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How Successful Was Tiberius In The Roman Empire

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In the early first century AD, the Roman Empire was subject to autocratic rule and the old Republic was long dead. Augustus had been ruling for forty years and most of that time he was loved and praised by the Senate and the people of Rome. Throughout his reign, Augustus had the one lingering problem of finding a successor to take over the role of Emperor. He had chosen 3 different heirs in his time of rule; however, they all passed before they had the chance to inherit Augustus’ esteemed power. His fourth choice, Tiberius, was the one to succeed Augustus. He was often referred to, by Augustus, as an outstanding general and the only one capable of defending Rome against her enemies. The statement, ‘Tiberius is condemned by many ancient …show more content…

However Tiberius still was not pleased as he knew he was being used again for political purposes as Augustus did not want Tiberius as heir (A.J.K, 1989). Tiberius was then given an army to pacify Germany. Following the great success there, the Illyricum revolt was stopped which made the region safe for Rome. As a reward for his efforts Tiberius was named co-reagent with Augustus in 13AD (A.J.K, 1989).
Following Tiberius’ succession, two mutinies broke out; one in lower Germany on the Rhine and another in Pannonia on the Danube due to the troops’ conditions of service and the pay. Tiberius quickly responded and ordered Germanicus to resolve the mutiny on the Rhine and Drusus to resolve the Danube mutiny. Drusus succeeded; however, Germanicus did not, showing his lack of strength and decisiveness. Germanicus later died and Tiberius then adopted Drusus as his son and made his heir (M.K, 1989).
The mutinies in Pannonia and on the Rhine were not a good start to Tiberius’ rule and the Senate saw that. Tiberius disregarded the mutinies and attempted to follow in his predecessor’s steps of co-ruling with the Senate. Tacitus condemns Tiberius by stating, ‘Tiberius made a habit of always allowing the consuls the initiative, as thought the Republic still existed and he himself uncertain whether to take charge or not.’ Suetonius contradicts Tacitus’ claim by writing, ‘Tiberius did not

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