After Augustus died in AD 14, the Roman Empire saw the transfer of power to his adopted son, Tiberius, amidst lingering speculation about the circumstances of his death.
The Passing of the First Roman Emperor
Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, passed away in AD 14 at the age of 75. While his death was most likely attributed to natural causes, there were persistent rumors that his wife, Livia, had poisoned him. These claims were somewhat substantiated by other mysterious deaths within the imperial family, fueling public suspicion about the true nature of his demise.
The Succession and Transfer of Power
Following Augustus's death, the carefully established system of succession he had put in place came into effect, leading to a largely smooth transition of imperial authority.
Here’s a summary of the immediate aftermath:
| Aspect of Aftermath | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Age | AD 14, at 75 years old |
| Probable Cause | Natural causes |
| Rumored Cause | Poisoning by his wife, Livia; these rumors gained some credibility due to other deaths within the imperial family. |
| Immediate Successor | His adopted son, Tiberius |
| Tiberius's Relations | Tiberius was Livia's son from a previous marriage and had also been the former husband of Augustus's only biological child, Julia. This complex web of familial relationships underscored his position as a legitimate heir within the Julio-Claudian dynasty. |
Tiberius's ascension ensured the continuity of the imperial system that Augustus had painstakingly built over decades. His death marked the end of the foundational period of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the next chapter under the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
