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