Abstract

In 16 CE, Asinius Gallus proposed election reforms. Tacitus views these reforms, like many of Gallus' actions, as a hostile move against the emperor. In this paper, I argue that they were not proposed in opposition to Tiberius, but instead were a calculated compromise aimed at meeting the Senate's desire for more praetors to share the duties of legionary command, while also maintaining the limit of twelve praetors per year that Tiberius had established in the elections of 14 CE. As a leader in the Senate, Gallus hoped to broker a deal that the emperor would support.