Assess the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Reign of Tiberius
Although the early years of the reign of Tiberius were considered to be successful and prosperous, it is noted that they were not without negative aspects. The role of Princeps was a large task, like “holding a wolf by the ears” (Suetonius), especially succeeding the successful reign of the well liked Augustus, and a reliable leader was essential in order to sustain stability. This involved stepping up to a role where the protection of the country was put first and a real leader was required to run all aspects of the kingdom. However, there is controversy as to whether Tiberius really stepped up to the role as efficiently as others. He was definitely a man of tradition, but was not well liked by the population. Tiberius’ reign held both strengths and weaknesses which created a debate as to whether he was a successful ruler or not.
Despite his poor judgement of individuals, Tiberius had many positive qualities. He stuck to tradition and liked those who spoke up, a quality he possibly wished to possess. He was an efficient administrator, protecting each province and ensured that ‘old impositions were not aggravated through official acquisitiveness or brutality.’ (Tacitus, Annals, p.200)
One of the first problems Tiberius encountered was the issues among the soldiers at Pannonia and Germania by Augustus involving pay, length of service and conditions. He assigned both his biological and adopted sons, Drusus and Germanicus, to each region aiming to steady the rebellious Legions. There the sons were able to solve the military problems. It was only through Tiberius that “Germanicus had restored Roman prestige and thereby strengthened the Rhine frontier.” (Scullard) This, along with many other issues, exemplified his skills as a military leader and his ability to find a solution to problems promptly.
As step son and predecessor of Augustus, Tiberius wanted to appear like Augustus, humble and wise, by refusing the title of Princeps. “Compelled to honour the precedents
Despite his poor judgement of individuals, Tiberius had many positive qualities. He stuck to tradition and liked those who spoke up, a quality he possibly wished to possess. He was an efficient administrator, protecting each province and ensured that ‘old impositions were not aggravated through official acquisitiveness or brutality.’ (Tacitus, Annals, p.200)
One of the first problems Tiberius encountered was the issues among the soldiers at Pannonia and Germania by Augustus involving pay, length of service and conditions. He assigned both his biological and adopted sons, Drusus and Germanicus, to each region aiming to steady the rebellious Legions. There the sons were able to solve the military problems. It was only through Tiberius that “Germanicus had restored Roman prestige and thereby strengthened the Rhine frontier.” (Scullard) This, along with many other issues, exemplified his skills as a military leader and his ability to find a solution to problems promptly.
As step son and predecessor of Augustus, Tiberius wanted to appear like Augustus, humble and wise, by refusing the title of Princeps. “Compelled to honour the precedents