Final answer:
Tiberius, the second emperor of Rome, was a skilled general who reluctantly ruled from 14 to 37 CE, and under whom Rome shifted focus from expansion to administration and consolidation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Second Emperor of Rome: Tiberius
The question pertains to Tiberius, who was the second emperor of the Roman Empire, ruling from 14 to 37 CE. Despite his reputation as one of Rome's greatest generals, Tiberius was a reluctant ruler, characterized as dark and somber, and did not aspire for the imperial throne. His leadership style was marked by a tendency to appear obstructive and to delegate decisions to the Senate. Crucially, it was under Tiberius's reign that Rome ceased its aggressive campaign of expansion, which had been characteristic of the Republic era, moving towards a policy of maintaining and consolidating existing frontiers.
After the death of his son, Tiberius withdrew from the active rule and left the administration of Rome to others. This marked a shift in the Roman imperial approach, from the conquest-oriented reign of Augustus, Tiberius's predecessor, to a more conservative and administrative focused governance. It was a consequential moment that set the tone for the subsequent rulers, including notable emperors such as Trajan, who continued this blend of military prowess and administration skill.