ABSTRACT
Tiberius’ own succession to the principate had been unexpected; throughout his life, Augustus had shown a strong inclination to be succeeded by a member of his own-the Julian-family. Tiberius’ own emergence had been the result of premature deaths amongst Augustus’ preferred nominees. Finally, in AD 4, despite the fact that Augustus was said to have been inclined in favour towards his granddaughter’s husband, Germanicus, he decided to place his ultimate succession hopes upon Tiberius. Even so, the hopes of the Julian family were kept alive through Augustus’ instruction to Tiberius that his heir should be Germanicus (whom he was required to adopt as his son) in preference to his own son, Drusus.
