This study of women in Pliny begins with a particular group associated with one bloody episode during the reign of Domitian – the trial and conviction of seven defendants in 93 C.E. – Helvidius, Senecio, Mauricus, Rusticus, Arria, Fannia, and Gratilla – and their subsequent execution or relegation. Pliny's involvement with the prosecution and its aftermath frames his nine-book collection of letters and offers unquestionably the most patent example of his intent to recast his past political activity. There are eleven women in this category, by far the largest number of women who are connected with one another, and the events that Pliny discusses are far from ordinary. In fact, the treason trials of 93 must be considered the marquee event of Domitian's “reign of terror,” the final years of his principate during which many of senatorial rank were put to death.