Chapter 21 Summary

The principle events in this chapter occur in 20 AD. Germanicus' death leaves Castor as the sole heir apparent. He, however, is deeply saddened by the death of his friend and he swears to Agrippina that he will defend her children. In Rome, Agrippina is spurned and completely marginalized. Meanwhile, an inquiry is held and Piso is put on trial for witchcraft and intrigue against Germanicus. In an unlikely turn of events, Plancina takes Piso's letters of defense from Tiberius and murders him; she exchanges the letters for her own guaranteed freedom.

Chapter 21 Analysis

As to be expected, once his mission is accomplished, Piso suddenly finds himself without any sponsors. Tiberius and Livia conspire with Plancina and she murders Piso and eliminates all materials that might incriminate Tiberius. Castor appears to be a changed man due to the death of Germanicus. His pledge of...