Sejanus seemingly even had control over Tiberius himself at least, the Praetorian Prefect managed to control the flow of information between Rome and its Emperor. Those posing a threat to the Praetorian Prefect’s authority found themselves subject to imprisonment or worse. While Tiberius was away, Sejanus apparently held sway. In 26 AD, Tiberius retired from Rome to the island of Capri, where he owned a vast villa complex inherited from his adoptive father. Apparently tired of imperial intrigues, Tiberius once again withdrew from politics – at least in terms of routine governance. Unaware of any perfidy at the time, Tiberius allowed Sejanus to expand his powers even further, even naming him socius laborum (partner of my labors). That decision proved hazardous, especially since Sejanus was probably the mastermind behind Drusus’ untimely demise in 23 AD. Tiberius also increasingly empowered his Praetorian Guard and their leader, the Prefect Sejanus. Over time, Tiberius distanced himself from Rome, while passing on increasing responsibilities to Drusus. Even so, it was the Syrian governor, Piso, who was found guilty and executed for the deed. It was widely thought that the death was a murder, and perhaps Tiberius was behind the plot. The pair’s rivalry came to an end, however, when Germanicus died in 19 AD. The latter’s enormous popularity and military prowess made him a worthy succession candidate on par, if not exceeding, Drusus. Besides his own son Drusus, Tiberius adopted his nephew Germanicus. When Augustus died the following year, Tiberius had no choice but to assume his role as Rome’s second Emperor.Īlong with Rome’s throne, Tiberius, now in his mid-fifties, also inherited the responsibility to secure its succession. By 13 AD, Tiberius was declared co-princeps. Inexorably, Tiberius was drawn back into the imperial fold. Over time, whether by natural causes or otherwise, Augustus’ list of succession candidates had grown quite thin. However, Tiberius was not destined to maintain a low profile. In 6 BC, he even proclaimed his withdrawal from Rome’s political scene, and retired to Rhodes. Tiberius, whose clan historically championed the old Republic, oftentimes treated his own imperial aspirations with indifference. That concession, analogous to his mother’s, would torment him for the rest of his life. Unfortunately for Tiberius, he had to divorce his beloved Vipsania.
#Roman coins augustus upgrade#
It was decreed by Augustus that Tiberius upgrade to a more prominent spouse, namely Augustus’ daughter and only biological child, Julia. When Agrippa died in 12 BC, Tiberius moved up on the succession candidate list. In 14 BC, the couple provided the new Empire with yet another dynast, Drusus Julius Caesar. To that end, around 19 BC Tiberius married Vipsania Agrippina, the daughter of Augustus’ trusted friend and greatest general, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. Besides candidates from his own Julian clan, Augustus also groomed additional prospects from the Claudian gens, particularly Tiberius. While Tiberius was still a toddler, Livia divorced in order to marry the rising military and political star Octavian, who later emerged as Rome’s Augustus.Īugustus transformed Rome into an autocracy, and grappled with the necessity of establishing his succession.
The latter appears on this coin’s verso in the guise of Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. Tiberius’ biological father and mother were Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. That relationship was not by blood, but by adoption.
The accompanying inscription, TI CΛESΛR DIVI ΛVG F ΛVGVSTVS, advertises that Tiberius is the son of Augustus. In any case, it represents a quintessential issue for Tiberius, whose laureate bust appears on the obverse.
For some, it might even be considered a religious relic. Although not certain, the most commonly cited coin in this context is this denarius struck by Rome’s second Emperor, Tiberius (42 BC – 37 AD).Īs such, the so-called “tribute penny” is highly sought after for its numismatic value and historical importance. As a visual aid, Jesus employed a Roman coin. Owner Comments: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.Īccording to Matthew the Apostle, Jesus spoke these words in response to the question of whether Jews should pay taxes to Rome.
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