Tiberius

By Giovanni Ricco

In this gripping and humanized narration of the life of Tiberius, one of the most misunderstood Roman emperors, the authors guide us on a journey that goes beyond simple historical chronicle, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a vibrant and nuanced tale.

Through the eyes of a servant who had the honor of accompanying Tiberius since his youth, the book offers us an intimate and unprecedented perspective on a man of great self-control and dedication to Roman traditions. Tiberius, despite his reserved nature, emerges as a wise leader, capable of skillfully navigating the tumultuous sea of politics of the time, maintaining a balance that ensured a period of stability and prosperity for the empire.

The story, far from being a mere list of facts and quotes, comes to life through anecdotes and details that paint a vivid and authentic portrait of Tiberius, showing us the man behind the emperor, with all his virtues and flaws. The narration allows us to appreciate his deep humanity, his respect for the guidelines of his predecessor Augustus, and his ability to resist the temptations of excesses, characteristics that helped forge a reign of balance and wisdom.

The book does not fail to explore the challenges Tiberius had to face, including the arduous task of living up to Augustus' legacy and meeting the expectations of the Roman people. Despite the pressures, Tiberius managed to leave a solid and well-rooted empire, paving the way for the reign of his grandson Caligula.

This book, enriched by a deep understanding of the human psyche and meticulous attention to historical details, is an invitation to discover the true story of Tiberius, an emperor who stood the test of time, ruling with integrity and vision. An indispensable work for history lovers and for those who wish to know the real Tiberius, a man who left an indelible mark on the history of Rome, narrated with a freshness and vivacity that make reading an engaging and enriching experience.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Giovanni Ricco
• Release date: Sep 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215686997

Giovanni Ricco

Giovanni is an instructor at the Culham Historical Fencing and Mixed Martial Arts Club (CSSA) in the UK with a diverse martial arts background. He began his martial arts training in 1991 with Japanese Karate (kumite) and later moved on to Kickboxing for six years and then Muay Thai for four years, participating in amateur competitions. In 1999, he was introduced to Medieval and Renaissance fencing by his master of Italian historical fencing and started training in the manual of Fiore de Liberi and Marozzo. He also joined a group that trained in ancient Olympic boxing (Pygmachia), wrestling (Pale), the ancient mixed martial art of Pankration, and gladiatura in an experimental archaeology style (Arsdimicandi).In 2000, Giovanni received his first qualification as an Instructor of Medieval Fencing, followed by a second one in Renaissance Fencing (IRSAST). He taught his first class in southern Italy before receiving his qualification. He also received a qualification as an instructor of modern Pankration (Athlima) and taught his first class of bare-hand fighting in northern Italy (Venice). Along with his students in both northern and southern Italy, Giovanni participated in historical tournaments and battles. He later moved to South Milan and opened two classes in bare-hand fighting and fencing. In 2013, he received a qualification as a mixed martial arts instructor (FIGMMA).Giovanni further broadened his skills by joining a local club of defensive and dynamic shooting with firearms, participating in competitions. In 2018, he moved to China for work and continued to have students in all of his disciplines, including boxing. After moving to England, he joined a local historical fencing school in Wiltshire and then the Hema Fencing school in Oxford (OSS) and a Brazilian Ju Jitsu school to improve his wrestling skills. In 2022, Giovanni had his martial arts qualifications validated by the British Martial Arts and Boxing Association (BMABA).

Book preview

Tiberius

Published by Giovanni Ricco

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© Copyright 2023 Giovanni Ricco

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Content

Introduction

The Administrator

Witness to a New Era

Tiberius' Parents

Birth

Youth

The Bond that Forged a Prince

The Campaigns of Vengeance in Germany

The Roman Redemption

Exile

The Succession

The New Prince

The Enlightened Man

Two Wives

The Sons

A New Exile

Sejanus

The Conspiracy

The Nephew Caligula

At the Prince's Court

Beyond Maturity

Legacy

Caligula Succeeds Tiberius

The Character of Tiberius as Handed Down to Us

Recent Studies

Tiberius According to the Author

The Sources

What We Don't Know About Tiberius

Bibliography

Introduction

In a modest room, dimly lit by the light of a candle that danced to the rhythm of a nocturnal breeze, an elderly man sat with a parchment unrolled before him. He was a chronicler, one of those who had dedicated their lives to recording the events of the time, but his name was destined to remain hidden, concealed behind the folds of history.

His hands trembled slightly as he held the pen, a mix of excitement and fear pervaded him. He had lived long enough to witness the rise and fall of Tiberius, a man who had ruled with an iron hand, but also with a wisdom that few could match. Now, with the emperor's death still fresh in the people's memory, the chronicler felt the weight of the responsibility to tell the story of a reign that had defined an era.

He was not a mere observer. He had walked among the shadows of the palace, had listened to the voices of the counselors, and had seen with his own eyes the intrigues and alliances that had woven the fabric of Tiberius' reign. He had seen the man behind the emperor, a man of flesh and bone, with desires, fears, and dreams.

As he began to write, the words flowed from him like a raging river. He told of a young man, raised in the shadow of great figures, a boy who had learned early the price of power. He narrated the battles he had fought, both on the battlefield and in the corridors of power, and the victories he had achieved with cunning and determination.

But it was not just a tale of wars and politics. The chronicler also painted an intimate portrait of the man, revealing moments of doubts and uncertainties, lost loves, and betrayed friendships. He showed a Tiberius who had loved deeply, who had suffered, and who had sought to find a balance between duty and desire.

With each word, the chronicler sought to capture the essence of the protagonist, to show not only the emperor but the man. A man who had reigned during a period of great change, who had led his people with strength and wisdom, and who had left an indelible mark on the history of Rome.

As the candle burned slowly, consuming the hours of the night, the chronicler wrote with feverish passion, hoping that his work would be read by future generations, a testament to the time he had lived, and the great emperor he had sought to understand.

And so, with a pen in hand and a heart full of respect and admiration, the anonymous chronicler embarked on his journey into the past, seeking to bring to light the truth of a reign and a man that had defined an epoch.

The Administrator

in a time when the grandeur of Rome was at its peak, I, a humble scribe of Greek origins, found myself serving the family of the man who would become one of the most discussed emperors in Roman history: Tiberius. I am the keeper of their secrets, the recorder of their finances, and the watchful eye that observes and notes every detail of their daily life.

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My task was born from a family tradition, a role that had been handed down from my father, who had served with dedication and honor, witnessing the birth and growth of Tiberius. When Tiberius reached the age of the virile toga, a symbol of attained maturity, I took my father's place, becoming a key figure in the management of the residence and in the life of his family.

I am a man of culture, educated in the arts and letters, a polyglot who speaks Greek, Latin, and Etruscan fluently. This erudition allows me to navigate skillfully in the complex and multicultural world of