Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (consul 6 AD)
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus | |
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Spouses |
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Children | Cornelia (mother) |
Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (c. 30 BC – 33 AD) was a patrician Roman senator, politician and general, praised by the historian Tacitus.
Origin and early career
Lepidus was the son of
He became
At the time of Augustus' death, in 14 AD, he was governor of Northern Spain in charge of an army of three legions. While there were serious riots in the armies in Germany and Pannonia after Augustus' death, Lepidus' army gave no trouble.
Activities during the reign of Tiberius
Lepidus defended Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso (a friend of Tiberius, but also a relative of Lepidus) at his trial for the alleged poisoning of Germanicus.
In 21 AD, Tiberius offered him the governorship of
Modern scholars have suggested that Lepidus also restored the Basilica Aemilia in the Roman Forum in 22 AD and served as governor of Asia in 26 AD. Apparently, Lepidus was one of the few aristocrats obtaining high positions (including command of large armies) in this troubled time without ever being accused of plotting against the emperor. Although in 32 AD an important senator, Cotta Messalinus, openly attacked him because of his excessive influence in the senate, this accusation had no consequences. Lepidus died in 33 AD. Tacitus described him as "wise and noble" for his actions as a senator. According to Tacitus his actions could be taken as an example for independent aristocrats living under tyranny.
Descendants
It is possible Lepidus married
Notes
- ^ ISBN 9780198147312.
- ^ Barrett, Anthony, Caligula: the Corruption of Power, Transaction, 1989, see pp. 81-83.
- ^ Barrett, pp. 106-107.
References
- Tacitus: Annals
- Syme Ronald: The Augustan Aristocracy. Oxford University Press 1986