Aulus Platorius Nepos facts for kids
Aulus Platorius Nepos was an important Roman senator. He held many big jobs in the Roman government, including being the governor of Britain. He became a consul (a very high official) in 119 AD, serving alongside Emperor Hadrian.
Historians note that Nepos's career was a bit unusual for someone who became governor of Britain. For example, he started his government career in a less popular role, but still managed to get the emperor's support for higher positions. Also, he was one of only a few people who became a consul after just one major job before that.
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Who Was Aulus Platorius Nepos?
Aulus Platorius Nepos was a Roman official who lived during the time of the Roman Empire. He was known for his close friendship with Emperor Hadrian. This friendship helped him rise through the ranks of the Roman government. He held several important positions, showing his dedication to the empire.
Early Life and Career
It's not clear exactly where Aulus Platorius Nepos was born. However, because he was a good friend of Emperor Hadrian and they shared the same family group (called a "tribe"), it's thought he might have come from southern Spain. His family name, Platorius, was common in that area.
In the late 1st century, Nepos began his career as a military officer with a Roman legion called Legio XXII Primigenia. He was stationed in a place called Mainz. The governor of that region noticed his skills and brought him to the attention of Emperor Trajan. Emperor Trajan then directly supported Nepos's path to becoming a senator.
Nepos likely became a praetor (another important Roman official) around 111 AD. After that, he managed roads in a region called Etruria in 112 and 113 AD. He then led a Roman legion, Legio I Adiutrix, during Emperor Trajan's wars in Parthia.
Governor of Britain and Hadrian's Wall
When Hadrian became emperor, Nepos was made governor of Thracia (a Roman province). Soon after, in the spring of 119 AD, he became a consul. He then became governor of Germania Inferior. While he was governor there, Emperor Hadrian visited him in 121 AD during his travels.
Nepos then traveled with Hadrian to Britain in 122 AD. There, he became the governor of the province. His most famous task was overseeing the construction of Hadrian's Wall. This famous wall was built to protect the Roman Empire's borders in Britain. Nepos likely brought a new legion, Legio VI Victrix, with him from the continent to help build the wall.
His time as governor of Britain is confirmed by two official documents called military diplomas. One is dated July 17, 122 AD, and the other is dated September 15, 124 AD.
After his time in Britain, Nepos did not seek any more official government jobs. Bricks found with his name on them, dated to 134 AD, show that he owned a brick-making business near Rome. At some point, Nepos also held a religious role called an augur. An old book, the Historia Augusta, mentions that Hadrian later came to dislike his old friend, but this book is not always accurate.
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