On this day (January, 13) in 101 AD Lucius Aelius, Hadrian’s first intended successor. was born. Aelius was the son of a powerful senatorial family. He served as consul in 136 AD and was officially adopted by Hadrian as his heir in 137 AD. However Aelius died before Hadrian on January 1st, 138 AD of tuberculosis. Hadrian was therefore forced to choose a new heir; Antoninus Pius.
Heroic statue of Lucius Aelius Caesar, Louvre
© Carole Raddato
“Verus was a man of joyous life and well versed in letters, and he was endeared to Hadrian, as the malicious say, rather by his beauty than by his character.” Historia Augusta
If you want to learn more about Lucius Aelius, I highly recommend you read Gareth Harney’s excellent article Aelius – Forgotten Prince.
