540. The Reign of Tiberius by Frank B. Marsh- Summary

540.  The Reign of Tiberius by Frank B. Marsh-  This scholar does a fine job of detailing where Tacitus goes wrong.  As far as Tacitus was concerned, character was immutable.  Consequently, if someone exhibits certain qualities later in life these characteristics must have been present earlier in life.  His sources are almost senatorial exclusively, Tacitus had little knowledge of economics and he allowed his hatred of Domitian to color his analysis of Tiberius.  Thus any flaw Tiberius displayed later in life must have been concealed in his early life.  All one had to do was look for hints of nasty behavior in Tiberius’ early career.  If this is not found, then the conclusion is that Tiberius successfully concealed his true nature.

Case in point-  Tacitus has great praise for Germanicus.  Yet the record shows that he was not a leader of high quality and Tiberius was faced with the daunting task of covering for Germanicus.  Publicly Tiberius did not criticize Germanic.  Tacitus interprets all of this as Tiberius’ latent jealousy of Germanicus. Tiberius did not think that the empire should be expanded.  In fact the origin of Augustus’ policy of not expanding the empire may have been that of Tiberius.  Germanicus did not subscribe to this policy.  If Tiberius was correct in his assessment that the empire could not afford more war, then Tiberius had his hands full dealing with Germanicus who was popular. According to what Tiberius understood about the sources of the empire the policy of any expansion was dangerous.

Marsh also discusses the trials during the reign of Tiberius.  With close examination it becomes clear that Tiberius was tolerant and tried to be as “republican” as possible in his dealing with the Senate.  When ever possible he used diplomacy instead of the army to solve problems on the borders.  He balanced the budget, he reduced taxes whenever possible, he curtailed public shows. In fact the source of hostility in senatorial histories may stem from the fact that they lacked Tiberius’ comprehensive view of the needs of the empire.   Tiberius was frugal and relentlessly sought the interests of the empire.  Interestingly, contemporary writers do not even hint that Tiberius was a monster.  Tacitus is a great writer and an important historian but the power of his pen must not be allowed to blacken the record of Tiberius.  Food for thought in modern times.