| This first appearance of Sejanus has him in tune with Livia's orders- she doesn't even have to give them. And, we're truly amazed at his efficiency in carrying them out. But, one big problem: there is no evidence that Sejanus was even involved in Postumus' demise. Graves, with the Postumus-Clement switcheroo doesn't kill off Postumus for another 50 pages. Clement is killed by the captain of the guard stationed on Planasia. Livia and Tiberius are innocent of Pseudo-Postumus' execution. Rumors pointed to Augustus, but the real culprit was some lazy eques named Crispus who had been insulted by Postumus. OK, stay with me. Tacitus does point the finger at Tiberius and Livia, naming Crispus as the accomplice and dispelling the rumor of Augustus leaving such an order. Suetonius suspects Tiberius-given the timing of his announcement of Augustus' death, but also presents the Augustus scenario as plausible- or even an Augustus letter forged by Livia. Whoever the source for the orders, an unnamed tribune of the Planasia guard carried them out. Dio also names Tiberius, claiming Tiberius to be the source both of the orders and of the Augustus rumors. So there you have it, no mention of Sejanus' involvement in Graves, Tacitus, Suetonius or Dio. |
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