Germanicus

GERMANICUS (15BC-AD19) Germanicus Julius Caesar (24 May 16 BC or 15 BC – 10 October AD 19) was a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty of the early Roman Empire. He was born in Lugdunum, Gaul (modern Lyon). At birth he was named either Nero Claudius Drusus . Germanicus was the charming and popular son of Drusus and great-nephew of Augustus, Germanicus grew up partly among soldiers. Unlike his infirm brother Cladius, he was marked out early both as a general and as the successor to his father’s reputed republican sympathies. By the time Tiberius became emperor in 14 AD, Germanicus had been appointed by Augustus as commander-in-chief of the Rhine forces, and Tiberius had had to adopt him as his son and heir.

At eight legions, the Rhine commnad was much the biggest in the army. Many of the legionaries had mutined, and Germanicus restored order only with great difficulty and at peril to his own life. He led his armies into Germany, where Varus had lost his life and three legions in 9AD. Germanicus buried some of the bones of the dead legionaries and defeated the German leader, Arminius, in a minor victory. However, Tiberius had no intention of resuming forward policy, and in 16AD Germanicus was recalled. Tacitus has him say,

“I achieved more by diplomacy than by war…

As for the Cherusci and other savage tribes, Rome’s vengeance has been asserted and we can leave them to quarrel among themselves.” This proved true. IN May AD17 Germanicus celebrated a triumph in Rome,. then became consul with Tiberius before being sent to sort out problems in the east. On the way he visited Egypt, thereby arousing Tiberius’ wrath, for senators were barred from Egypt without imperial permission. In Syria he soon quarrelled with the new governor, Gnaeus Piso.

When Germanicus died at Antioch in October AD19, it was rumoured that Piso has poisoned him. Whether scapegoat or villain, Piso was tried for murder and he committed suicide soon after. Germanicus left three children by his wife Agrippina, Augustus’ grand-daughter, of whom one survived to become emperror: Caligula, the vile antithesis of his charming, urbane father. The survivors were Drusilla, Livilla, Agrippina the Younger and Gaius.

Germanicus on his death bed

to be continued…

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