Augustus and Tiberius: Legacy and Power

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What title was given to Tiberius Nero and Claudius Drusus?

Imperator (correct)

Tribunician

Caesar

Consul

Who were the children admitted to the Caesarian hearth?

Surviving stepchildren only

Gaius and Lucius (correct)

Drusus and Tiberius

Germanicus and Agrippa Postumus

What ultimately happened to Gaius and Lucius Caesar?

They became consuls

They fled to Spain

They died young due to war and illness (correct)

They were adopted by Tiberius

What decision did Augustus make regarding Agrippa Postumus?

He banished him to an island Signup and view all the answers

Who was given command of the eight legions on the Rhine?

Germanicus Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant concern for Augustus during his reign?

Choosing a suitable successor for his position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT one of Augustus' chosen successors?

Nero Signup and view all the answers

Why was Agrippa Postumus not considered a suitable heir by Augustus?

He had inherited a bad reputation Signup and view all the answers

What major reform did Augustus introduce regarding succession?

He established dynastic succession Signup and view all the answers

Who were Augustus' grandchildren that he considered as heirs?

Gaius and Lucius Signup and view all the answers

Which family relationship did Tiberius have with Germanicus?

Cousin Signup and view all the answers

Which position was given to Marcus Agrippa by Augustus?

Consul Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between Julia and Augustus in terms of succession?

Julia was Augustus' disgraced daughter Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Mausoleum of Augustus?

It served as a propaganda tool for Augustus' legacy Signup and view all the answers

Who was Tiberius' main rival for succession after Augustus?

Germanicus Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Tiberius' legacy is highlighted in the content?

He left behind Caligula and Tiberius Gemellus as successors. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for Caligula's initial popularity as emperor?

He was related to the beloved general Germanicus. Signup and view all the answers

How did Caligula ensure his sole authority over the empire?

He executed Tiberius Gemellus after adopting him. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the name 'Caligula' in Latin?

Little Boot Signup and view all the answers

What physical characteristics of Caligula were noted in historical sources?

He had a tall and very pale appearance. Signup and view all the answers

How was the perception of Caligula's demeanor described?

He practiced grim expressions to appear fearsome. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable consequence of mentioning a goat in Caligula's presence?

It resulted in a public execution. Signup and view all the answers

What was the relationship between Caligula and Tiberius Gemellus?

Caligula adopted Gemellus to secure his power. Signup and view all the answers

What actions did Tiberius take upon becoming emperor that contributed to his reputation?

He ordered the assassination of Agrippa Postumus. Signup and view all the answers

What did Augustus express concern about regarding Tiberius?

His character being suspicious and recluse. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason Augustus might have had for naming Tiberius as his successor?

There was no one else available due to loss of his sons. Signup and view all the answers

How did Tiberius's financial management during his reign impact the imperial treasury?

He built up a reserve of 2.7 billion sesterces. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Germanicus in relation to Tiberius?

He was admired by the public and seen as an ideal ruler. Signup and view all the answers

What controversial decision did Germanicus make that may have increased Tiberius's suspicions?

He visited Egypt without permission. Signup and view all the answers

Whom did Tiberius delegate many of his powers to during his reign?

Lucius Aelius Sejanus. Signup and view all the answers

What accusation was made against Nias Piso Patre in relation to Germanicus?

He was convicted of Germanicus's murder. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Tiberius's actions as emperor is true?

He made promises to return power to the Senate but did not follow through. Signup and view all the answers

What implication can be drawn from Tiberius’s lack of accountability for Agrippa Postumus’s assassination?

He tried to cover up his own fault. Signup and view all the answers

What significant structure did Caligula build to connect his palace to the Capitoline Hill?

A bridge over the Temple of the Divine Augustus Signup and view all the answers

What features were notable in the interiors of Caligula's ships found at Lake Nemi?

Lavish decorations including marble and mosaic walls Signup and view all the answers

What was the reported cause of the sinking of Caligula's ships at Lake Nemi?

Natural disaster, possibly an earthquake or storm Signup and view all the answers

Which god did Caligula claim to be won over by, leading to his desire to share a home?

Capitoline Jupiter Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Caligula's wife, Chisonia, following his death?

She was killed along with their daughter Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the initial reactions of the Senate after the death of Caligula?

To consider bringing back the Republic Signup and view all the answers

What would have been a political consequence if the Senate had successfully brought back the Republic?

Erasure of Caesar Augustus' legacy Signup and view all the answers

How did Caligula reportedly demonstrate his extravagance with his ships?

He equipped them with luxury fittings uncommon for ships Signup and view all the answers

Who was responsible for Caligula's assassination according to the first story reported?

A tribune named Cornelius Sabinus Signup and view all the answers

What is the length of the first ship built by Caligula at Lake Nemi?

71m Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

### Augustus’ Legacy and Succession

Augustus worked to establish a long-lasting legacy through grandiose monuments like the Mausoleum of Augustus, Ara Pacis, and the Res Gestae.
He focused on securing a stable succession despite having no sons, facing challenges and deaths within his family.
Augustus ultimately selected Tiberius as his heir, despite concerns about his secretive nature and reluctance to take power.

Early Reign of Tiberius

Tiberius adopted a cautious approach, promising to return power to the Senate and be generous to the people, but ultimately ruled with a more conservative style.
Tiberius maintained a complex relationship with Germanicus, his adopted son and popular military figure.
While Germanicus' popularity rivaled Tiberius', his early death (19 CE) fueled speculation about possible poisoning or foul play.

Lucius Aelius Sejanus

Sejanus served as Praetorian Prefect during much of Tiberius' reign, wielding significant power and becoming a close confidant of Tiberius.
Tiberius' dependence on Sejanus contributed to a perception of his character as secretive and ruthless, particularly after the removal of Agrippa Postumus.

Caligula

Caligula, son of Germanicus, assumed the imperial throne in 37 CE after a promising initial phase marked by his popularity.
He faced tension with his cousin Tiberius Gemellus, a co-heir to the throne, eventually executing him to consolidate his power.
Caligula's erratic and impulsive behavior led to a negative portrayal in historical sources, highlighting his extravagant lifestyle, cruelty, and grandiose plans.

Caligula's Palace

Caligula's ambition to build a new palace complex incorporated elements of Roman religious sites like the Temple of Castor and Pollux, demonstrating his desire for god-like status.
His plan to build a bridge connecting the Palatine to the Capitoline Hill, home to Jupiter's temple, further emphasizes this aspiration.

The Ships at Nemi

Caligula commissioned two luxurious ships for cruising Lake Nemi, revealing his extravagance and disregard for practical matters.
These ships featured ornate interior decorations rivaling those in expensive homes and public buildings, demonstrating the opulence of Caligula's reign.

### Caligula’s Death and Conclusion

Caligula's reign ended in 41 CE, with his assassination likely resulting from a conspiracy within the imperial household.
His death created a power vacuum, leading the senate to consider a return to a republican government, a stark contrast to the previous transition from Augustus to Tiberius.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the significant legacies of Augustus and Tiberius in this quiz. Delve into Augustus' monumental endeavors, his quest for a stable succession, and Tiberius' controversial reign. Understand the dynamics between Tiberius and key figures like Germanicus and Sejanus.