Prompt Cast
The Downfall of Sejanus: Power, Betrayal, and Retribution in Ancient Rome
TLDR Sejanus, the right hand man of Roman Emperor Tiberius, rose to power and plotted to secure his position by murdering Tiberius' son. However, his reign was short-lived as he was swiftly executed and his family sentenced to death, leading to widespread retribution and riots in Rome.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Sejanus, the right hand man of Roman Emperor Tiberius, experienced a spectacular downfall after gaining power and influence, which is explored in this episode.
02:02
Tiberius appointed Sygenus as the head of the Praetorian Guard, which was a significant position in the Roman civil service.
03:24
Sygenus consolidated his power within the Petrorian Guard, became a trusted confidant of Tiberius, and plotted to murder Tiberius' son Drusus in order to secure his own position and ambitions.
04:52
During Tiberius' retreat to the island of Capri, Sejanus took control of Rome, staged treason trials, confiscated fortunes, and positioned himself as the de facto ruler of the city.
06:19
At the height of his power, Sejanus was summoned to the Senate under the pretense of being granted more power, but instead, a proclamation of his crimes and an order for his execution was read, resulting in a dramatic and sudden fall from grace.
07:53
After Sejanus was denounced in a public forum, he was swiftly executed, his body was torn apart by the crowd, and his entire family was sentenced to death, resulting in widespread retribution and riots in Rome.
09:27
The Sygenus affair tainted the reputation of Tiberius and led to the rise of Caligula as emperor, while also setting a precedent for the Praetorian Guard's involvement in imperial politics.
