TacitusShort Biography about the life of Tacitus Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Tacitus, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire. Name commonly known as: Tacitus *** Latin Roman Name: Marcus Claudius Tacitus *** Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: September 25, 275 - June 276 *** Dynasty / Historical Period: Crisis of the Third Century (235 - 284) the era of Illyrian Emperors (268 - 285) *** Place and Date of Birth: Born ca. 200 in Interamna *** Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Tacitus was Aurelian (Empress Zenobia ruled part of the Eastern Empire) *** Place and Date of Death: Died June 276 at Tyana in Cappadocia *** Name of next Emperor: The successor to Tacitus was Florianus Interesting facts about the life of Tacitus Obtain a fast overview of the times of the Roman Emperor Tacitus from the following facts and information about his life. Why was Tacitus famous? Accomplishments, achievements and important events. The reign of the Emperor Tacitus followed the Interregnum when the Senate eventually appointed the virtuous Tacitus as the successor to Aurelian. Tacitus claimed a descent from his namesake, the famous historian, although this claim has been strongly disputed. When he was appointed as Emperor, Tacitus was seventy years old. The first act of Tacitus was to have the murdered Emperor Aurelian deified. He then seized and executed those involved in plotting Aurelian's murder. This gained him the support of the people and the military. Tacitus then followed where Aurelian had ended his reign and directed his attention to the threat to the Eastern provinces. Tacitus appointed his half-brother Florianus Praetorian Prefect and together they campaigned in the East against the invaders. However, Tacitus sank under the hardships of his first campaign and died A.D. 276, at Tyania, in Cappadocia. The circumstances surrounding his death remains a mystery. Historians state that he was either assassinated by his own troops after an indecisive campaign or died of the plague. He had ruled as emperor for less than one year. His half brother Florianus then ascended the throne. The Interregnum The army took revenge for the murder of Emperor Aurelianby tearing his assassin in pieces. They then wrote a respectful letter to the Senate, asking the Senators to select his successor. The Senate, however, passed a decree that the army should name the new emperor. The soldiers refused, and for eight months an interregnum prevailed while this friendly contest continued. Eventually the Senate appointed the virtuous seventy year old Tacitus as the next Emperor of Rome. Definition of Interregnum The definition of an interregnum (plural interregna or interregnums) is the time between the reigns of two rulers when the throne is unoccupied - literally meaning 'between reigns'. Tacitus - Dynasties of Roman Emperors - Illyrian Emperors (268 - 285) The Illyrian Emperors (268 - 285). The "Illyrian emperors" is the name given to the Roman emperors who governed the Roman Empire between 268 and 282. Illyria was a region in the western part of today's Balkan Peninsula. The people for Illyria were renown for their military prowess and they became an important source of manpower for the Roman army. Because of their military strength many of the emperors from this period came from Illyria. Tacitus The content of this Tacitus category in the Emperors of Ancient Rome provides free educational details, facts and information for reference and research for schools, colleges and homework. Refer to the Colosseum Sitemap for a comprehensive search on interesting different categories containing the history, facts and information about the lives and people of Ancient Rome. |