Tiberius on Personal Criticism

['Taking the stoical view', under the foot of public opinion - Uffizi Museum, April 2017]

On Tiberius it was said: 

"... he was self-contained and patient in the face of abuse and slander, and of lampoons on himself and his family, often asserting that in a free country there should be free speech and free thought. When the senate on one occasion demanded that cognisance be taken of such offences and those guilty of them, he said: "We have not enough spare time to warrant involving ourselves in more affairs; if you open this loophole you will find no time for any other business; it will be an excuse for laying everybody's quarrels before you." A most unassuming remark of his in the senate is also a matter of record":

"If so-and-so criticises me I shall take care to render an account of my acts and words; if he persists, our enmity will be mutual."

[Suetonius, Life of Tiberius, 28]




N.B Its worth mentioning that not all agree on the emperor Tiberius's good nature.  In some reports, he is not anything like as unassuming and liberal as described here. Other references - especially later in his reign - point towards a darker and more brooding ego, more than capable of petty spite, revenge and malevolence. It's not at all like Suetonius to miss sticking the knife in, so we need to look at a evolving personality: egalitarian and carefree in his early reign - likely before the Sejanus coup - moving to spiteful, paranoid and mean in his later years. 

How Much for an Ice cream?

Shocked by the tourist prices around the centre of Florence, the Emperor was nevertheless greatly impressed to see Caravaggio's iconic Medusa. 

A fearsome and terrible image of visceral rage.  

(The good lady herself had obviously just paid for an ice cream) 

Lucca

The massive and exquisitely complete renaissance walls of Lucca (Italy) provide a beautifully impressive backdrop to any walk around this Tuscan jewel. (Only Ferrara in the east can rival an ancient defensive circuit of this period - larger but not as complete in its surviving heritage)

 
A long-term favourite with the emperor (my 5th visit and counting), Lucca will always be the dream place for an idyllic and imagined retirement.

Guarded by emblematic lions, this ancient, sleepy old Republic, offers a true haven of great charm. Both in and out of season it has so much history and beauty to offer.

The Luchesse skyline: ancient, rustic, grand and chaotic. 

Where the Streets have No Name

A casual street-sign store at the local Council depot, central Edinburgh  ... witnessed by the Emperor on his way home from work.  

If all the names are here, is there streets out there without names? 

Crossing Ocean - The New World

[Crossing Oceans the Emperor explored new and strange lands - New York, Nov 2014]

"It is unlikely that the Atlantic Ocean is divided into two seas, thus being separated by isthmuses so narrow and that prevent the circumnavigation; it is more likely that it is one confluent and continuous sea. For those who undertook circumnavigation, and turned back without having achieved their purpose, say that they were made to turn back, not because of any continent that stood in their way and hindered their further advance, inasmuch as the sea still continued open as before, but because of their destitution and loneliness. This theory accords better, too, with the behaviour of the ocean, that, in respect of the ebb and flow of the tides; everywhere, at all events, the same principle, or else one that does not vary much, accounts for the changes both of high tide and low tide, as would be the case if there movements were produced by one sea and were the result of one cause."

Strabo, Geography, I.8 

Undertaking great personal hardship and danger (Economy Class) the Emperor recently enjoyed a personal exploration of the New World. In imperial procession on the Eastern seaboard, it was fascinating to see the great metropolis cities of Boston and New York. This history-rich part of the New World was fascinating and it was wonderful to experience a culture that is at the same time, both similar and yet so different to the Old World that I know so well. 

The only regret was that I did not have more time to explore these vast and fascinating lands. But hopefully there is always next time ...    

Small indulgences, as simple as the iconic pastrami bagel were greatly enjoyed. 

'Everything is bigger in America' and so was the Emperor after a week or so of eating great food. Kindly toured by a local guide and friend the imperial retinue was spoiled for great places to see and great food to experience. 

Back on the treadmill when I get to Blighty, but I really look forward to future visits. 

---

N.B Its worth noting that the internet is sprinkled with references of Romans having reached the North Americas in ancient times. The quality of some of these theories varies greatly and ranges from the tantalising to the sheer outlandish. But they are all entertaining to read. 

Rustic Eating - Ferrara Italy

A rustic lunch of considerable quality enjoyed in the beautiful walled town of Ferrara, Italy. 

The following main course was the regionally famous pumpkin and sage ravioli (Cappellacci di Zucca). The best and most enjoyable meal I have ever had in the old country. 

As part of a month long honeymoon from Venice to Syracuse, the old walled city of Ferrara was a stand-out memory for this Emperor. 

Such a chilled University town with loads of old history and culture. 

I very much hope to return one day. 

Christmas Feasting

The Emperor has derived much enjoyment from the recent holiday season.

Sumptuous and delectable banquets have been prepared for the enjoyment of the Imperial Court.

[The Emperor's own Christmas dinner - prepared by his own hand - was received with high acclaim by the Court]

Large scale entertainments were provided at Imperial expense for the entertainment of the masses.

The Imperial residence was adorned with all the pomp and finery that the season dictated.

Seasonal gifts and presents were exchanged throughout the palace and polite society.