Tiberius Sources Flashcards
Which authors do we have for Tiberius’ reign?
Suetonius, Tacitus, Dio, Velleius and Seneca
Which of our authors are positive about Tiberius and why?
Velleius because he was writing during Tiberius’ reign and owed Tiberius his career
Which of our authors are negative about Tiberius and why?
Suetonius, Tacitus, Dio and Seneca because of the treason trials
Suetonius quote:
Why Tiberius succeeded Augustus
“[Augustus’ will] stengthened the suspicion that Augustus had nominated Tiberius only for want of a better choice”
Suetonius quote:
Tiberius lying about wanting the principate
“Tiberius did not hesitate to exercise power immediately… yet a long time elapsed before he assumed the position”
Suetonius quote:
Tiberius’ duplicity
“He kept the Senate guessing by his carefully evasive answers and hesitations”
Suetonius:
Tiberius’ respect for tradition
He accepted very few honours and stopped all proposals of temples/statues/celebrations for himself
Suetonius quote:
Tiberius’ respect for the Senate
“Tiberius showed an almost excessive courtesy when addressing both individual senators and the Senate as a whole”
Suetonius:
Tiberius’ approach to adminsitration
He asked for the Senate’s opinion on most matters and exercised no more power than any other senator in votes or discussions (even if it meant he lost) unless things were done unfairly
Suetonius quote:
Tiberius’ retirement
“On his return to Capri he let all affairs of state slide… a negligence as dangerous to the empire as it was dishonourable”
Suetonius quotes:
Tiberius’ stinginess
- “He was responsible for no magnificent public works”
- “He gave no public shows at all”
- “Tiberius showed large-scale generosity no more than twice”
Suetonius quote:
Tiberius’ excessive executions
“As many as twenty a day, including women and children”
Suetonius:
How Tiberius’ son Drusus died
He was poisoned by his wife Livilla working with Sejanus
Suetonius quote:
Rome’s reaction to Tiberius’ death
“News of his death caused such joy at Rome that some people ran about yelling ‘To the Tiber with Tiberius’”
Tacitus quote:
How Tiberius administered Rome
“Tiberius initiated all business through the consuls, as though the old republic still existed”
