In the first chapters of Book VI of the Annals, Tacitus describes the early youth of Aelius Sejanus. Almost immediately, we are aware of the fact that both Tiberius and Sejanus, in some way, are responsible for the end of Rome’s peaceful reign. In this way, Tacitus portrays the negative impression received from both characters in a multitude of ways.
Firstly, Tacitus recalls the events of Sejanus persuading the emperor Tiberius to situate the praetorian guard outside the city of Rome and by the gate instead. Sejanus gives three main reasons, that are seemingly effective enough for his request to be fulfilled. Sejanus ‘alleged’ that the troops would ‘run riot’ if they were not held together, would act with ‘stricter discipline’ if removed from the temptations of the city and that their sheer number ‘might arise confidence in themselves’. By use of comparative adjectives, Tacitus furthers the strength of Sejanus’ allegations. The adjectives ‘maiore’ and ‘severius’ reflect his persuasive technique and also how Sejanus’ methods of
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In an attempt to win over the respect and praise of highly ranked politicians, Sejanus hands valuable items to his ‘clients’. This includes items such as centurions and provinces. Tacitus’ use of litotes relates this behaviour back to Sejanus’ tendencies of being excessive. Tacitus mentions how Sejanus was unable to ‘refrain from courting the popularity of the senate’. The negative conjunction and verb in the phrase ‘neque sanatorio ambitu abstinebat’ suggests that Sejanus would not refrain from any activities, no matter how outlawed they may be, in order to acquire power or anything that may aid him in becoming more powerful. Through use of another gerund, ‘ornandi’, a negative impression of Sejanus is made, emphasising how he exercises his misplaced authority. By giving away such costly gifts, our attention is drawn to his corruption and