1. Overview
Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus, born in 31 AD, was a prominent Roman senator and Roman consul, serving twice during significant periods of the Roman Empire. He is most notably recognized as the maternal grandfather of Antoninus Pius, who later became Roman emperor. His life and career are integral to understanding the aristocratic networks and political landscape of late 1st century Roman society, highlighting his influence on the future emperor through kinship and financial legacy.
2. Life and Public Career
Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus was an influential figure in Roman politics, known for his distinguished family background, multiple terms as consul, and his significant connections within the Roman aristocracy.
2.1. Family Background and Early Life
Born in 31 AD, Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus was a member of the Arria gens, a family of significant standing, holding consular rank within Roman society. Details about his earliest life are scarce, but his family's prominence positioned him for a distinguished career in public service.
2.2. Major Public Offices
Antoninus held several key public offices during his career. He served as a Roman consul on two occasions. His first consulship was in 69 AD, where he served alongside Aulus Marius Celsus. He held the office of suffect consul for the second time in 97 AD, with Gaius Calpurnius Piso as his colleague. Beyond his consular duties, Antoninus also served as the Proconsul of the Roman Province of Asia during the period of 78 AD to 79 AD, a significant administrative role in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
2.3. Social Connections and Reputation
Antoninus maintained notable social relations and political connections throughout his life. He was a close friend and correspondent of the distinguished senator and historian Pliny the Younger. His character was also positively noted in historical accounts; the Historia Augusta describes him as a "righteous person". This work also records that he expressed pity for Nerva when Nerva ascended to the emperorship in 96 AD. Historian John Grainger has highlighted Antoninus's central role as the "senior figure in a potent aristocratic network." This network was primarily centered in Gallia Narbonensis but extended its influence into Spain, including other prominent figures such as T. Aurelius Fulvus, Publius Julius Lupus, and M. Annius Verus.
3. Family
Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus was married to Boionia Procilla. Together, they had two daughters: Arria Antonina and Arria Fadilla.
His daughter, Arria Fadilla, married Titus Aurelius Fulvus, who served as an ordinary consul in 89 AD. Their only child was Antoninus Pius, born Titus Aurelius Fulvus Boionius Arrius Antoninus, who later became Roman Emperor from 138 AD to 161 AD. Antoninus Pius's father, Titus Aurelius Fulvus, passed away when his son was still young, leading to Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus taking a significant role in his grandson's upbringing.
Antoninus Pius, Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus's grandson, was later adopted by Emperor Hadrian, officially incorporating Antoninus Pius into the prominent Nerva-Antonine dynasty and paving the way for his ascension to the throne. Following Hadrian's death, Antoninus Pius became emperor, and he himself later adopted Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, who would go on to rule jointly. Marcus Aurelius's son, Commodus, later became emperor, further extending the imperial line derived through Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus's granddaughter, Arria Fadilla.
Following the death of Titus Aurelius Fulvus, Arria Fadilla married Publius Julius Lupus, who was a suffect consul in 98 AD. From this second marriage, Fadilla had two more daughters: Julia Fadilla and Arria Lupula.
4. Legacy and Influence
Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus played a crucial role in the early life of his maternal grandson, Antoninus Pius, taking on the responsibility of raising him. Upon Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus's death, Antoninus Pius inherited his substantial wealth. This inheritance, combined with other familial bequests, significantly contributed to Antoninus Pius's financial standing, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in Ancient Rome. Beyond this direct familial and financial impact, Antoninus's broader influence stemmed from his position as a central figure in a powerful aristocratic network, which contributed to the social dynamics and political landscape of the Roman Empire during his lifetime and beyond.