Chapter 18 Summary

The chapter is not specifically dated but obviously takes place immediately prior to the death of Postumus in 14 AD. Claudius is one day overjoyed to receive a cryptic message from Postumus, who he had thought dead. The nature and private contents of the message allow Claudius to know beyond doubt that its originator is Postumus. Claudius sends money to Postumus and attempts for several weeks to contact Germanicus, learning only later that all his letters were intercepted. Meanwhile, Postumus covertly travels about Italy, gaining in popularity until rumors of his return reach Tiberius. As Postumus is not assisted by the ignorant Germanicus, still on the German frontier, he eventually determines to publicly enter Rome and rely upon the mercy of Tiberius. Still officially banished, entering Rome would technically be a capital offense. Postumus approaches Rome but then simply vanishes. Later, Tiberius addresses the...