In Our Time cover image

In Our Time

Tiberius

Jan 11, 2024
Matthew Nicholls, a Senior Tutor at Oxford specializing in Roman history, along with Shushma Malik from Cambridge and Professor Catherine Steel from Glasgow, delve into the complexities of Emperor Tiberius. They explore his unexpected rise to power amidst the chaos of the Roman Republic's transition to empire. Tiberius's strategic manipulation of the Praetorian Guard, the treacherous political landscape marked by paranoia, and his controversial retreat to Capri are discussed. The guests also reflect on Tiberius's legacy and how historical narratives have evolved over time.
53:10

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tiberius's path to becoming Emperor of Rome was marked by complex family dynamics and political maneuvers.
  • Tiberius ruled with a mix of military autocracy and a desire to maintain peace and stability within the Roman Empire.

Deep dives

Tiberius's Rise to Power

Tiberius's path to becoming Emperor of Rome was not straightforward. He came from a republican elite family, but his father's political prospects were derailed by civil wars. Tiberius was brought under the wing of Augustus, his stepfather, and became co-emperor in the last year of Augustus's life. However, it was not guaranteed that Tiberius would take over as emperor. He faced competition from other potential successors, including his nephew Marcellus and the sons of his wife's previous marriage. Tiberius's path to power was marked by complex family dynamics and political maneuvers.

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