Gnaeus Papirius Aelianus facts for kids

Gnaeus Papirius Aelianus Aemilius Tuscillus was an important Roman senator. He lived during the time of Emperor Antoninus Pius.

Aelianus became a special kind of consul in 135 AD. A consul was a top official in ancient Rome. He served from September to December that year. We know this from old Roman military records. Aelianus is most famous for being the governor of Roman Britain in 146 AD.

Early Life and Career

Historian Anthony Birley found old stone writings with Aelianus's name. These writings were found in a town called Iliberris. This suggests Aelianus might have been from that town.

These old writings tell us about his early career steps. First, he was a quaestor in Achaea, which is modern-day Greece. A quaestor was a Roman official who managed public money. After this, he became a military tribune. This meant he was an officer in a Roman army legion.

Anthony Birley also believes Aelianus was the governor of Dacia Superior (modern-day Romania). His name is on a building inscription from 132 AD in Sarmizegetusa.

Time as Governor of Britain

We don't know much about Aelianus's time as governor in Britain. He was likely in charge of the Scottish Lowlands. This area had just been taken back by another Roman general, Quintus Lollius Urbicus.

His time there might have been peaceful. He was even able to send some troops to help with a military campaign. This campaign took place in North Africa between 145 and 147 AD.

We don't know what happened to Aelianus after he left Britain. It is thought that a consul with the same name in 184 AD might have been his grandson.

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