Lesson 17 Writing Assignment

.docx

School

Arizona State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

143

Subject

History

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

1

Uploaded by ryanschiefer

Report
1. Overall, Suetonius looks to be a good for Tiberius's successor, Tacitus, on the other hand, did not agree with him because of the what happened with Postumus Agrippa's murder. There is no doubt that Tacitus detested Tiberius's succession. Tacitus continues by saying how Augustus felt towards Tiberius because of it. "Augustus had often complained of the young man's character, and had thus succeeded in obtaining the sanction of a decree of the Senate for his banishment. But he never was hard-hearted enough to destroy any of his kinsfolk"(pg. 1) Illustrating the late emperor Augustus's disappointment with Tiberius. Suetonius described not only Augustus's dislike for Tiberius but also the qualities that Augustus found admirable in him. Suetonius quotes Augustus as saying "'I must truly praise your summer campaigns, my dear Tiberius. I am certain no one else could have acted more wisely than you did, in the face of so many difficulties and with so weary an army. " (pg. 2) Despite public perceptions of Tiberius being unsuitable for imperial rule, Suetonius expresses confidence in Augustus's choice of the young ruler, asserting that there are more positive qualities in him than negative ones. 2. When considering the minor events that took place under Tiberius's leadership, Suetonius still feels positively about Tiberius whereas Tacitus has doubts and appears to despise the emperor. Their descriptions of the collapse of the amphitheater show one important distinction. In a matter-of-fact manner, Suetonius describes the disaster at Fidenae, in which over 20,000 people were killed when a section of the amphitheater fell during a gladiatorial match. In contrast, Tacitus made a decision that seemed questionable to others, he states: "he must not be disturbed on his journey, and having sent away those who had tried to approach him regardless." (pg. 3). The purpose of Tacitus's in-depth description is to paint Tiberius in a negative picture. Both authors maintain the same attitudes throughout the passages, although taking quite different tactics, sticking to the tone established in their separate openings. 3. Suetonius, in my opinion, is the more trustworthy source when it comes to Tiberius in general. His story is notably less bias than Tacitus's because he actively attempts to be objective by presenting opposing arguments to his own statements. His claim is that, "it appears that Tiberius was merely trying to avoid immediate unpopularity, and subsequent silence on the matter consigned it to oblivion" (page. 3) is an illustration of this strategy in action. Unlike Tacitus, Suetonius chooses to provide knowledge in an uncomplicated way rather than using emotional pleas to sway opinions. Essentially, I believe that when we look at Tiberius's historical account, Suetonius becomes the more trustworthy and impartial source.
Discover more documents: Sign up today!
Unlock a world of knowledge! Explore tailored content for a richer learning experience. Here's what you'll get:
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help