Octavian's Successor

Why did Octavian want a successor?

If he died without one, Rome would fall into civil war; They would be most likely to carry on his reforms; Would give him security

Why would having a successor give Octavian security?

He was less likely to be assasinated if people knew someone would simply take his place

What could Augustus bequeat to his successor?

A huge fortune, his clients, the name Caesar

What could Augustus not bequeat to his successor?

His political power

Why couldn’t Augustus bequeat his political power to his successor?

It had been granted to him from the senate

How could Augustus ensure his successor would gain the same political power he has?

By ensuring the senate granted these powers to his successor before he died

Who were the potential successors of Augustus?

Marcus Marcellus, Marcus Agrippa, Gaius Caesar, Lucius Caesar , Tiberius

Who did Augustus adopt?

Tiberius, Gaius Caesar, Lucius Caesar, Agrippa Postumus

Why was Marcus Agrippa made regent by Augustus?

He was a trustworthy and loyal friend, He was his son-in-law, Gaius and Lucius may not be old enough when Augustus died

Why did Augustus make Tiberius regent?

Agrippa had died when the boys were still too young to rule so a power struggle between nobles might occur if Augustus died soonafter

Why was Julia’s adultery a blow to Augustus?

He was tyring to implement new laws promoting morality in Rome, Some of the men involved with Julia were his close associates, It appeared all of Rome knew before he did, Her actions humiliated him

Why did Augustus adopt Tiberius?

Gaius had died in Spain in 2AD, Lucius had died fighting the Parthians in 4AD, Agrippa Posthumus was banished because he was considered unfit in 7AD

Why did Augustus send Gaius and Lucius overseas?

The discovery of Julia’s adultery brought the legitimacy of Gaius and Lucius into question, To get them out of the public eye

Why was Gaius and Lucius’ deaths beneficial to Augustus?

He never had to face the question as to whether or not they were legitimate heirs

When did Tiberius retire to the Island of Rhodes?

6BC

Why did Tiberius retire to the Island of Rhodes?

His tribunicia potestas expired and wasn’t renewed, The revelation of his wife Julia’s adulterous lifestyle  

Why was Arippa Posthumus put to death?

To ensure there would be no struggle for the succession

Why did Augustus adopt Tiberius and Agrippa Posthumus simultaneously?

Agrippa was Augustus’ blood relative but was too young to rule, Tiberius was experienced by not related to Augustus so the double adoption would keep him in check

What powers did Augustus need to confer on his successor to ensure they would rule?

Tribunician and proconsular authority

Who was Tiberius required to adopt?

Germanicus

Why was Tiberius required to adopt Germanicus?

It would ensure that after Tiberius, the succession would return to the line of Augustus

Who was Germanicus?

Son of Drusus, great-grandson of Augustus

When did Augustus adopt Gaius and Lucius?

17BC

When did Tiberius adopt Germanicus?

4AD

What was ususual about the honours Gaius and Lucius were given by Augustus?

Set to gain the consulship at 20 years old, Given membership in the senate without having any previous office, The title Princeos iuventutis was invented for them,

What did the honours Augustus give to Gaius and Lucius signify?

He was promoting those who he wished to succeed, He favoured Gaius and Lucius over Tiberius

What title did Augustus invent to give to Gaius and Lucius?

Princeps iuventutis

What titles did the title Princeps iuventutis mirror?

Augustus’ princeps iuventutis and princeps

Quote from Cassius Dio about Augustus making Tiberius adopting Germanicus

He even suspected that he too might become overbearing and feared he might rebel, so he made him adopt his nephew Germanicus