Describing Tiberius and Sejanus in The Opening Chapter of The Annals

In the opening chapter of Tacitus’s *The Annals*, the portrayal of Tiberius and Sejanus serves to illustrate the darker aspects of power dynamics in ancient Rome. Through a careful blend of literary techniques and contextual elements, Tacitus constructs a narrative that underscores the moral decay associated with the pursuit of power. This essay will explore how Tacitus characterizes both figures in a negative light, emphasizing their lack of integrity and the corrupting influence of ambition.

Contrasting Wealth and Suffering

The juxtaposition of wealth and suffering is a recurring theme in Tacitus’s depiction of Tiberius. The terms “compositae” (well ordered) and “florentis” (flourishing) evoke images of prosperity, yet they stand in stark contrast to the tragic demise of Germanicus. This contrast highlights Tiberius's coldness, suggesting that his ascent to power is built upon the suffering of others. The phrase “Germanici mortem” (the death of Germanicus) placed alongside “inter prospera” (amongst his blessings) reveals Tiberius's acceptance of death as a necessary tool for consolidating power. This lack of compassion characterizes him as a ruthless and calculating ruler, indifferent to the human cost of his ambitions.

The Implications of Popularity

Germanicus’s popularity further complicates the portrayal of Tiberius. As a beloved figure, Germanicus’s death serves to isolate Tiberius, presenting him as an emperor whose interests diverge from those of his subjects. Tacitus uses the present participle “florentis” to underscore the ongoing advancements made under Tiberius's rule, subtly suggesting that these achievements come at the expense of ethical governance. This relentless focus on self-interest paints Tiberius as a dangerous ruler, willing to prioritize his ambitions over the well-being of the populace.

The Spread of Malice

Tacitus employs polyptoton in the terms “saevire” and “saevientibus” (cruel) to illustrate the pervasive malice within Tiberius’s inner circle. This linguistic choice emphasizes that the immorality of Tiberius’s reign extends beyond his own actions, depicting him as an irresponsible leader who fosters a culture of cruelty. The clarity in the phrase “initium et causa” (beginning and cause) provides a foundation for Tacitus’s critique of Sejanus, revealing his manipulative role in the political machinations of the time. The tricolon “originem, mores, et quo facinore” (his beginnings, his character, and by what crime) establishes a stark contrast to Sejanus's deceptive tactics, presenting a straightforward argument that enhances the credibility of Tacitus's portrayal.

Characterization of Sejanus

Sejanus emerges as a cunning and devious figure within Tacitus’s narrative. The phrase “non sine rumore” (not without rumor) subtly alludes to the scandalous allegations surrounding Sejanus’s rise to power, further solidifying his reputation as a deceitful character. The term “devinxit” (tie up) reinforces the notion of manipulation, while “variis artibus” (various arts) suggests a repertoire of underhanded tactics employed by Sejanus. This characterization emphasizes his lack of moral integrity and positions him as an exploitative leader who lacks the qualities of an admirable ruler.

Manipulation and Hypocrisy

The contrast in Sejanus’s behavior is accentuated through the balanced sentence structure of “obscurum adversum alios… uni incautum intectumque” (reserved and hostile to others… unguarded and frank with him alone). This contrast highlights Sejanus’s manipulative nature, as he alters his demeanor based on his audience. The juxtaposition of “alios” (others) and “sibi” (with him) reinforces the idea that Sejanus is both capable and treacherous. Tacitus presents Tiberius as vulnerable to Sejanus’s manipulations, effectively undermining the emperor’s authority and characterizing him as weak and easily swayed.

The Double Nature of Sejanus

The use of synchosis in “sui obtegens… alios criminatur” (concealing for himself… an accuser against others) effectively highlights Sejanus’s hypocrisy. By hiding his own transgressions while accusing others, he embodies the deceptive nature of his character. The continued use of synchosis in “palam… pudor… intus… libido” (openly… modesty… inwardly… lust) further illustrates the duality of Sejanus’s personality, emphasizing his ability to present a façade of respectability while concealing his true intentions. This portrayal underscores his skill as a manipulator, reinforcing the idea that he is rarely genuine.

Conclusion

Through the opening chapter of *The Annals*, Tacitus paints a grim picture of Tiberius and Sejanus, characterized by manipulation, cruelty, and moral decay. The contrasting imagery of wealth and suffering, the implications of popularity, and the exploration of hypocrisy all contribute to a narrative that underscores the corrupting influence of power. Tacitus’s portrayal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition unchecked by moral integrity, leaving readers with a profound sense of the complexities of human character in the pursuit of power.

References

• Tacitus, Cornelius. *The Annals of Imperial Rome*. Translated by Michael Grant. New York: Penguin Books, 1996.
• Syme, Ronald. *The Roman Revolution*. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1939.
• Grant, Michael. *The Twelve Caesars*. New York: Scribner, 1975.