Tiberius and the Abuse of Power

Essay # 6949

History > Greek and Roman
History > Leaders

An overview of the treason laws of Maiestas and how Tiberius used them to keep the ancient Romans loyal at all costs.

1,225 words () | 4 sources | MLA | 2002 United States

Paper Summary:

The following paper discusses Tiberius' reign of the Roman Empire which was oppressive, obsessive and violent. The author also identifies the conflicts and changes in values in the Empire itself, around 25 A.D.

From the Paper:

"The treason laws of maiestas, particularly the employment of the defamation category, were used incessantly by Tiberius as a convenient and expedient means of repressing his enemies, both real and imagined. The overall goal was a diminution in power for those "treasonous" Romans who dared to disagree with or speak out against the almighty emperor. In 16 A.D., the first execution was ordered, for a dissenter who had consulted astrologers regarding the emperor's health. From that moment on, it became increasingly common to be condemned to death for speaking in any way unfavorably about the emperor.Although Tiberius initially did make some effort to keep control over maiestas trials in the early years of his reign, the situation, with time, spun exceedingly out of control. As the number of treason trials increased, the punishment for conviction became increasingly ruthless. In 25 A.D. Tiberius forced historian Cremitius Cordus to commit suicide for criticizing the regime."

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APA Citation:

Tiberius and the Abuse of Power (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Essay-Tiberius-and-the-Abuse-of-Power/6949