Emperors of Rome | The Early Years of Tiberius (Lecture 8)

Lecture 8: Augustus died on 19 August A.D. 14. By that time, as we saw in Lectures Six and Seven, Tiberius was practically co-emperor. Technically, the succession went smoothly, but politically, it was something of a disaster. Tiberius, trying to exhibit Augustan tact, overplayed his hand in making a show of “refusing power” (recusatio imperii), and the senators became uncertain and uneasy. Despite this shaky beginning, Tiberius proved true to Augustan principles in his early Principate. In this lecture, we also look at the career of Germanicus, from his quelling of mutinous legions in 14 to the severe political fallout from his premature death in 19. We discuss the events surrounding his death and its aftermath, especially in light of a newly discovered and remarkable inscription from Spain. The tragedy was politically embarrassing for Tiberius but lent a new prominence to his natural son, Drusus, who now appeared to be next in line for the throne.

Essential Reading:
Cassius Dio, Roman History, book 57.
SCCP.
Suetonius, Life of Tiberius.
Tacitus, Annals, books 1–3.

Supplementary Reading:
DIR, “Tiberius,” “Germanicus.”
Seager, Tiberius, chapter 3.