Lucius Aelius Seianus or Sejanus (20 BCE-31 CE) was the commander of the praetorian guard under the emperor Tiberius (14-37 CE). Coming from an obscure equestrian family, he managed to become one of the closest advisor of Tiberius, hoping to become his successor or a regent to a young heir. After the death of Drusus, Tiberius' son, he started to persecute all his possible rivals, a task he made easier by driving Tiberius into paranoia and convincing him to retire to Capri in a self-imposed exile. In the end, though, Tiberius grew suspicious of his minister and his ambitions, and ordered his execution. Sejanus' children and many of his friends fell with him in a bloody political purge.
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Definition
Timeline
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20 BCEBirth of Sejanus.
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14 CESejanus becomes the praefect of the Praetorian Guard.
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c. 23 CEThe castra praetoria, permanent camp of the Praetorian Guard, is built in Rome by Sejanus.
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26 CETiberius leaves Rome, and the influence of Sejanus grows.
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27 CE - 30 CESejanus launches his final attacks against Agrippina and her children.
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31 CESejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard is tried and executed by the Roman Senate.
