# Book III: Tiberius explained — The Lives of the Caesars

> Chapter companion for The Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius.

## What happens

This chapter covers the life and reign of Tiberius, from his birth and early hardships to his adoption by Augustus, his accession to power, and his increasingly cruel and paranoid rule. It details his family lineage, his military and political career, the circumstances of Augustus's death and the disposal of Agrippa, and the brutal acts that characterized his later years on Capreae.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and the Pursuit of Power

Tiberius's adoption by Augustus and his calculated assumption of imperial authority, despite feigning reluctance, illustrate the relentless pursuit of power.

### Character and Morality of Rulers

The chapter contrasts Augustus's praise of Tiberius's virtues with Tiberius's later cruelty, hypocrisy, and savage acts, highlighting the moral decay of the ruler.

### Political Intrigue and Violence

The disposal of Agrippa, the suppression of dissent, and the execution of poets and historians demonstrate the violent political intrigue of Tiberius's reign.

### Dynastic Legacy and Family

Tiberius's lineage from the Claudian family, his adoption by Augustus, and the fate of Germanicus's children underscore the importance of family and dynasty in Roman politics.

## Character check-ins

### Tiberius

Central figure of the chapter; his adoption by Augustus, rise to power, and cruel reign are detailed.

### Augustus

Adopts Tiberius, writes letters praising him, and his will names Tiberius as heir to two-thirds of his estate.

### Livia Drusilla

Mother of Tiberius; may have written the letter ordering Agrippa's death in Augustus's name.

### Drusus Nero

Son of Tiberius; reads Tiberius's speech in the senate when Tiberius feigns grief.

### Sejanus

Tiberius's favorite; after his death, Tiberius becomes even more cruel.

### Germanicus

Father of Tiberius's grandsons; Tiberius claims he punished Sejanus for harming Germanicus's children.

### Julius Caesar

Tiberius's father Nero served as quaestor under Caesar during the Alexandrian war.

### Mark Antony

Tiberius's father Nero joined Mark Antony after fleeing to Achaia.

## Key lines

> Fare thee well, Tiberius, most charming of men, and success go with you, as you war for me and for the Muses.

Augustus bids Tiberius farewell, praising him as charming and wishing him success in his military campaigns.

_Augustus's letter shows his high regard for Tiberius's character and military ability._

> One man alone by his foresight has saved our dear country from ruin.

Augustus applies a famous line to Tiberius, crediting him with saving the state through his wisdom.

_This quote emphasizes Augustus's belief in Tiberius's strategic importance._

> Let them hate me, provided they respect my conduct.

Tiberius dismisses public hatred as long as his actions are respected.

_This reflects Tiberius's authoritarian attitude and indifference to popular opinion._

> Cruel and merciless man, shall I briefly say all I would utter? Hang me if even your dam for you affection can feel.

A verse expresses the public's detestation of Tiberius, claiming even his mother cannot love him.

_These verses circulated as popular criticism of Tiberius's cruelty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters/book-iii-tiberius
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters