

Tiberius
26 snips 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.
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Livia's Influence
- Livia, Tiberius's mother, was rumored to be involved in the deaths of several potential successors to Augustus.
- These rumors included poisoning figs and highlight the suspicion surrounding women in the imperial household.
Senate's Role
- The Senate played a significant role in Tiberius's rise to power, marking the first peaceful transition of power in Roman imperial history.
- Tiberius's initial reluctance to fully accept power and the Senate's insistence on his sole rule underscore this transition's significance.
Praetorian Guard
- Tiberius consolidated his power by taking control of the Praetorian Guard, the emperor's personal bodyguard, upon Augustus' death.
- This control, along with appointing Sejanus as Prefect, ensured Tiberius's military authority and influenced access to information and decision-making.