Marcus Junius Silanus (consul 15)

Marcus Junius C. f. M. n. Silanus (c. 26 BC – AD 37)[1] was an Ancient Roman senator who became suffect consul in AD 15.[2] His daughter Junia Claudilla was the first wife of Emperor Caligula.[2]

Biography

Early life

His brother was a senator named Decimus Junius Silanus who was banished for having an affair with Vipsania Julia during the reign of Augustus.[2] According to Ronald Syme, he had another brother, Gaius Junius Silanus, the consul of AD 10. His father's name was also Gaius Junius Silanus.[3]

Political career

Ancient historians considered Marcus Silanus a highly respected man. When Tiberius came to power, if a judicial decision made by Silanus was appealed to the emperor, Tiberius invariably rejected the appeal, trusting Silanus' decision, and Tiberius would send the case back to him.[2][4] He also had the honour of casting the first vote in the Senate.[1] Silanus successfully persuaded Tiberius to recall the banishment of his brother Decimus.[2]

Family

Silanus had at least two daughters, Junia Silana and Junia Claudilla. In 33, his daughter Junia Claudilla married Caligula.[2][5] She died in 36[6] or early 37[7] but according to Philo, Silanus continued to treat Caligula as his own son.[8] In November or December of 37, Caligula had him executed for unclear reasons. Suetonius claims he plotted against Caligula[9] while Philo and other sources claim the emperor was simply annoyed by him.[1][8]

See also

Citations
  1. Barrett (1989), p. 76
  2. Barrett (1989), p. 32
  3. Syme (1986), p.194–195
  4. Ferrill (1991), p. 86
  5. Garzetti (1974), p. 73
  6. Ferrill (1991), p. 106
  7. Garzetti (1974), p. 86
  8. Philo, 65
  9. Suetonius, 23.3

References
  • Barrett, Anthony A. (1989). Caligula: The Corruption of Power. New Haven: Yale University Press. ISBN 0-300-04653-7.
  • Ferrill, Arther (1991) Caligula: Emperor of Rome. New York: Thames and Hudson. ISBN 0-500-25112-6.
  • Garzetti, Albino (1976) From Tiberius to the Antonines: A History of the Roman Empire from AD 12-192. London: Methuen & Co. LTD. ISBN 0-416-70480-8.
  • Suetonius, Life of Caligula
  • Syme, Ronald, The Augustan Aristocracy
  • Philo, On Embassy to Gaius
Political offices
Preceded by
Sextus Pompeius,
and Sextus Appuleius
as Ordinary consuls		 Suffect consul of the Roman Empire
15
with Drusus Julius Caesar		 Succeeded by
Sisenna Statilius Taurus,
and Lucius Scribonius Libo
as Ordinary consuls
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