Rewriting a Contentious Omen

Abstract This paper investigates why Tacitus dates the alleged appearance of phoenix in Egypt during reign emperor Tiberius to AD 34 contrast Pliny Elder and Dio who date it 36. It argues that had originally been invented as an omen not so much death Tiberius, but succession Caligula, a later source changed this cast doubt on its validity order deprive Caligula seemed characterize his time renewal. then followed source.