History has not been kind to the memory of Tiberius Caesar (42BC to AD37), second emperor of the Romans.
His reputation for capable generalship and sensible civic leadership are marred by reports of cruelty, treason trials and sexual depravity.
Some historians have described him as a ‘tyrant’ or even a ‘monster’. But does he deserve this negative appraisal
Lindsay Powell shows that Tiberius was the right man for the job, at the right time.
Tiberius built upon the innovations of Augustus by bolstering the Roman Commonwealth’s institutions and reining in its expenditures. He used his proven leadership skills in military and diplomatic affairs to avoid war whenever possible.
A no-nonsense disciplinarian willing to eschew popularity for the good of the Res Publica, he respected the Senate’s independence, recruited competent public administrators, rooted out malpractice in provincial government, and was generous to communities blighted by disaster.
He was a poet, a collector of art and an astrologer and dealt with success, disappointment and loss all while under the unrelenting pressure of serving Augustus, and then carrying out his ultimate duty by ruling the empire in his own right.
Descended from a famous family, he was undermined by his infamous appointees: right-hand man, Aelius Sejanus, who betrayed him; prefect of Judaea, Pontius Pilatus, who crucified Jesus of Nazareth; and his successor, Caius, better known as Caligula.
Yet when he died of old age (or was he murdered?), he left the Roman Empire both stronger and at peace.
Tiberius: From Masterly Commander to Masterful Emperor of Rome by Lindsay Powell is published on 5 June, 2025.
Lindsay writes about the slanders that have smeared Tiberius’ name for 2,000 years.
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