Marcus Junius C. f. M. n. Silanus (c.26 BC-37)[1] was an Ancient Roman senator who became suffect consul in 15.[2] His daughter Junia Claudilla was the first wife of Emperor Caligula.[3] His brother was a senator named Decimus Junius Silanus who was banished for having an affair with Vipsania Julia during the reign of Augustus.[4]
Ancient historians considered Marcus Silanus a highly respected man. When Tiberius came to power, if a judicial decision made by Silanus were appealed to the emperor, Tiberius invariably rejected the appeal, trusting Silanus' decision, and sent the case back to him.[5] [6] He also had the honor of casting the first vote in the Senate,[7] and Silanus successfully talked Tiberius into recalling the banishment of his brother Decimus.[8]
In 33, his daughter Junia Claudilla married Caligula.[9][10] She died in 36[11] or early 37[12] but according to Philo, Silanus continued to treat Caligula as his own son.[13] In November or December of 37, Caligula had him executed for unclear reasons. Suetonius claims he plotted against Caligula [14] while Philo and other sources claim the emperor was simply annoyed by him. [15] [13]
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