Tiberius Takes Power
When Augustus died in 14 AD, his stepson Tiberius became emperor. Tacitus shows how the Republic was already dead - how Romans had forgotten what freedom meant. The brave republicans had died in civil wars. The survivors had learned to prefer security to liberty. Some feared Tiberius's dark nature; others preferred him to civil war. Tacitus traces Rome's journey from kings to consuls to dictators to emperors, showing how power concentrated step by step until "the orders of the Prince" became "the only rule of conduct and obedience."
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Recalls the progression: kings, then consuls, then dictators, then emperors
Cause & Consequence
Explains why no one resisted: the resisters were dead, the survivors preferred safety
Meaning
Engages with the idea that people can forget what freedom means
Evidence
Cites a specific passage or phrase from the text
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
How It Works
Your AI tutor will guide you through this text using the Socratic method. Instead of giving you answers, it asks questions that help you discover the meaning for yourself.
- 1.Read the text carefully
- 2.Answer the tutor's questions in your own words
- 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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