The Story of Tiberius and Sejanus Tacitus’s Annals The Story of Tiberius and Sejanus

Who was Tiberius? Son of Livia, Augustus’s adopted son Married Julia Served 22 years with distinction in the Roman military Adopts his nephew Germanicus and has him, along with his own son Drusus, act as his helpers

Who Is Sejanus? Father was a Roman knight Emperor’s right-hand man “To Sejanus alone the emperor spoke freely.” “The partner of my labors.”(4.1.1-2)

How does Tacitus portray Sejanus? Tacitus immediately presents Sejanus as “a reader” of things. (4.1.3) As if he can get inside the head of Tiberius Then he can interpret what Tiberius wants and narrate it to others

Drusus as a threat to Sejanus Drusus’s complaints against Sejanus: laments the fact that Sejanus has a new camp of guards Statue in Pompey’s theater Sejanus’s daughter is promised to Claudius’s son in marriage Drusus’s wife is Sejanus’s lover and betrays him to Sejanus

Sejanus’s Revenge Picks a slow-acting poison Kills Drusus with it Tiberius continues to attend the Senate while his son is ill and even right after his death

The Threat to Sejanus’s Power (5.2) Sejanus is threatened by Agrippina and her sons, Drusus Caesar and Nero Caesar, who are Augustus’ descendants Has all three of them exiled Claims they are disobedient and use insubordinate language against the emperor

What are the similarities between Tiberius and Sejanus? How did Tiberius slowly creep into power? How does Sejanus do the same? Same qualities that land Sejanus in good favor with the emperor are also what get him in trouble later on

What qualities do Sejanus and Tiberius have in common? Both are accused by historians of being secretive Both feared conspiracies and revolts

What Are Sejanus’ Powers? Consolidates Roman guard into barracks in Rome Statues of him in theaters, public places and brigade headquarters Requests to marry Livilla (refused by Tiberius) Poisons his son Drusus Arranges constant threats to Agrippina and Nero (Tiberius’s grandson)

Who Was Agrippina? Wife of Germanicus After death of Germanicus, asks Tiberius if she can remarry Tiberius fears that new husband of the granddaughter of Augustus could be a threat to him

How Is She The Opposite of Sejanus? She appears as the opposite of Sejanus, open and straightforward He hides everything from Tiberius She is unable to conceal anything from Tiberius and this causes her downfall 4.54 She has dinner with Tiberius and is unable to hide her fear of poisoning

An Aspect of Tiberius’s Reign Becomes obsessed with gaining access to the future Retreats to Capri with astrologers (26 AD), never returns to Rome after this and access to him is through Sejanus Often consults his horoscope

How Does Tiberius Behave as An Exile? 6.1.1-2 scene of a sacked city Sense of responsibility vs. desire for withdrawal Behaves as if he is a voluntary exile

Tacitus’s description of this behavior 6.1 “he regained his secluded sea-cliffs” “Free-born children were his victims” Victims were kidnapped by his slaves “It was like the sack of a captured city”

How Does Tiberius Behave As Commander-in-chief? Scene at 6.1.1-2 portrays him as if he is attacking the city. City is devastated Tiberius gives orders at a distance Subordinates exact penalties from the defeated

How Does Tacitus Describe the Island of Capri (4.67.1-3)? Tacitus characterized the island as if it were a foreign country and Tiberius as though he is inhabiting a foreign land: Physical geography Climate Agricultural produce, mineral resources Origins and features of inhabitants Political, social and military organization

Capri Place where Tiberius can behave in a decadent manner Tiberius was rumored to have orgies Swimming pool with young boys who swam in it and sucked on his toes

Sejanus at the height of his power AD 31, becomes co-consul Since Tiberius is at Capri, he is the sole ruler Granted superior military powers Finally engaged to Julia Livilla, Tiberius’s son Drusus’s widow

What contributes to Sejanus’ downfall? Senators and provincial governors get fed up with having to discuss imperial matters with him instead of the emperor Antonia, mother of Julia Livilla, does not approve of the proposed marriage Plan to removed him is hatched

The Fall of Sejanus Emperor cannot use Praetorian Guard as it is under Sejanus’s command Summons Macro to Capri and gives him instructions to get the fire-brigade/police force behind him, so no one will try to rescue Sejanus A letter is read in the Senate denouncing Sejanus and he is executed immediately

Summary of Tiberius’s reign Good acts include: Helps Rome out during time of oppressive grain prices (provides money and labor) Settled disputes with private citizens in law courts Got rid of disreputable entertainments

Summary of Tiberius’s reign II Bad acts include: Disappearing from Rome to engage in depraved acts Behaving like a tyrant when he did return

Tacitus on Tiberius’s reign (6.51.5ff) Blameless under Augustus And had a flawless reputation Concealed his real self After his mother dies and Sejanus is killed, his perversions emerge Unrestrained crime and wickedness

Conclusions Tiberius’ paranoia, fear of conspiracy, and desire to remain away from Rome led historians to criticize his rule