Tacitus 1.51-60 Goodyear

(51) What do we think the temple of Tanfana probably was?

A consecrated grove and altar which might have contained a particular object of worship - it is unlikely that the Germans had temples.

(53) When did Julia marry Tiberius? When was she disgraced and exiled?

In 11 BC. 2 BC

(53) Why did Julia despair when Agrippa Postumus was killed?

The implication is that she saw no hope from her son-in‑law, Germanicus.

(54) What was the old Titian brotherhood?

An ancient priesthood, the origin and functions of which are equally obscure.

(54) Who was Bathyllus?

He was a freedman and friend of Augustus, the rival of Pylades, and with him the creator of the pantomime.

(58) Though Germanicus offers Segestes a home "in the old province," why is this wording slightly misleading? Where is this province?

It is on the left Gallic bank. The German territory lost after the Varian disaster is regarded as being still in theory, though no longer a fact, a province.

(60) Does Arminius spurn the cult to Augustus?

Yes - big time!

dein latera et frontem modice adsultantes (51)

made light attacks on the flanks and the front

caterva (neut pl)

troops

(51) Who are the gentes?

Probably the Marsi

(51) Why did the Germans want to attack the Romans in the forest?

They wanted to attack there bc they were probably only able to move in single file, and so couldn't really manoeuvre themselves once in the forest...

(51) Where do we find the metaphor of minds on fire?

In Virgil Aeneid 2, and in Cicero.

magis in speciem verbis adornata quam utpenitus sentire crederetur (52)

... in language elaborated for effect, more so than could be believed to come from his inmost heart.

(52) cunctaque quae Germanicus indulserat servavit etiam apudPannonicos exercitus.

And he confirmed, too, in the armies of Pannonia everything Germanicus had conceded.

What is the ambivalence of the verb quaesivisset? Why are Tiberius' fears unfounded? What does Tac want us to think about Tiberius?

It could mean "had acquired," or "had sought to acquire." Tac has talked a lot about Germanicus' loyalty. He is utterly unfair

Why should Tiberius not really have been jealous of the slaughter of the Marsi? Why was he jealous anyway? (52)

He had done much more impressive things. He was jealous cos G was popular and he had to accede to the clamour of public opinion

(52) Why was Tiberius talking to the senate about G's achievements?

It was up to them to decree a thanksgiving, and that is what Tiberius proposed if we believe Dio...

Do both Dio and Tac think Tiberius was suspicious of Germanicus? Why? What is not emphasised in this passage which is really unfair of Tac?

Yes. This was probs part of the characterisation of Tiberius they adopted from a writer of the first century. Tiberius' refusal to panic and determination to stay in Rome were fully justified by the event.

(53) imperium adeptus extorrem, infamem

when he obtained the empire, he left her in banishment and disgrace

(53) prave facundus

perversely eloquent

pervicax

persistent

(53) qui famam caedis posse in Asprenatem verti frustra speraverat.

who had vainly hoped that the infamy of the murder might be shifted on Asprenas.

(53) What is interesting about Julia thinking Tiberius wasn't her equal?

There was already the idea that the "royal" family was better than everyone else.

(53) Do we know why Tiberius retired to Rhodes?

No - Tac's explanation is just one of many.

(53) Which other woman died through crudeli tabe?

Dido - we are told this when Aeneas sees her in the underworld in Book 6!

Though Tac says Tiberius was responsible for Julia's death, is there a possibility that it wasn't really his fault?

There is a remote possibility yes. However we think it is likely he gave her little reason to stay alive.

Is the idea that everyone would just forget about Julia if she died an absurd one?

YES!

How do we know that Tac accepts the view that Tib hoped blame could be transferred to Asprenas? (53)

He uses the indicative rather than the subjunctive to signify his endorsement of the view expressed when it is in a subordinate clause.

retinendis Sabinorum sacris (54)

to retain the rights of the Sabines

(54) Why does Tac make a thing of Augustus enjoying shows?

To contrast his attitude clearly with Tiberius'.

What does Dio say about Tiberius' attitude to attendance at public shows at the beginning of his reign? ad duriora vertere (to put under harsher control) - is this a favourable or adverse judgement on Tiberius?

He always attended them. Neither - it is neutral!

(55) supremo convivio, post quod in arma itum

especially at the last banquet, when they had rushed to arms

amnibus modicis (56)

with shallow streams

fluminum auctus (56)

swollen rivers

iuventus (56)

The able-bodied men