Tiberius was one of the best military commanders of Rome, but in politics he was totally unfit.
It was his mother Livia, Augustus’ wife, and according to some Roman historians the actual ruler of Rome during the Reign
of Augustus, who wanted Tiberius to be the next emperor. Tiberius was not Augustus’ son but
Livia’s first husband's Tiberius Claudius’ ( Grandfather to the emperor Tiberius Claudius ).
Even though Augustus did not like Tiberius he choose him as his successer.
The only man Tiberius trusted was a man called Sejanus.
Tiberius spend most of his reign in his estates at Capri, while Sejanus ruled the country. Sejanus was a crule man, and he
builded up a reign of terror.
Tiberius probably knew all about Sejanus way to rule, but he didn’t care.
However at 31 Tiberius stopped Sejanus. The way he did it was very typical for Tiberius.
When Sejanus was travelling outside Rome, Tiberius send a consul with a letter, in which Tiberius hinted that Sejanus
would be promoted. However in the last part of the letter he declared Sejanus a traitor, and the consul arrested him. He
was soon after executed.
In the last years Tiberius was alive he executed many innocent men for treason.
Informers were paid, and Tiberius believed the worst of everyone.
Tiberius died in 37, he had elected a young man who was well-liked among the Romans as his successor. His name?
Caligula.
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