The Rise and Dramatic Fall of Sejanus (Encore)

Rivalry

Sejanus's rise to power was marked by his intense rivalry with Drusus, Tiberius's son. This conflict escalated to physical violence, with Drusus punching Sejanus in the face. Sejanus, seeing Drusus as an obstacle to his ambitions, seduced Drusus's wife, Livilla, and plotted Drusus's murder, which was widely believed to have been carried out under Sejanus's orders 1.

Sejanus seduced Drusus's wife, Livilla, and the two hatched a plot to murder Drusus.

--- Gary Arndt

With Drusus out of the way, Sejanus gained more influence over Tiberius, who began to rely heavily on him 1.

   

Power

Sejanus consolidated his power by controlling the Praetorian Guard and manipulating Tiberius. He increased the size of the guard to 12,000 soldiers and became Tiberius's chief advisor. With Tiberius retreating to Capri, Sejanus had full control over Rome and began staging treason trials to eliminate his political opponents 1.

Sejanus was so great a person by reason of both his excessive haughtiness and his vast power, that, to put it briefly, he himself seemed to be the emperor.

--- Historian Cassius Dio

Sejanus's influence grew to the point where his birthday was celebrated as a holiday, and he was treated as the de facto ruler of Rome 2.