Germanicus: Successor to Tiberius or Augustus?

Abstract Modern scholars reject the ancient belief that Tiberius’ hesitation was related to mutiny in the Northern provinces and the offer, by some in the legions, to support Germanicus against Tiberius. They argue that news of mutiny reached Rome only after Tiberius had accepted supreme power, and that, had Tiberius known, he would certainly not have hesitated. The present chapter refutes these theories, and re-assembles the evidence to show that news of the mutiny, and the offer to Germanicus, may well have been known in Rome before the meeting of 17 September. It is proposed that Tiberius ceased denying his position only once the question of Germanicus was settled. He did not, however, formally acknowledge his position. That declaration depended on Drusus Libo, whose role is explored in the next chapter.