CLST 201 Lecture Notes - Gaius Silius, Mauretania Tingitana, Mauretania Caesariensis
Document Summary
Tiberius" retirement furthered rift between senators and princeps. Had to wait for tiberius" orders to arrive: men ready to become slaves. Treason trials increased during his reign these are a black mark on tiberius" principate. Maiestas: (treason) trials, including perduellio (high treason conspiracy on the emperor"s life), libel/slander (against emperor), and adultery (with a member of emperor"s family). Even asking soothsayers, etc. , when tiberius might die was treason. 16 libel drusus started a conspiracy based on a prophesy by astrologer thrasyllus. Lots of fortune hunters if the accused was convicted, they would receive of their estate. Maiestas was a vague charge, really hard for accused to defend themselves. Senators had most to lose, plus tiberius was estranged to them. In their anxiety to reconcile the emperor, they were willing to accuse their colleagues. Servile followers, could no longer freely voice their opinions etc; loss of freedom of speech, or libertas senatus.