Patrick Stewart portrayed Sejanus, the leader of the guard of Rome who allegedly attempted to usurp Emperor Tiberius and at the very least was a tyrant in the city for several years while Tiberius lived and ruled from a private island, in the 1976 classic British mini-series I, Claudius.

Sejanus had ruled as a defacto dictator while the actual Emperor lived on a private island, far from the politics of Rome. He seems to have favored himself as next in line to become Emperor and possibly even killed Tiberius’s son to ensure he couldn’t be succeeded. Sejanus even tried to marry into the family, thus ensuring his eventual ascension.

But fortunes changed for Sejanus, as the gods often did in those days, and Tiberius turned on him. He was called to the senate where a letter from Tiberius was read. Sejanus was certain it was a letter naming him heir apparent. The letter began with some faint flattery of Sejanus before spiraling off into a list of accusations against him. The senate picked up on what Tiberius was hinting at and had Sejanus executed.

I had just finished a rewatch a few weeks ago. Too many familiar faces in that series and anyone who enjoys Roman history will find it a good watch.

Of course, the death of Patrick Stewart is a genuine loss but he played Sejanus well; arrogant, confident, conspiring. I true scoundrel and a character type we rarely associate with Stewart.

He also had hair in the role.