Augustus and the Problem of Succession

• Couldn't make it seem like a monarchy
• Powers were granted to him, not his family
• No laws of succession in place
• Could lead to Civil War

• Adpots Grandsons Gaius and lucius and his stepson Tiberius
• Gave additional powers so they would seem the natural choice

• Marcellus - Virgil feels had he lived he would have been an ideal ruler

• Gaius and Lucius - Paterculus 'at first his foray proved successful...he was seriously wounded...only about a year after his brother Lucius Caesar had died'
• Gaius and Lucius - Tacitus' he had adopted Agrippa's sons Gaius and Lucius and before they had even laid aside their boy's togas, he had been shamelessly eager...for them to be names Principles Luventutis'

• Tiberius Nero - Paterculus 'Tiberius Nero's return from Rhodes...led to an incredible outpouring of national rejoicing'
• Tiberius Nero - Suetonius 'an outstanding General and the only one capable of defending Rome against her enemies'
• Tiberius Nero - Tacitus 'appointed...neither to personal affection nor regard for national interest...he intended to heighten his own glory'

Yes:

• Tiberius succeed him
• No Civil War

No:

• Problems with every candidate, Gaius and Lucius died, Tiberius had a sadistic streak
• Tacitus writes that upon Augs death, many had hoped for freedom or Civil War