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Julio-Claudian Emperors

Domestic quarrels

When audio gifGermanicus died, Tiberius was suspected of having plotted his death. Germanicus' widow, audio gifAgrippina, waged an unending vendetta against the house of Caesar, creating crisis after crisis.

Tiberius' own son, Drusus, died. This was a cruel blow to Tiberius, who turned to his commander of the audio gifPraetorian Guard, audio gifSejanus. He placed blind trust in Sejanus, believing everything the man told him.

Segjanus waged war on Agrippina. He arrested a number of her friends, supporters, even relatives. Some were executed, as Sejanus used the Praetorian Guard as a tool for political terrorism. Tiberius was deaf to the complaints.

At last Sejanus went too far. It became evident that he was trying to position himself so either he or his heirs would succeed Tiberius. Tiberius came to his senses in 31 and executed Sejanus.

The manner in which this was accomplished was typical of Tiberius' later years. Tiberius gave no indication he was displeased with Sejanus, but instead let him think he was in for a promotion.

When Sejanus was out of the city, Tiberius struck. He sent a consul to Sejanus with a letter. The consul read it aloud to him. It was full of hints designed to make Sejanus think he would get his promotion.

In last paragraph he denounced Sejanus roundly as a traitor, and the consul immediately arrested him for treason. No one lifted a finger to help him, for by this time everyone feared him. He was quickly tried and executed.

Tiberius had been betrayed by a man he had regarded as his one true friend. He was convinced now that no one could be trusted. There followed a terrible period in which there were many political murders while Tiberius himself increasingly neglected the business of government and amused himself at his country estates.