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]

Marcus Junius Silanus
Died	37 AD
Children	Junia Silana Junia Claudilla
Parents	Gaius Junius M. f. Silanus (father) Atia M. f. (mother)
Relatives	Caligula (son-in-law)
Family	Junii Silani

Biography

Early life

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]

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][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]

Family

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 that the emperor was simply annoyed by him.^[1][9]

See also

• Junia gens