Tiberius and the people

How did Tiberius approach the Senate's role in imperial power?

Tiberius referred everything to the Senate, but he did not want to 'let Tiberius weaken the strength of imperial power by referring everything to the Senate' (Tacitus), despite hating 'the chief men of the State' (Tacitus).

What were 'maiestas trials' during Tiberius's reign?

'Maiestas trials' (treason trials) were reintroduced by Tiberius, with 80 recorded by Tacitus. Seneca described them as so commonplace that they 'amounted to a form of national madness', and 'every opportunity of ferocious punishment was seized'.

How did the Senate respond to Tiberius's rule, according to Tacitus?

Tacitus observed that the Senate was filled with 'fear at home' and sought 'relief in sycophancy'. Tiberius himself purportedly remarked "How ready these men are to be slaves" when leaving the Senate-House.

Describe an instance of false accusation during Tiberius's rule.

Maro and a Praetorian guard Paulus’ slave falsely framed Paulus for dishonouring Tiberius’ portrait (Seneca), illustrating a climate where 'to speak of any subject was to be accused: for every man was hastening to be first in the field and to mark down his victim' (Tacitus).

What was Tiberius's policy on financial aid for senators?

Initially, Tiberius 'relieved the poverty of a few senators.' Later, to avoid further demands, he declared he would only assist 'those who gave the senate full satisfaction as to the cause of their necessity,' leading many to decline assistance due to 'modesty and shame' (Suetonius). However, Paterculus suggests he 'gladly' helped raise fortunes of senators to prevent them from losing rank due to 'honest poverty'.

How did Tiberius interact with the Equestrians concerning Sejanus and public entertainment?

Tiberius 'refused to allow Sejanus to marry Livia' (Tacitus), a prominent Equestrian. He also 'found out and exiled' Equestrians who were 'getting themselves degraded so they could appear on stage' (Suetonius).

What was Tiberius's legacy concerning public works for the Plebs?

Tiberius 'did not impress the plebs' as 'he never erected any noble edifice' and left 'Pompey's Theatre… unfinished' (Suetonius).

What were the notable instances of Tiberius's public generosity?

He displayed two instances of munificence: lending 'one hundred millions of sesterces' gratis for three years, and indemnifying owners of houses burnt down on Mount Coelius (Suetonius).

How did Tiberius engage with public spectacles and military rewards?

He 'seldom entertained the people with public spectacles' and was rarely present at others' events to avoid requests (Suetonius). He doubled Augustus's legacy to soldiers, gave 'a thousand denarii a man to the praetorian guards, for not joining the party of Sejanus,' and presents to legions in Syria for similar loyalty (Suetonius).

What was the general public's sentiment towards Tiberius?

The people were 'exasperated by the publication of verses' critical of him (Tacitus) and so 'elated at his death, that when they first heard the news, they ran up and down the city, some, crying out “Away with Tiberius to the Tiber!”' (Suetonius). He also refused the title of 'father of his country' (Tacitus).