The repercussion of the deaths of Germanicus and Drusus in Tiberius’ legal action according to the Annals of Tacitus.

Abstract

The Books I-VI of the Annals, written by Tacitus, bequeathed important traces about the establishment of the dynamic between the Roman Senate and Tiberius in the legal sphere. Based on the survey of the lawsuits reported in these books, we observed an increase in the number of maiestas and repetundae charges reported throughout Books III and IV. These books are dedicated to the contexts after the deaths of Germanicus and Drusus, both sons, the first by adoption, and possible successors of Tiberius. In this article, through the analysis of the maiestas and repetundae charges, we propose the study of the repercussion of the deaths of these historic characters in the narrative of Tiberius’ legal action and in the relation of this princeps with the senatorial court. Thus, through the analysis of these accusations, we aim to understand the development of the Senate’s and princeps’ legal practices, as well as Tacitus’ argumentation around the gradual degradation of the Principate of Tiberius.

Keywords:
Roman Principate; Law Courts; Senate; Tiberius; Tacitus