Sejanus

Prefect of the Praetorian Guard from 14 to 31 AD.

One of the most ambitious and enigmatic political figure in the history of the Roman Empire. A capable general who made his career in the East, Sejanus joined Emperor Tiberius' staff as a co-prefect of the Praetorian Guard with his father in 14 AD, and soon afterwards as sole prefect when his father was re-posted to Egypt. Making himself indispensable to Tiberius, who generally hated political involvement, Sejanus amassed tremendous power and began to aspire to higher things. His statues appeared everywhere in the provinces and anyone who needed favours and promotion began to seek his favour. His thirst for power also made him a feared and hated figure among the populace.

Tiberius was, however, warned one day of a conspiracy by Sejanus. Sejanus was arrested in 31 and strangled, his body thrown to the mob which delighted in dismembering it. His children, two sons and a daughter, were also killed (she was underage, and so was raped to make her legally eligible for execution). Those closely associated with him were also hunted down.

While Sejanus did not accomplish his political ambition, he set an example of the kind of political power that the army could wield, and the Praetorian Guard would from then onwards play a decisive role in how things pan out in the politics of the empire.