Augustus Caesar Research Paper

And note: In 6 BC Augustus Caesar offered Tiberius command of the East for five years. But Tiberius, noticing Augustus grooming Gaius for power, declined and retired to Rhodes. Here, five years later (January 1 BC?), the grooming of Gaius takes him to Syria exposing him to the East. Augustus obviously planned that Gaius should take a firm hold of the East. This being the case, if Gaius had not already been in Rome, it is likely, on hearing of the death of Herod, Augustus would recall his young grandson from the East to participate in the discussion of Herod’s successor. For Gaius was not alone in Syria, he had several “battle-experienced” generals with him, upon whom he could rely whilst he made the trip to Rome. This would be good experience

The emperor sent him a letter in reply, addressed simply to "Phrataces," without the appellation of "king," in which he directed him to lay aside the royal name and to withdraw from Armenia. Thereupon the Parthian, so far from being cowed, wrote back in a generally haughty tone, styling himself "King of Kings" and addressing Augustus simply as "Caesar." Tigranes did not at once send any envoys, but when Artabazus somewhat later fell ill and died, he sent gifts to Augustus, in view of the fact that his rival had been removed, and though he did not mention the name "king" in his letter, he really did petition Augustus for the kingship. Influenced by these considerations and at the same time fearing the war with the Parthians, the emperor accepted the gifts and bade him go with good hopes to Gaius in Syria… Nevertheless, war did not break out with the Parthians, either. For Phrataces, hearing that Gaius was in Syria, acting as consul, (i.e. proconsul) and, furthermore, having suspicions regarding his own people, who had even before this been inclined to be disloyal to him, forestalled action on their part by coming to terms with the Romans (Gaius), on condition that he himself should renounce Armenia and that his brothers should remain beyond the sea.” (Cassius Dio. Roman History Book 55

P. Quinctilius Varus has a reputation with some, of being an inept military commander, such a view may be inaccurate. He did well enough as governor of North Africa (Tunisia), bolstered by one Roman legion. His transfer to Syria put him in a region bolstered by four Roman legions – a very significant force indeed. Here he developed a reputation for being a harsh man. Dr. E. L. Martin quotes:

• “A Latin inscription found in 1764 about one-half mile south of the ancient villa of Quintilius Varus (at Tivoli, 20 miles east of Rome) states that the subject of the inscription had twice been governor of Syria. This can only refer to Quintilius Varus, who was Syrian governor at two different times. Numismatic evidence shows he ruled Syria from 6 to 4 B.C., and other historical evidence indicates that Varus was again governor from 2 B.C. to A.D. 1. Between his two governorships was Sentius