ABSTRACT
We first meet Tiberius as a babe in arms-and as a political refugee; and Tacitus’ portrait shows him a political personality to the end of his days.1 There were early bids for his allegiance. After the family’s return to Italy Tiberius became the heir of a man (evidently childless) called M.Gallius; along with the property he was to accept the name of his benefactor, leaving his brother Drusus to preserve that of the Nerones. The Gallii may be found serving both Caesar and Antony; and Q. Gallius, praetor in 43 BC, was alleged to have plotted against the life of Octavian, was deprived of his magistracy, and perished mysteriously at sea.2 These men seem to have followed a political course similar to that of Ti. Nero; and we may assume that they were his political associates as well as his personal friends. Tiberius was allowed to accept Gallius’ property-but neglected to assume his name.
