Tiberius and the Senate

847 Words4 Pages
Assess the changing roles and responsibilities of the Senate during the reign of Tiberius. INTRODUCTION Although characterised as the reign of terror in the Tacitean tradition, Tiberius was very effective in maintaining the dyarchy with the Senate established by Augustus. Due to his conservative Claudian background, Tiberius wished to see the Senate act as an autonomous body and even extended its role to incorporate judicial and legislative functions whilst consulting it on matters regarding foreign policy. Ancient historians are generally negative in regards to Tiberius’ relationship with the senate due to their inherent political bias led by the Tacitean view. Modern historians however provide a more balanced perspective attributing the loss of the Senates power largely to their subservience rather than the tyrannical nature of the principate. Tiberius attempted to follow the Augustan ideal of a diarchy with the Senate; and was perhaps the most successful within the Julio-Claudian dynasty. PARAGRAPH 1 If Augustus’ principate was to continue to appear legitimate, it was paramount for Tiberius to rule with full co-operation of the Senate. R. Syme maintains that he was genuine when he professed his intention to govern as a true Princeps. Tiberius needed the help of the Senate, he was 55 years of age when he came to power and his rule would involve heavy responsibilities, if not dangers. Running the empire was an enormous task; it was not until the time of Claudius that a centralised bureaucracy handled most of its dealings. Further, the fact that Tiberius preferred to have an independent body helping him, attributed to his genuine hesitation about the responsibility. Tiberius attempted to uphold the traditional rights of the senate and treated it with dignity; as a partner in the empire. “There was freedom to discussion, servility was arrested by the
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