Lollia Paulina Caligula's third wife, in 38. Country: Italy

1. Biography of Lollius Paullina
2. Early Life and Family
3. Marriage to Publius Memmius Regulus
4. Relationship with Lollia Saturnina
5. Legacy

Biography of Lollius Paullina

Lollius Paullina was the third wife of Caligula in the year 38. She was born into a plebeian family, the daughter of Marcus Lollius (consul suffectus in 31) and Volusia Saturnina. Marcus Lollius came from the Lollia family, his father being Marcus Lollius, consul in 21 BC, and his mother being Aurelia Cotta, presumably the niece of Caesar's mother. Paullina inherited her beauty from her mother. Volusia was the daughter of Lucius Volusius Saturninus, consul suffectus in 12 BC, proconsul of Africa and praetor of Syria, and his wife Nonnia Polla.

Early Life and Family

Paullina had an older sister named Saturnina, born around 10 BC, who married Decimus Valerius Asiaticus, consul suffectus in 35 and consul in 46. Both sisters were known for their beauty. Paullina inherited a vast fortune from her grandfather, Marcus Lollius.

Marriage to Publius Memmius Regulus

In the early 30s, Paullina married Publius Memmius Regulus, consul suffectus in 31. He presided over the Senate sessions in which Sejanus was condemned to death. He personally accompanied Sejanus to his execution. In 35, Tiberius appointed him legate of Macedonia, Achaea, and Moesia. Paullina was Regulus' second wife, and the name of his first wife is unknown. He had a son, Gaius Memmius Regulus, with his first wife. In late 37, Caligula heard about Paullina's beauty and wealth, and summoned Regulus and his wife to Rome. There, Caligula forced Regulus to divorce Paullina and took her as his wife in early 38. Their marriage lasted for about six months, after which Caligula divorced Paullina, accusing her of infertility. Paullina was prohibited from marrying anyone else, although Regulus remained in Rome until February 39 and was willing to remarry her.

Relationship with Lollia Saturnina

In early 39, Caligula made Paullina's sister, Saturnina, his mistress, causing widespread public discussion. In 48, after the execution of Messalina, Caligula suggested to Claudius that he marry Paullina, who had been living alone in Rome since their divorce. However, Claudius chose Agrippina instead. Agrippina developed a deep hatred for Paullina and in 49, accused her of involvement with Chaldeans and magicians. Paullina was sentenced to exile and had her property confiscated. After leaving Rome, Paullina was forced to commit suicide, and her head was delivered to Agrippina.

Legacy

In 59, Nero ordered for Paullina's remains to be brought to Rome and built a tomb for her.