A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

478 The Founding of the Principate
Liberality of
Tiberius.
A public
misfortune.
Tacitus,
A)inals,
ii. 47.
Egyptian
and Jewish
religion.
Suetonius,
Tiberius, 36.
evil omens." They began in vulgar fashion to trace illluck
to guilt, when Tiberius checked them by distributing
money in proportion to losses sustained. He received a
vote of thanks in the senate from its distinguished members,
and was applauded by the populace for having assisted
with his liberality,—without partiality or the solicitations
of friends,—strangers whom he himself sought
out.
Twelve famous cities of Asia fell by an earthquake one
night, so that the destruction was all the more unforeseen
and fearful. And there was no means of escape usual in
such a disaster, by rushing out into the open country; for
in the case before us the yawning earth swallowed the
people up.
Vast mountains collapsed; what had been level
ground seemed to be raised aloft, and fires blazed out amid
the ruin. The misfortune fell most fatally on the inhabitants
of Sardis, and attracted to them the largest
share of sympathy. The emperor promised ten million
sesterces, and remitted for five years all their dues to the
treasury or to the emperor's purse. It was determined
that the people of these cities . . . should be exempt from
tribute for that length of time, and some one was to be
sent to examine their actual condition and to reheve them.
Tiberius suppressed all foreign religions, including the
Egyptian and Jewish rites; those who practised these
superstitions he compelled to burn their vestments and
all their sacred utensils. Under pretence of military service
he distributed the Jewish youths among the provinces
noted for their unhealthful climate ; and he dismissed from
the city all the rest of that nation as well as proselytes
to that faith, under pain of slavery for life unless they
obeyed.