Julio-Claudian Emperors

Tiberius (14-37)

Emperor Tiberius

Tiberius was a tragic figure. He was an outstanding military commander—the best of his age—but he was neither interested in nor fitted for politics. Yet, because of his birth, he was doomed to be emperor.

Stern, cold, reserved, formal. Strong sense of duty. He was a great leader in the field, with real talent.

Tiberius' great flaw was that he was deeply suspicious of others, to the point of paranoia. He was easily hurt and could be cold- bloodedly vengeful.

He knew Augustus favored others over him and that he was about the eighth choice. It was his mother, Livia, who was determined that Tiberius should succeed. He himself was unenthusiastic about becoming emperor and ended by loathing his position.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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