how did sejanus get to the capitol

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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19-01-2025

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The Rise of Sejanus: From Equestrian to the Capitol

Lucius Aelius Sejanus's ascent to immense power in the Roman Empire is a chilling tale of ambition, manipulation, and ruthless pragmatism. While he never technically held the title of Emperor, his influence during the reign of Tiberius dwarfed that of many actual emperors. But how did this ambitious equestrian rise to hold such sway over the Roman Capitol and the emperor himself?

Early Life and Strategic Alliances

Sejanus's origins were relatively humble, born into the equestrian class, a rank below the senatorial elite. His path to power began with shrewd cultivation of connections. Crucially, he gained the favor of Tiberius, the future emperor, likely through demonstrating competence and loyalty. Understanding the political landscape was key. Sejanus recognized the power vacuum created by the aging Augustus and the increasingly reclusive nature of Tiberius. He positioned himself to fill this void.

Consolidation of Power: The Praetorian Guard

Sejanus's appointment as prefect of the Praetorian Guard proved pivotal. This elite military unit, responsible for the emperor's personal safety, was a powerful tool. He used his position to cultivate loyalty among the Praetorians, transforming them from a protective force into his personal army. This allowed him to exert considerable influence over the emperor himself. Tiberius, increasingly isolated and distrustful, became heavily reliant on Sejanus for security and information.

The Art of Political Manipulation: Eliminating Rivals

Sejanus’s path wasn’t without obstacles. He skillfully neutralized his political opponents. This involved a complex web of intrigue, accusations, and executions. He cleverly used Tiberius’s own suspicions and paranoia to his advantage, fabricating charges against those who posed a threat to his position. This systematic dismantling of opposition solidified his control over Rome's political landscape. He deftly managed to discredit rivals among the Senate and even members of the imperial family.

Influence over Tiberius: A Master of Manipulation

The relationship between Sejanus and Tiberius is a complex one. Some historians argue Tiberius was consciously aware of Sejanus's ambition but willingly allowed it to flourish due to his own reclusive nature. Others suggest Tiberius was manipulated and controlled by Sejanus, unaware of the true extent of his prefect's treachery. Regardless, Sejanus held immense sway over the emperor, effectively controlling access and whispering damaging information to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.

The Fall from Grace: A Conspiracy Unravels

Sejanus’s eventual downfall serves as a cautionary tale. His ambition, once a source of power, became his undoing. A complex network of conspiracies formed against him, leading to his arrest and execution. His rise and fall illustrate the volatile nature of Roman politics and the precariousness of power. While he never occupied the Capitol in the same manner as an emperor, his influence over the emperor and control over the Praetorian Guard gave him effective control of Rome, making him, for a time, the most powerful man in the Empire.

Further Reading and References:

• Tacitus, Annals: Tacitus's account provides a detailed, albeit potentially biased, portrayal of Sejanus's life and reign.
• Suetonius, Tiberius: Suetonius offers additional insights into the relationship between Tiberius and Sejanus.

This analysis demonstrates that Sejanus's rise wasn't a sudden leap to power, but a carefully orchestrated campaign of strategic alliances, political manipulation, and ruthless elimination of opposition, ultimately giving him immense control over the Roman Capitol, even without the formal title of emperor.