Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus (consul 26) facts for kids

Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus was an important Roman senator and general who lived a long time ago, dying in AD 39. He held a very high position in the Roman government as an ordinary consul in the year 26. Later in his life, Gaetulicus was involved in a plan against the emperor Caligula. After this plan was discovered, he was executed.

Family Background

Gaetulicus came from a well-known Roman family called the Cornelii Lentuli. His father was Cossus Cornelius Lentulus, who was a consul in 1 BC. Gaetulicus had a brother named Cossus Cornelius Lentulus, who also became a consul in AD 25. His sister, Cornelia, was married to his co-consul, Gaius Calvisius Sabinus.

Gaetulicus married a woman named Apronia, who was the daughter of Lucius Apronius. Together, they had at least one daughter and three sons. His sons included Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus, who became a consul in AD 55, Cossus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus, and Decimus Junius Silanus Gaetulicus.

Life and Career

Gaetulicus was known for being a supporter of Sejanus, who was a very powerful leader of the emperor's special guards, called the praetorian prefect. To show his support, Gaetulicus's daughter was even promised in marriage to one of Sejanus's sons. Because of this strong connection, Sejanus helped Gaetulicus advance in his career.

Becoming a Consul and Governor

In AD 26, Gaetulicus became a consul, which was a top political job in Rome. Later, in AD 29, he was appointed as the governor, or legatus pro praetore, of the important Roman province called Germania Superior. This was a big responsibility, as he was in charge of a large area and its Roman legions.

Surviving Political Danger

When Sejanus lost favor and was killed in AD 31, many of his supporters were also punished or killed. However, Gaetulicus was one of the few who managed to stay safe and even remain in a good position. A senator tried to accuse him, but the accusation failed, and the accuser was banished from Rome instead.

Historians say that Gaetulicus was very secure in his role as governor of Germania Superior. His soldiers liked him because he was kind and fair. Also, his father-in-law, Apronius, governed the neighboring province of Germania Inferior, which might have helped him. There was even a rumor that Gaetulicus and Emperor Tiberius had an agreement. Gaetulicus supposedly told the emperor that he had supported Sejanus because the emperor had advised it, not because it was his own idea. He promised to stay loyal as long as he was left alone in his province.

Downfall Under Caligula

Gaetulicus continued to be governor even after Tiberius died and Caligula became emperor. However, in AD 39, something went wrong that led to his downfall. The exact details are not fully clear, but historians like Suetonius and Dio Cassius mention it.

In September AD 39, Emperor Caligula traveled to Moguntiacum, which was the capital of Germania Superior. When he arrived, Gaetulicus was one of several people who were executed. It is believed that Gaetulicus was killed because he was very popular with his soldiers, which might have made the emperor nervous. Other people, including Caligula's sisters, were also punished around this time.

Writings and Legacy

Gaetulicus was not just a general and politician; he also enjoyed writing. He wrote a history or a set of memoirs, which were like personal accounts of events. These writings were used as sources by famous Roman historians like Suetonius for his book De vita Caesarum and Tacitus for his Annals.

His name, "Gaetulicus," also appears on nine poems found in the Greek Anthology. Some historians believe that he was the author of these poems. He also claimed that the tomb of the ancient Greek poet Archilochus was always haunted by wasps.

See also

In Spanish: Cneo Cornelio Léntulo Getúlico para niños