Aelia Paetina
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aelia Paetina or Paetina was a Roman woman who lived in the first century. Her mother is unknown and her biological father was consul of 4, Sextus Aelius Catus. She was born into the family of the Aelii Tuberones. She was raised by her relative Praetorian Guard Prefect Lucius Seius Strabo and became the adoptive sister of Praetorian Guard Lucius Aelius Sejanus.
She married the future Roman Emperor Claudius in 28, as his second wife. Their only child was their daughter Claudia Antonia, born in 30. Claudius divorced Paetina after October 31, after when her adoptive brother fell from power and was murdered. According to Suetonius, Claudius also divorced Paetina for slight offences associated with scandalous misbehaviour and suspicion of murder.
In 48, after the death of Roman Empress and Claudius’ third wife Valeria Messalina, Claudius considered in remarrying for the fourth time. Claudius’ freedman Tiberius Claudius Narcissus supported Paetina. He suggested to Claudius to remarry her and reminded him they had a child together. Narcissus also stated that Paetina would cherish Claudia Octavia and Britannicus, as her own children. Claudia Octavia and Britannicus were Claudius’ children with Messalina.
Another Freedman, Gaius Julius Callistus was against Claudius remarrying Paetina and stated to Claudius that he divorced her before and remarrying Paetina, would make her more arrogant. Claudius chose to marry his niece Agrippina the Younger.
