 Over time , <unk> became progressively more powerful , freeing himself of his advisers and eliminating rivals to the throne . In 55 , he removed Marcus Antonius Pallas , an ally of <unk> , from his position in the treasury . Pallas , along with <unk> , was accused of conspiring against the Emperor to bring <unk> <unk> to the throne . Seneca was accused of having relations with <unk> and <unk> . Seneca succeeded in having himself , Pallas and <unk> acquitted . According to <unk> <unk> , at this time , Seneca and <unk> reduced their role in governing from careful management to mere <unk> of <unk> . 
