Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
TIBERIUS, CLAU'DIUS NERO (full title), Luke 3:1, was the step-son and successor of Augustus, Luke 2:1, and, though with some apparent virtues, was one of the most infamous tyrants that ever scourged the empire of Rome. All the events of Christ's manhood took place during this reign. " Madness was probably the excuse for his cruelties. d. 14, reigned during the eventful period of the succeeding twenty-three years, and was finally murdered by suffocation.