Sejanus -19 – 31

Biography

Sejanus was born on June 1, 19 BCE in Volsinii, rising to become one of the most influential figures in early imperial Rome. As prefect of the Praetorian Guard, he commanded the elite military unit tasked with protecting the Roman Emperor, earning the trust and confidence of Tiberius during a crucial period of the empire’s development. His position granted him unprecedented access to power and authority within the imperial court.

For years, Sejanus wielded considerable influence over state affairs, serving as a trusted advisor to the aging emperor. His control of the Praetorian Guard made him a formidable political force, and his proximity to Tiberius allowed him to shape policy and eliminate rivals. However, his ambitions and the threat he posed to imperial stability ultimately led to his downfall.

On October 14, 31 CE, Sejanus met a violent end in Rome, executed by strangling. His death marked a dramatic reversal of fortune for the once-powerful prefect. The circumstances surrounding his execution reflected the ruthless nature of imperial politics and the precarious position of those who rose too high in Tiberius’s favor. Little record remains of his burial place, leaving this final chapter of his life shrouded in obscurity.