Step back in time to Ancient Rome and meet Tiberius Caesar Augustus, the second Roman Emperor who ruled from 14 AD to 37 AD. Born on November 16, 42 BC, in Rome, Tiberius’ childhood was far from ordinary. His parents divorced when he was young, and his father was exiled for supporting Julius Caesar. Thankfully for Tiberius, his stepfather, Augustus, adopted him and made him his heir in 4 AD.
As Emperor, Tiberius was a military mastermind, leading successful campaigns in Germany, Pannonia, and Illyricum, which helped to expand the Roman Empire’s territory. However, his reclusive nature, paranoia, and cruelty meant he wasn’t popular with the people or the Senate. He withdrew from public life and allowed his Praetorian Prefect, Sejanus, to take on most of his duties. Little did Tiberius know that Sejanus was plotting against him.
Tiberius’ reign was marked by political intrigue and scandals. He had his own son, Drusus, executed on false charges, and the infamous Sejanus Affair saw Sejanus and his family and supporters executed for treason. Scandal also followed Tiberius personally, as he was accused of sexual deviancy and having a relationship with his nephew, Gaius Caesar Germanicus, who he later adopted as his successor.
Despite his mixed legacy, Tiberius was regarded as a capable administrator and military strategist. He paved the way for the political and social changes that would shape the Roman world for centuries to come. Tiberius died on March 16, 37 AD, in Misenum, at the age of 77. His reign marked the transition from the Republic to the Empire, and his successor, Gaius, better known as Caligula, was even more notorious for his excesses and cruelty.