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Emperor Tiberius is not one of the better-known emperors (42 BCE-37AD). He was not as influential as Augustus, as great a commander as Caesar , or as grotesquely cruel as Nero. However, he was a very important significant figure in the development of the Roman Empire. He was the second Roman Emperor and safeguarded the Augustus's legacy of Augustus , and did much to define the emperor's role of the emperor and , especially the Imperial cult. Tiberius was also a talented administrator and did much to stabilize the empire and give it a good government. The heir of Augustus was also a brilliant military commander who expanded the empire and provided it with a defensible border. However, in his later years, he set precedents for future emperor’s that were to have negative consequences for Roman society and its politics. Tiberius helped to turn the Imperial system into an autocracy, by his treatment of the Senate and through his expansion of the treason laws.

===Background===Tiberius was also a talented administrator and did much to stabilize the adopted son of Augustus empire and he was give it a member of one of the most important Roman families the Claudiansgood government. His biological father died when he was nine. Tiberius was not at first the designated Augustus's heir of Augustus but it was expected that he would play also a role in brilliant military commander who expanded the public affairs of Rome. Tiberius proved to be very capable empire and he was appointed by Augustus to provided it with a series of military and political offices <ref> Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, Life of Tiberiusdefensible border. However, ii</ref>. He achieved a string of military and diplomatic successes in Germanyhis later years, Armenia, Raetia he set precedents for future emperors to have negative consequences for Roman society and Illyriaits politics. During this time, Tiberius helped to turn the succession became Imperial system into an issue autocracy, by his Senate treatment and there was some concern as to who would succeed Augustus. Deaths in through his expansion of the family and internal family politics resulted in Tiberius emerging as a potential heir of Augustustreason laws.

====Background====Tiberius was the adopted son of Augustus forced Tiberius to divorce his beloved wife , and marry Juliahe was a member of one of the most important Roman families, the daughter of the first EmperorClaudians. His biological father died when he was nine. Many historians believe that this changed Tiberius character forever and was not at first the designated heir of Augustus, but it was expected that he became increasingly gloomy and misanthropic after his forced divorcewould play a role in Rome's public affairs. Tiberius marriage proved to be very capable, and Augustus appointed him to Julia was an unhappy one a military and she shamelessly committed adultery in public political office.<ref> Suetonius, iii<i>The Twelve Caesars, Life of Tiberius</i>, ii</ref>. This was He achieved a public humiliation for Tiberius. Augustus was not aware string of his daughter’s adultery military and scandalous behaviordiplomatic successes in Germany, Armenia, Raetia, and Illyria. Tiberius retired to During this time, the island of Rhodes succession became an issue, and here he studied rhetoric and philosophy. By now he had been marginalized and he was no longer considered a candidate to succeed Augustus. However, there were another series of deaths and Tiberius was left as the only mature male of the House of the Julian-Claudins, some concern about who could would succeed Augustus. Deaths in the family and internal family politics resulted in Tiberius was summoned back from Rhodes and he was announced emerging as the successor a potential heir of Augustus. The emperor was believed to have been influenced in his decision by Tiberius mother, the formidable Livia. Tiberius was appointed to several roles such as consul and he succeeded Augustus after his death with little opposition in 14 AD. There was a mutiny in Germany that Tiberius had quelled by his nephew Germanicus <ref> Tacitus, Annals, ii</ref>.

Augustus forced Tiberius to divorce his beloved wife and marry Julia, the daughter of the first Emperor. Many historians believe that this changed Tiberius' character forever and that he became increasingly gloomy and misanthropic after his forced divorce. Tiberius' marriage to Julia was an unhappy one, and she shamelessly committed adultery in public.<ref>Suetonius, iii</ref> This was a public humiliation for Tiberius. Augustus was not aware of his daughter’s adultery and scandalous behavior. Tiberius retired to the island of Rhodes, and here he studied rhetoric and philosophy. By now, he had been marginalized, and he was no longer considered a candidate to succeed Augustus. However, another series of deaths and Tiberius was left as the only mature male of the House of the Julian-Claudins, who could succeed Augustus.  Tiberius was summoned back from Rhodes, and he was announced as the successor of Augustus. The emperor was believed to have been influenced by Tiberius' mother's decision, the formidable Livia. Tiberius was appointed to several roles, such as consul, and he succeeded Augustus after his death with little opposition in 14 AD. There was a mutiny in Germany that Tiberius had quelled by his nephew Germanicus.<ref> Tacitus, <i>Annals</i>, ii</ref> ==== Reign as Emperor====

Tiberius was emperor from 14 BCE to 37 AD. He was a reluctant emperor and never really wanted the role. He followed the advice of Augustus and did not try to expand the borders of the Empire. His heir was Germanicus , his nephew. Tiberius had none of the charm or the authority of his predecessor , and he had a poor relationship with the Senate .<ref> Shotter, David. <i>Tiberius Caesar</i>. (London: Routledge, 1992), p. 115 </ref>. Soon , he was very unpopular , but his position was secure. He was a dedicated administrator , and in the early years of his reign, he was a conscientious ruler.  The popularity of Germanicus apparently troubled him, and many believe that he had a hand in the suspicious death of his nephew in 19 AD.<ref> Tacitus, <i>Annals</i>, iii</ref> As a result, Tiberius could appoint his own son from his first marriage as his heir. However, Drusus died in 23 AD, and after this, many believe that Tiberius became even gloomier and began to hate the intrigues that he saw everywhere in Rome. He became even more haughty and referred to the Senators as ‘men fit to be slaves.’ <ref>Tacitus, <i>Annals</i>, iv</ref> In 27 BC Tiberius retired to Capri to his private villa. Some believe that he spent his time in perverse sexual orgies, while others maintain that he spent his days with a few friends discussing philosophy <ref> Suetonius, iii</ref>. In his absence, he appointed Sejanus the Praetorian Guard (the Imperial bodyguard) as head of the Roman administration. Sejanus came to dominate the Roman government, and he acted in a tyrannical manner, even having members of the elite murdered on trumped-up charges <ref>Tacitus, Annals, iv</ref> He restricted access to the Emperor, and Tiberius was unaware of the nature of Sejanus’ rule.

The popularity of Germanicus apparently troubled him Praetorians commander was widely believed to be having an extramarital affair with Tiberius's son, who died. It was alleged he was poisoned by Sejanus. It seemed that Sejanus plotted to have himself made Emperor and many believe that to kill Tiberius. When he heard this, the old emperor left Capri and had a hand in the suspicious death of his nephew in 19 AD Sejanus arrested and executed.<ref> TacitusShotter, Annals, iiip. 213</ref>. As a resultTiberius appointed Gaius Caeser, Tiberius could appoint his own the son from his first marriage of Germanicus as his heir. However, Drusus died in 23 AD and after this many believe It was widely believed that Tiberius became even gloomier and began to hate the intrigues that he saw everywhere in Rome. He became even more haughty and he referred to Caligula had the Senators as ‘men fit to be slaves’ <ref> Tacitus, Annals, iv</ref>. In 27 BC elderly Tiberius retired to Capri murdered to ensure his private villaown succession. Some believe that he spent his time His ashes were interred in perverse sexual orgies, while others maintain that he spent his days with a few friends discussing philosophy <ref> Suetonius, iii</ref>. In his absence, he appointed Sejanus the Praetorian Guard (the Imperial bodyguard) same Mausoleum as head of the Roman administrationAugustus. Sejanus came to dominate the Roman government and he acted in a tyrannical manner, even having members of the elite murdered on trumped up charges <ref> Tacitus, AnnalsSuetonius, iv</ref>. He restricted access to the Emperor and Tiberius was unaware of the nature of Sejanus’ rule.

The Praetorians commander ====Administration of the Empire====Tiberius was widely believed be having an extramarital affair with experienced soldier and politician by the time he became emperor. After Germanicus had quelled the mutiny among the son of Tiberius who diedGerman legions, it was alleged he was poisoned by Sejanuscrossed the Rhine and inflicted several heavy defeats on German tribes. It seemed that Sejanus plotted to have himself made Emperor Tiberius did not annex Germania and instead was content with allowing the Germans to kill Tiberiusrecognize Rome's authority. When he heard this the old emperor left Capri and had Sejanus arrested and executed <ref> ShotterTacitus, <i>Annals</i>, p. 213ii</ref>Tiberius rather than seeking to expand the empire sought to strengthen the Roman frontiers. Tiberius appointed Gaius CaeserHe was reluctant to engage in military adventures, possibly because Augustus had strained Rome's financial resources and that any future conquests were of little value. The Roman treasury was depleted after the reign of Augustus. The treasury had been mismanaged, and corruption had crept into the son system during the later years of Germanicus as his heirAugustus. It The first Emperor was widely believed that Caligula had not the elderly Tiberius murdered to ensure most financially prudent, and he left his own successionsuccessor with a serious deficit. His ashes were interred in the same Mausoleum as Augustus<ref> SuetoniusCassius Dio, iv<i>Roman History Books</i> 57–58</ref>.

===Administration of Tiberius developed a new bureaucracy to manage the Empire===Tiberius was an experienced soldier treasure on a professional basis. He cut down on unnecessary expenditure, and politician by the time he became emperorended Augustus’ ambitious building program in Rome. After Germanicus, had quelled Tiberius developed an Imperial fiscal system that ensured that the mutiny among Empire stayed solvent and that the German legions he crossed were paid. He was also eager to end abuses in the Rhine administration, and inflicted several heavy defeats he cracked down on German tribescorruption. Tiberius did not annex Germania and instead was content with allowing ordered the governors of the Germans Roman provinces to recognize the authority of Rome ‘shear my sheep don’t flay them.’<ref> Tacitus, <i>Annals</i>, iiII</ref>By this, he meant that he did not believe that they should make excessive taxation demands. This and his other measures ensured that most Roman provinces prospered and that Tiberius rather than seeking helped to expand lay the empire sought to strengthen the Roman frontiers. He was reluctant to engage in military adventures, possibly because Augustus had strained foundation for the financial resources of Rome great economic and that any future conquests were social flourishing of little value. The Roman treasury was depleted after the reign of Augustus. The treasury had been mismanaged and a lot of corruption had crept into the system during the later years of Augustus. The first Emperor was not Empire in the most financially prudent and he left his successor with a serious deficit<ref> Cassius Dio, Roman History Books 57–58</ref>First Century AD.

==== Military Record====Tiberius developed 's popular view as a new bureaucracy to manage the treasure on gloomy tyrant deprived of his personal life has obscured that he was a professional basisvery successful military commander. He cut down on unnecessary expenditure and As a young man, he ended Augustus’ ambitious building program in Romewas entrusted by Augustus to deal with the Eastern frontier. Tiberius developed an Imperial fiscal system that ensured that the Empire stayed solvent simply displayed his legions and critically that diplomatic negotiations to deter the legions were paidParthians from attacking Armenia in 20 BC. He was also eager to end abuses in the administration and so successful that he cracked down on corruption. Tiberius ordered the governors could make Armenia once more a client kingdom of Rome and secure legionary eagles that had been captured by the Parthians when they had defeated Roman provinces to ‘shear my sheep don’t flay them’ invasions.<ref> Tacitus, AnnalsShotter, IIp 113</ref>Tiberius along with his brother Drusus campaigned in Germany and on the Rhine. By this, he meant that he did not believe that they should make excessive taxation demands He won several notable victories over the local tribes. This Rhaetia was a mountainous region in modern Switzerland and his other measures ensured that most Roman provinces prospered South German. The local mountain tribes were fierce fighters and that notorious bandits. Tiberius helped to lay launched a counter-attack against the foundation for the great economic Rhaetians and social flourishing of was so successful that he turned the Empire region into Rome's province. Augustus ordered next Tiberius to deal with Pannonia, which is today in the First Century ADwestern Austria. The legions under Tiberius conquered Pannonia.<ref> Suetonius, iv</ref>

=== Military Record===The popular view of Tiberius as a gloomy tyrant who was depraved in his personal life has obscured the fact that he was a very successful military commander. As a young man, he was entrusted by Augustus to deal with the Eastern frontier. Tiberius was able by simply displaying his legions and diplomatic negotiations to deter the Parthians from attacking Armenia in 20 BC. He was so successful that he could make Armenia once more a client kingdom of Rome and secure legionary eagles that had been captured by the Parthians when they had defeated Roman invasions <ref> Shotter, p 113</ref>. Tiberius along with his brother Drusus campaigned in Germany and on the Rhine. He won several notable victories over the local tribes. Rhaetia was a mountainous region in modern Switzerland and South German, the local mountain tribes were fierce fighters and notorious bandits. Tiberius launched a counter attack against the Rhaetians and was so successful that he turned the region into a province of Rome. Next Tiberius was ordered by Augustus to deal with Pannonia, which is today in western Austria. The legions under Tiberius conquered Pannonia ref> Suetonius, iv<dh-ad/ref>.

The German Marcomanni confederation had established a strong kingdom in modern Bohemia. Tiberius and another Roman general launched a two-pronged attack that devastated the Marcomanni. In 6 AD , Tiberius was called away from the Danube to prevent a German breakthrough after the Roman defeat at Teutoberg Forest. He accomplished this mission and was then called back to the Danube frontier. The Great Illyrian Revolt of 6-9 AD, saw all the tribes in the western Balkans rise in rebellion .<ref> Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, v</ref>. This was one of the greatest revolts against Rome in the history of the Empire , and the rebels could muster an army of 100,000 men. Tiberius and his nephew Germanicus eventually suppressed the rebellion, which earned them both the gratitude of Augustus and Rome's gratitude. Tiberius was a great commander , and historians have neglected his accomplishments have been neglected by historians .<ref> Seager, Robin . <i>Tiberius </i> (London, Blackwell Publishing, 2005), p 78 </ref>. He annexed two new provinces, established a frontier on the Danube that was not penetrated by invaders for almost two centuries. Tiberius ' greatest military achievement was his role in the suppression of the Great Illyrian Revolt.

====Tiberius Tyranny====

Augustus had been able to manage the Senate and ensured that the Roman elite cooperated with his plans. Tiberius did not manage the Senate very well , even though he frequently attended it. The man who did not want to be Emperor at first tried to work with the Senate and even encouraged them to have a greater role in the Rome's rule of Rome .<ref> Shotter, p 118</ref>. He was disappointed by the Roman elite's bickering and intrigues of the Roman elite. Under Sejanus , many senators were executed , and after Tiberius returned to Rome, he used laws passed by Augustus to begin a series of Treason Trials. Tacitus depicts Tiberius unleashing a reign of terror on Rome and ordering the judicial murder of countless of innocent people, all the victims of his paranoia.<ref> Tacitus. <i>Annals</i>, iii</ref>. There are those who claim that this is an exaggeration. However, it seems certain that Tiberius treated the Senate in a very high-handed fashion and executed many Senators for real and imagined crimes. This was to change the relationship between Emperors and the Senate. Instead of the Senate is a partner in Rome's government as envisaged by Augustus, it increasingly became subservient to the Emperor.<ref> Tacitus, <i>Annals</i>, iv</ref> In effect, this meant that the Senate was unable to check the power of the Emperor. This is seen in the contempt of Caligula and Nero for that body and its members. Tiberius played a part in the development of Imperial autocracy. This helped to change the system envisaged by Augustus, from a partnership between the Emperor as the first of citizens to one where they were the absolute rulers of the Roman World.<ref> Shotter, p. 115</ref>

However, it seems certain The other way that Tiberius treated helped create an autocracy was the Senate in a very high-handed fashion and executed many Senators for real and imagined crimes. This was changes he introduced to change the relationship between Emperors and treason laws. Any offense or threat against the SenateEmperor, by word or deed, was a ‘crime of majestas’ or treason. Instead <ref>Tacitus, iv</ref> Under Tiberius, anything could be construed as an act of the Senate being treason, even defacing a partner in coin with the government portrait of Rome as envisaged by Augustus it increasingly became subservient to the Emperor was considered an act of treason.<ref> Tacitus, Annals, iv</ref>. In effectTo enforce treason laws, this meant that the Senate an army of informers was unable paid to check spy on the power of citizenry. These were the Emperornotorious ‘delatores. This is seen in the contempt ’<ref> Suetonius, iii</ref> The expansion of Caligula and Nero for that body and its members. Tiberius played a part in the development of Imperial autocracytreason laws stifled dissent but also all debate. This helped The treason laws led to change the system envisaged by Augustus, from one that was a partnership between the Emperor as the first series of citizens to one where they were trials and the absolute rulers executions of the Roman Worldmany prominent Romans.<ref> Shotter, p. 115134</ref>.

The other way that Tiberius helped to create an autocracy was ====Imperial Cult====From the changes that he introduced to First Century AD until Constantine's conversion, the treason lawsEmperor, after his death, was worshiped as a God. Any offense or threat against Augustus was the first Emperorto receive divine honors in his lifetime, unprecedented in Rome but common in Hellenistic Kingdoms. Augustus, by word or deedafter his death, was a ‘crime of majestas’ or treason <Tacitusaccorded divine status, iv</ref>and temples were built to celebrate his cult all over the Empire. Under Tiberius anything could be construed as an act of treason, even defacing a coin with the portrait of the Emperor was considered an act of treason<ref>Tacitusreluctant to receive divine honors during his lifetime, iv</ref>and he rejected proposals to build temples to honor his divinity. To enforce the laws of treasonHowever, an army of informers were paid he appeared to spy on have realized the citizenry, these were importance of the notorious ‘delatores’ Imperial cult as a means of social and political control.<ref> SuetoniusGradel, iiiIttai. </refi>. The expansion of the treason laws stifled dissent but also all debate. The treason laws led to a series trials Emperor Worship and the executions of many prominent Romans Roman Religion<ref/i> Shotter(Oxford, 134Oxford University Press, 2002), p. 116 </ref>.

===Imperial Cult===From the First Century AD until the conversion of Constantine, the Emperor after his death was worshiped as a God. Augustus was the first Emperor to receive divine honors in his lifetime, something that was unprecedented in Rome but common in Hellenistic Kingdoms. Augustus after his death was accorded divine status and temples were built to celebrate his cult all over the Empire. Tiberius was reluctant to receive divine honors during his lifetime and he rejected proposals to build temples to honor his divinity. However, he appeared to have realized the importance of the Imperial cult as a means of social and political control. <ref>Gradel, Ittai, Emperor Worship and Roman Religion (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2002), p. 116 </ref>. Tiberius encouraged the worship of Augustus and helped to create a religious brotherhood of freedmen (freed slaves), who tended to the cult of the First Emperor .<ref>Tacitus, Annals, iv</ref>. Tiberius established the precedent whereby the Emperor if deemed worthy, was to be worshiped as a God after his death but not during his life. This was more acceptable to Roman sensibilities that the Hellenistic model, whereby Kings were worshiped as Gods in their lifetime. Tiberius deliberately cultivated the Imperial cult in order to safeguard and extend Imperial authority .<ref> Gradel, p. 11</ref>. This cult also helped to turn future Emperors into absolute rulers.

Tiberius was not a popular figure in his time , and his portrayal by historians such as Tacitus portrayed him as a gloomy tyrant. He was more than this. Tiberius was one of the most important military commanders during a critical time. He expanded the Empire and helped to secure its frontiers for many decades. Tiberius , as the second Emperor did much to strengthen the Imperial office by promoting the cult of the Emperor and by ensuring the Senators were subordinate to Primus Princeps. He was also a talented administrator who reformed the civil service and the Imperial fiscal system. However, his transfer of power to Sejanus was unforgivable , and he left Rome to the mercy of a tyrant and this , which detracts from his reputation for providing good government. Tiberius ' treatment of the Senate and his treason laws were an important step away from the Augustus's system developed by Augustus. The second Emperor helped not only to strengthen the position of the Emperor , but he also made it more autocratic. ====Suggested Readings==== * Grant, Michael. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486822192/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486822192&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=707967b3998ed8e0ee4b02e887ee7b50 The Twelve Caesars]</i> (New York: Penguin Books, 1979)* Osgood, Josiah. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521671779/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521671779&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=78feb0248f30b4a6c2cfaa0048334c9f Caesar's Legacy: Civil War and the Emergence of the Roman Empire]</i> (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2006)* Holland, Tom. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400078970/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400078970&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a25657c34ca67cbf377bd8dfbc462c2c Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic]</i> (London, Anchor Press, 2003)* Holland, Tom. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0345806727/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0345806727&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=11b4ef38b180a92dea2af16af6c9897e Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar]'' (Anchor, 2016)* Seager, Robin. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1405115297/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1405115297&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b57af755f6160a6cacaf14845280a67d Tiberius]</i> (London, Blackwell Publishing, 2005)* Shotter, David. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415319463/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415319463&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=30d153989bcc0ac8068f8b4d604b6fdf Tiberius Caesar]</i>. (London: Routledge, 1992)* Gradel, Ittai. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0199275483/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0199275483&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=7605f581f5a4fe183c46395658006fda Emperor Worship and Roman Religion]</i> (Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2002) <div class="portal" style="width:85%;"> ===Related DailyHistory.org Articles===*[[What was the impact of Attila the Hun on the Roman Empire?]]*[[Angels of the Underground: Interview with Theresa Kaminski]]*[[What were the impact of the military reforms of Marius on Rome?]]*[[The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact- Stalin’s greatest mistake?]]</div>