Gaius Sofonius Tigellinus Advisor to Nero Date of Birth: . Country: Operator

1. Gaius Sofonius Tigellinus: The Infamous Advisor to Nero
2. Origins and Early Life
3. Rise to Power
4. Nero's Downfall
5. Demise
6. Tigellinus in Art

Gaius Sofonius Tigellinus: The Infamous Advisor to Nero

Gaius Sofonius Tigellinus, the enigmatic prefect of the praetorian guard under the Roman emperor Nero, played a nefarious role in the tumultuous events of the 1st century.

Origins and Early Life

Tigellinus' origins remain a mystery, as no ancient sources mention his lineage. Born in Agrigentum, Sicily, some historians speculate that he was of Greek descent. Tacitus wrote that he "passed his early years in filth." In 39 CE, during the reign of Caligula, he was exiled from Rome for having affairs with the emperor's sisters, Agrippina and Julia. Under Claudius in 41 CE, he was permitted to return.

Rise to Power

Tigellinus amassed wealth through extensive land purchases in Apulia and Calabria, where he bred racehorses. Agrippina the Younger introduced him to her son, Nero, who appointed him prefect of the praetorian guard alongside Fennius Rufus. Tigellinus became Nero's closest confidant, exploiting the emperor's vices to his advantage. Tacitus accuses him of conspiring against numerous individuals, including the senator Petronius Arbiter. He was also suspected of involvement in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE.

Nero's Downfall

As Nero's reign crumbled, Tigellinus abandoned his emperor. He ingratiated himself with the incoming emperor, Servius Sulpicius Galba, by offering bribes to his favorite and his daughter. However, under Otho, he was sentenced to death to the delight of the Roman people.

Demise

Tigellinus, hearing of his fate while at the resort town of Sinuessa, committed suicide by slitting his throat in the arms of his young mistresses.

Tigellinus in Art

Tigellinus is a prominent character in Henryk Sienkiewicz's novel "Quo Vadis." In the 1951 film adaptation, he is unhistorically stabbed to death by a spectator in the Colosseum. He has also been portrayed in Franco Rossi's 1985 television series and Jerzy Kawalerowicz's 2001 film, both titled "Quo Vadis."