Pisonian Conspiracy

  • Gaius Calpurnius Piso was an influential Roman Senator who formed a conspiracy in 65 CE to have Nero overthrown and replaced by himself.
  • Piso was exposed and forced to commit suicide.

Motives for the Conspiracy

  • Piso brought together various groups in Rome who were disaffected by Nero (54-68 CE).
  • One third of Rome had been burnt down in 64 CE by the Great Fire of Rome, and it was rumoured to have been started by him so that he could build a new palace. Nero had blamed the Christians and had them tortured and burnt.
  • Others just wanted a return to the Roman Republic.

The Plan

  • Piso conspired with the joint Prefects of the Praetorian Guard, Faenius Rufus and Ofonius Tigellinus, a Praetorian Tribune, Subrius Flavus, and a Praetorian Centurion, Sulpicius Asper, to be proclaimed Emperor by the Praetorian Guard in their Castra Praetoria.
  • Unknown to Piso, they intended to replace Piso afterwards with Seneca the Younger.

Failure and Aftermath

  • The Plot was due to occur on 19 April 65 CE, but was exposed during the same morning and the plot collapsed.
  • 41 people were accused including 19 Senators and various Equites, Soldiers and women.
  • 9 people were executed or forced to commit suicide including Piso, the Praetorian Prefect Faenius Rufus, the Philosopher Seneca the Younger, his nephew the Poet Lucan, the Satyrist Petronius and the senior members of the Praetorian Guard who were involved.

Sources

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