Roman History, 59.8.3

Cassius Dio  translated by Earnest Cary

« Dio 59.8 | Dio 59.8 | Dio 59.9 | About This Work »

3So Tiberius perished on suspicion of having been watching his chance to profit from the emperor’s illness. On the other hand, Publius Afranius Potitus, a plebeian, perished, because in a burst of foolhardy servility he had promised not only of his own free will but also under oath that he would give his life if only Gaius should recover; and likewise a certain Atanius Secundus, a knight, because he had announced that in the same event he would fight as a gladiator. For these men, instead of the money which they hoped to receive from him in return for offering to give their lives in exchange for his, were compelled to keep their promises, so as not to be guilty of perjury.

« Dio 59.8 | Dio 59.8 | Dio 59.9 | About This Work »