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Gaius Appius Iunius SilanusRoman consul in 28
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Early Career
- Accusation and Acquittal
- Arval Worship and Imperial Office
- Proconsulship of Hispania Tarraconensis
- Fall from Grace
- Plot and Execution
Appius Junius Silanus: A Roman Politician and Victim of Imperial Intrigue
Early Career
Appius Junius Silanus, born possibly to the consul of 10 AD, Gaius Junius Silanus, began his political career as urban praetor in 25 AD. In 28 AD, he rose to the prestigious position of ordinary consul.
Accusation and Acquittal
In 32 AD, Silanus, along with several other prominent senators, faced charges of treason. However, the tribune of the city guard, Celsus, exonerated him of all accusations.
Arval Worship and Imperial Office
Silanus was a member of the College of Arval Brothers. In 39 AD, he became a magister, holding an influential role within the organization.
Proconsulship of Hispania Tarraconensis
In 41 AD, Silanus was appointed propraetor legate of Hispania Tarraconensis, a province in modern-day northeastern Spain.
Fall from Grace
After the accession of Emperor Claudius, Silanus was summoned back from his province and married to the emperor's mother-in-law, Domitia Lepida the Younger. Initially, he held favor with Claudius. However, Silanus incurred the wrath of Claudius' wife, Messalina, by refusing her advances.
Plot and Execution
Messalina conspired with the powerful imperial freedman Narcissus to fabricate evidence of Silanus's involvement in a plot against Claudius. Narcissus and Messalina claimed to have had coinciding dreams that implicated Silanus.
By staging a mock attack on Silanus, the conspirators convinced Claudius of the truth of their allegations. Silanus was subsequently arrested and executed.
