Paterculus: The Tiberian Narrative

by Velleius Paterculus, A.J. Woodman (Editor)

This volume deals with the most controversial part of Velleius' work, regarded by the majority of modern scholars as a panegyrical biography of Tiberius and used as an excuse for dismissing the historical value of Velleius' whole work. In the introduction Dr Woodman considers the nature of the Tiberian narrative in the light of the literary tradition, and argues that it is no more panegyrical than some of the most admired products of Roman historiography such as Livy and Ammianus. He also considers the transmission of Velleius' text since its discovery in 1515, and argues that, contrary to the opinion of most nineteenth and twentieth-century editors, Rhenanus' editio princeps of 1520 is a more reliable authority than Amerbach's apograph of 1516. Dr Woodman provides a full apparatus criticus, and an extensive commentary which is intended for use by students and specialists in Roman literature, historiography, and history.

316 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 1977

About the author

Marcus Velleius Paterculus (possibly: Gaius Velleius Paterculus) was a Roman soldier and commander in the early imperial period (c. 19 BCE - c. 30 CE). He lived and served under the first emperor Augustus, and then under his adopted son and heir, Tiberius.

Paterculus' military career included various significant postings in Europe, and to the eastern empire. His political career was also successful. He was appointed quaestor, and subsequently attainted the penultimate rank of praetor.

He is best known to posterity as the author of a brief "Compendium of Roman History", which began with the legendary origins of Rome (Troy), and concluded with the death of the first empress, the lady Livia, in 29 CE.

The history is a useful resource, but shows evidence of bias towards the imperial family and occasional mediocre research.

There is no known likeness of Velleius.