Tiberius Claudius Nero, 14 - 37

Son of Augustus' wife Livia by her previous marriage to Tiberius Claudius Nero. Tiberius was a very competant general, who had great success against the German tribes during the reign of his stepfather. After a series of deaths robbed Augustus of his chosen heirs, Tiberius was selected to succeed him. He was a fine administrator, and the empire fared well in his hands. A series of tragedies in his private life, along with his poor treatment at the hands of Augustus, left him a bitter and angry man. He became increasingly paranoid, and for the last few years of his life he lived in seclusion on the island of Capri. His absence from Rome led to tales of terrible debauchery on his island retreat, which may be true to some degree. He died, probably naturally, though again this is in dispute after a reign of 23 years.