Editing Germanicus (section)

===Illness and death===
In the midst of this feud, Germanicus became ill and despite the fact Piso had removed himself to the port of [[Seleucia Pieria|Seleucia]], he was convinced that Piso was somehow poisoning him. [[Tacitus]] reports that there were signs of black magic in Piso's house with hidden body-parts and Germanicus's name inscribed on lead tablets. Germanicus sent Piso a letter formally renouncing their friendship (''amicitia''). Germanicus died soon after on 10 October of that year.<ref name=Lott343/> His death aroused much speculation, with several sources blaming Piso, acting under orders from Emperor Tiberius. This was never proven, and Piso killed himself while facing trial.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Tacitus |title=Annals, 3.15 |pages= |trans-title=}}</ref> Tacitus says Tiberius was involved in a conspiracy against Germanicus, and Tiberius's jealousy and fear of his nephew's popularity and increasing power was the true motive.<ref>{{harvnb|Lott|2012|p=40}}.</ref>

The death of Germanicus in dubious circumstances greatly affected Tiberius's popularity in Rome, leading to the creation of a climate of fear in Rome itself. Also suspected of connivance in his death was Tiberius's chief advisor, [[Sejanus]], who would, in the 20s, create an atmosphere of fear in Roman noble and administrative circles by the use of treason trials and the role of ''[[delator]]es,'' or informers.<ref>{{harvnb|Ward|Heichelheim|Yeo|2010|p=297}}.</ref>