Marcus Junius Silanus | |
---|---|
Children |
Junia Silana Junia Claudilla |
Parents |
|
Relatives | Caligula (son-in-law) |
Family | Junii Silani |
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]
Marcus' father was Gaius Junius Silanus who was the son of Marcus Junius Silanus, the consul of 25 BC. [3] Marcus had two brothers Decimus Junius Silanus and Gaius Junius Silanus, and a sister named Junia Torquata. Decimus was banished for having an affair with Vipsania Julia during the reign of Augustus. [2] [3] Their mother may have been an Atia, daughter of Marcus Atius Balbus and Claudia. Balbus was the uncle of emperor Augustus. [4]
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] [5] 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]
Silanus had at least two daughters, Junia Silana and Junia Claudilla. In 33, his daughter Junia Claudilla married Caligula. [2] [6] She died in 36 [7] or early 37 [8] but according to Philo, Silanus continued to treat Caligula as his own son. [9] In November or December of 37, Caligula had him executed for unclear reasons. Suetonius claims he plotted against Caligula [10] while Philo and other sources claim the emperor was simply annoyed by him. [1] [9]