germanicus’ death.
What did Piso believe about his role in Syria?
He believed he was there to curb Germanicus’ hopes.
How did Germanicus fare in his travels in 18BC?
He was welcomed and lauded everywhere he stopped.
What tactic did Piso use against Germanicus?
He undermined Germanicus through ‘lavishness and favouritism’.
What happened when Germanicus visited Egypt?
He did so without Tiberius’ permission, which Tiberius saw as a challenge.
What was the outcome of Germanicus’ illness upon returning from Egypt?
He fell seriously ill and died.
What did Tacitus imply about Piso’s trial?
Piso was charged with stirring up civil war in Syria.
What did Piso do when he realized Tiberius would not assist him?
He committed suicide.
How did the public react to Germanicus’ death?
The people grieved hugely.
What was Tiberius’ response to Agrippina upon her return?
He refused to meet her with Germanicus’ ashes.
Who was Lucius Aelius Sejanus?
Prefect of the Praetorian Guard from 14AD until his execution in 31AD.
How did Tacitus describe Sejanus?
Sexually perverse, corrupt, power hungry, and manipulative.
What did Sejanus engineer for himself?
His own position in the succession.
What did Tiberius beg the senate for?
Colleagues to assist him.
How did Velleius Paterculus portray Sejanus?
As a distinguished assistant with long-standing regard.
What alleged crime was Sejanus involved in?
The murder of Tiberius’ son Drusus.
What was Sejanus’ first real impediment?
Tiberius’ refusal to allow him to marry Drusus’ wife, Livilla.
Where did Tiberius go under Sejanus’ influence?
First to Campania in 25, then to Capri in 26.
True or False: Tiberius frequently left Rome during Augustus’ reign.
True.
