← Timeline

535. Emperors of Rome: Tiberius, Slaughter and Scandal (Part 2)

The Roman historian Suetonius’ biography of the controversial Emperor Tiberius is one of his most shocking and salacious, condemning Tiberius to infamy. But was Tiberius really the perverted monster Suetonius would have us believe? Born of Rome’s most illustrious family and a sacred bloodline - the Claudians - Tiberius’ mother Livia was unceremoniously taken from his father while she carried him, to marry the great Emperor Augustus. So it was that Tiberius grew up in the very heart of imperial power, proving himself intelligent, and a superb military commander. But, following the unforeseen deaths of Augustus’ young heirs, he found himself primed to become the next caesar of Rome. The reign that ensued would prove largely peaceful, prosperous and stable, though Tiberius himself was increasingly plagued by paranoia and fear. While the last of Augustus’ bloodline were wiped out one by one, he retired to Capri, much to the horror of the Roman people. Before long, rumours had begun percolating of the heinous deeds, sick proclivities, and vile abominations Tiberius was practicing on his pleasure island…

Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss Tiberius, the impressive though widely lambasted second emperor of Rome. What is the truth behind the sordid myths and mysteries of his reign…?

Pre-order Tom Holland's new translation of 'The Lives of the Caesars' here:

Series
Emperors of Rome: Secrets, Scandal and the Rise of the Caesars
Topics
Ancient Rome
Part
Part 2
Published date
2025-01-30
Year span
14 – 37

At a glance

TiberiusSuetoniusAugustusRome

Listen now

Find and listen

Official siteApple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

More from this series

You might also like

536. Emperors of Rome: Caligula, Incest and Insanity (Part 3)537. Emperors of Rome: Claudius, Paranoia and Poison (Part 4)534. Emperors of Rome: Sex Secrets of the Caesars (Part 1)12 Days: Nero's succession and the fall of the Byzantine Empire134. Crossing the Rubicon: The rise of Julius Caesar175. Crucifixion (Part 1)