Wow! Those crazy Romans sure set the bar high on the concept of “checks and balances”
Julius Caesar was murdered on his way to the Senate on 15 March 44 B.C. Caesar's death marked the end of the Roman Republic. After a series of civil wars, Caesar's grandnephew, Octavian, assumed the title of Emperor of Rome. The Senate bestowed the name Augustus (revered one) on him. He became Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus in 27 B.C. and ruled until 14 A.D. Augustus’ wife Livia (married 39 B.C.) was determined to make her son (Augustus’ stepson) the next Emperor and so she connived the deaths of all who stood in his way, including that of her husband on 19 August 14 A.D.
Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus was the second Emperor of Rome (18 September 14 A.D. to 16 March 37 A.D.). Tiberius was a very reluctant ruler and withdrew from the public eye to his estate on Capri. Lucius Sajanus, head of the Praetorian Guard, assumed his role for most purposes. Unfortunately for Sajanus his coup to take over as Emperor in 31 A.D. was found out and he, along with the plotters, were tried by the Senate, found guilty, and executed.
Tiberius died on 16 March A.D. 37 at Miseno, near Naples. His estate and titles of office were left to Caligula and Tiberius’ grandson, Gemellus. The two we were to serve as joint heirs. Some ancient historians conjecture Tiberius was murdered. Tacitus the historian writes the Praetorian Prefect, Macro, smothered Tiberius with a pillow to hasten Caligula's accession. In any event, Caligula soon had Gemellius murdered and began his bloody 3 year, 314 day rule.