Marcus Pontius Laelianus facts for kids

Marcus Pontius Laelianus Larcius Sabinus was an important Roman senator and general. He held many different jobs serving the Roman emperor. He became a consul (a top Roman official) in July-August of 145 AD. We mostly know about Laelianus from old inscriptions, which are like stone records carved in stone or metal.

Where He Came From and His Family

Historians believe Laelianus might have come from a place called Gallia Narbonensis (which is now part of France) or from Italy. His family's "tribe," called Pupina, was mostly found in Italy.

His family was quite important! His son, also named Marcus Pontius Laelianus, became a consul in 163 AD. He might have had a brother named Marcus Pontius Sabinus, who was a consul in 153 AD.

Some historians think Laelianus married Pompeia Sosia Falconilla. She was the daughter of a very important consul named Quintus Pompeius Sosius Priscus.

His Career in the Roman Empire

Laelianus's career path, called the cursus honorum, can be put together from two old inscriptions found in Rome.

Early Steps in Rome

His public career began as one of the quatraviri viarum curandorum. These four men were in charge of keeping the roads of Rome in good condition. This was part of a group called the vigintiviri, which was a first step for young Roman nobles in politics.

Next, he became a military tribune in Legio VI Victrix. This was a military role, like an officer. The records show he moved with this legion "from Germany to Britain." This means Laelianus was with the army unit when it moved from the Rhine River border to its new home in Roman Britain around 122 AD.

Political and Military Roles

After his military service, Laelianus became a quaestor for Gallia Narbonensis. A quaestor was a financial officer. Then, he was chosen by the emperor to be a plebeian tribune. This role protected the rights of common Roman citizens.

He then held the office of praetor. This was an important judge-like position. After being a praetor, Laelianus was appointed curator of Arausio, which meant he was in charge of managing that city.

Leading a Legion and Governing Provinces

Later, he received a second military command as legatus legionis, or commander, of Legio I Minervia. He led this legion from about 138 to 141 AD.

After leading the legion, Laelianus became a governor. He governed the Roman province of Pannonia Inferior from about 141 to 144 AD. A special military document from August 7, 143 AD, confirms he was the governor there.

His time as a consul followed this important role.

Post-Consulship and Priesthoods

As an ex-consul, Laelianus held two more major jobs for the emperor. First, he was the governor of Pannonia Superior from 145 to about 150 AD.

Soon after, he became the governor of the very important province of Syria. He governed Syria from about 150 AD until sometime after 153 AD.

At the same time as these important jobs, Laelianus also moved up in the ranks of ancient Roman priests. He was a member of the fetiales, who were priests known for being heralds or ambassadors. Later, he joined the sodales Antoniniani, who were priests in charge of honoring the emperor Antoninus Pius. He likely left this group when he joined the even more important College of Pontiffs.

Fighting in the Parthian War

Records show that Laelianus was involved in the Parthian War. This war happened between 161 and 166 AD. Even though he was nearly 60 years old at the time, he went with Emperor Lucius Verus to fight in this war.

Laelianus fought against different groups, including Germanic tribes, the Sarmatians, people from Armenia, and the Parthians. Because of his brave efforts in the war, Laelianus was given special military awards called dona militaria. These awards included four crowns and other honors.