Revolts in the Army

Reasons for the mutiny

What were the main reasons for the mutinies among the soldiers according to the sources?
Tacitus 1.16-23, 31-2

• A mutiny broke out in the legions of Pannonia "which could be traced to no fresh cause except the change of emperors... and of profit from a civil war"
• Junius Blaesus (a commander) allowed his men a rest from military duties after Augustus died (either to mourn or rejoice)
• "This was the beginning of demoralization among the troops"
• Percennius had learnt how to "stir up a crowd" from being an actor
• "This man gradually influenced them"
• The soldiers were tired of army life, and having to face much harder conditions than the Praetorian guard (who lived much more comfortable lives, were in less danger, and got paid more)
• The soldiers wanted "the pay of a denarius" and wanted to be able to retire after 16 years of service (at the time there was no fixed term of service so some soldiers spent over 30 years in the army)
• "About the same time, from the same causes, the legions of Germany rose in mutiny"
• They mutinied in the hope that Germanicus Caesar "would not be able to endure another's supremacy and would offer himself to the legions" - they wanted him to overthrow Tiberius
• They killed one Centurion "60 to 1" and savagely beat others, even throwing some of them in the Rhine

Velleius Paterculus C2 (Lactor 19, Tiberius to Nero, pp.94)

• The soldiers were frustrated, and had a desire to cause chaos due to there being a new leader and constitution
• They wanted to fix their own level of pay and terms of their engagement

Drusus and Germanicus

• Rather than deal with the revolts personally, Tiberius sent his two deputies and sons, Drusus and Germanicus
• To Pannonia Tiberius sent Drusus, born Drusus Julius Caesar, Tiberius' natural born son with his first wife, Vipsania. Born in 13 BC
• To Germany Tiberius sent Germanicus, his nephew. Born Tiberius Claudius Drusus in 15 BC, he earned the name Germanicus after his death for his victories in Germany. Tiberius had adopted him on Augustus' orders, since Germanicus was a personal favourite of Augustus (he had even considered making him his heir)

Tacitus 1.24-30

How did Drusus deal with the revolt in Pannonia?

• Drusus was sent with two battalions of the Praetorian Guard and the pick of his own German bodyguard - shows that Drusus was taking the mutiny seriously
• L.Aelius Sejanus, joint commander of the Guard, accompanied Drusus as his advisor
• Tiberius gave Drusus no firm instructions, but directed him 'to act as the circumstances required'
• Drusus addressed the mutineers and read to them a letter from Tiberius, who referred to them as comrades and promised that as soon as he was over the shock of Augustus' death, he would put their claims to the Senate
• In the meantime, Drusus was to grant them any concession that could be awarded without the necessity of senatorial debate
• When the soldier's spokesperson put forward their demands, Drusus reminded them that 'the senate and the Emperor must have their say'
• The hostility of the men could have caused a further outbreak of rioting, but there was an unexpected eclipse of the moon, which Drusus used to play on the men's superstitions. He played on their fear that the waning moon was an omen indicating that their crimes would bring endless hardships
• He had trusted officers suggest to the men that it would be unwise to treat the emperor's son with hostility, and that their behaviour would gain them their reforms
• The following day Drusus addressed the men again, and although not a 'practised orator, he spoke with natural dignity'
• He criticised their behaviour, but promised them a fair and merciful hearing from his father if discipline was restored
• They pleaded for his pardon, and a delegation was sent to Tiberius. However, Drusus thought it necessary to execute the leaders of the mutiny while superstition still had a hold on the men

What characteristics are identified about Drusus?

• He's clever

Tacitus 1.33-43,49

How did Germanicus deal with the revolt in Germany?

• Tacitus writes favourably of Germanicus, downplaying the negative aspects and writing of him a lot more than Drusus, but he cannot hide the fact that Germanicus showed very poor leadership in Germany
• Germanicus was in the area and brought his wife and child along, which shows that he wasn't taking the matter seriously
• One soldier put Germanicus' hand in his mouth to feel his gums (????????) - others showed wounds and backs arched with old age
• Germanicus gave a speech, praising Tiberius, and warning against civil war - he completely disregarded the soldiers and their grievances
• Germanicus made some concessions in the name of the emperor but they were 'hastily improvised'
• When a senatorial delegation arrived from Rome the soldiers were worried that the concessions 'which they had won by mutinous methods would be cancelled by the senatorial delegation'
• The troops abused members of the delegation, particularly Plancus, a particularly high ranking member, whom they planned to kill
• When the soldiers do not relent, Germanicus threatens to stab himself - one of the soldiers shouted back 'take mine, it's sharper'
• He sent his wife and son away
• Germanicus quelled the riot, although Tacitus admits that he was criticised for not calling in the loyal troops from Upper Germany instead of instigating 'releases and payments and mild measures'
• The mutiny slowly dissipated

What characteristics are identified about Germanicus?

• Quite hot-headed and rash
• Careless
• Little bit stupid not gonna lie