Who was Sejanus?
Q: Who was Sejanus?
A: Sejanus was an ambitious soldier and confidant of Roman Emperor Tiberius, who rose to power as the Praetorian Prefect.
Q: What was Sejanus' role in the Praetorian Guard?
A: Sejanus commanded the Roman imperial bodyguard, the Praetorian Guard, from AD 14 until his death in 31.
Q: What reforms did Sejanus introduce in the Praetorian Guard?
A: Sejanus introduced reforms which saw the Praetorian Guard go from a mere bodyguard to an influential branch of the government. It controlled public security and influenced civil administration.
Q: How did Sejanus influence the succession of emperors in the Roman Empire?
A: Sejanus' reforms meant that the Praetorian Guard controlled public security and was influential in civil administration. All emperors needed their support, which gave them power over the succession of emperors.
Q: What happened to potential political opponents during Sejanus' rise to power?
A: Sejanus eliminated potential political opponents, including the emperor's son, Drusus, and gradually accumulated power by influencing Tiberius.
Q: When was Sejanus in control of the entire state mechanism as de facto ruler of the empire?
A: When Tiberius withdrew to Capri in 26, Sejanus was left in control of the entire state mechanism as de facto ruler of the empire.
Q: What happened to Sejanus in 31?
A: Sejanus suddenly fell from power in 31, the year his career culminated with the consulship. Amidst suspicions of conspiracy against Tiberius, Sejanus was arrested and executed, along with his followers.