Hello, and welcome to the history of Rome, Episode 54, all in the family.

Before we get started, I just want to thank everyone for their feedback on the sponsorship

issue.

Based on the comments, it looks like ads will be a go.

I'm not sure exactly when they're going to start, but I promise not to let it get in

the way of anything and the content itself won't change a bit.

When we left off last week, Augustus had set his sights on clearing out the last pockets

of resistance to Roman rule within the existent boundaries of the empire, before setting

out to push those boundaries northwest to the Danube and Elb Rivers.

Tiberius and his younger brother, Dariusis, both in their early 20s, had been put in charge

of the initial phase, pacifying the independent tribes living in and around the Alps.

As I mentioned at the end of last week, it was important that Augustus elevate his steps

on to prominence as quickly as possible.

The princess's health had always been a concern, and even though he wound up living well into

his 70s, the specter of sudden death always loomed large in his mind.

A grip ahead thus far served admirably as a backstop in case Augustus were to die, but

let's face it, he was growing old as quickly as Augustus was.

A new generation would have to be ready to step forward if and when the princess died.

It is worth pointing out, though, that as much as selfishness contributed to Augustus'

promotion of his stepsons because he wanted power to remain within the family, he also

had his eye firmly on the public good.

By having a well-established succession plan in place, Augustus could die, knowing that

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