Julio-Claudian Emperors

Persecutions

During these last years, Tiberius paid too much heed to informers, believing the worst of everyone. Informers were paid for information and some managed to make their fortunes by accusing one powerful man after another of treason. Even the threat of such accusation was enough to receive bribes.

There were many executions, sham trials. All the while, the emperor hid at the beautiful island of Capri, seldom visiting Rome. He grew older and increasingly withdrawn.

There was no one within the Julian family now fit to succeed. Tiberius played a cagey game, refusing to name anyone. The issue Augustus had ducked was already beginning to haunt Rome: how to choose an emperor.

Tiberius' choice fell at last on a nephew, a young man well liked in Roman circles. When Tiberius died, Caligula was hailed as his successor.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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