| Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (consul Ad 6) |
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ORIGIN AND EARLY CAREER Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (c. 30 BC - 33 AD) was the son of Cornelia Scipio and Lucius Aemilius Paullus (who served as a censor) and brother-in-law to Augustus ' granddaughter Vipsania Julia . Thus, he was a descendant of one of the oldest Patrician families, the Aemilii. He became consul in 6 AD. He then distinguished himself as legate in charge of an army during the Illyrian War (6-9 AD) under the command of Tiberius , the future emperor. After the end of the war he served as governor of Dalmatia or Pannonia (modern day Croatia and Bosnia). At the time of Augustus ’ death, in 14 AD he was governor of Northern Spain in charge of an army of 3 legions. Interestingly, while there were serious riots in the armies in Germany and Pannonia after Augustus' death, Lepidus army gave no trouble. ACTIVITIES DURING THE REIGN OF TIBERIUS to praise Lepidus’ moderation (as well as the senate’s zeal in persecuting any offence against the emperor). Modern scholars have suggested that Marcus Lepidus also restored the Basilica Aemilia in the Roman Forum in 22 AD and served as governor of the province of Asia in 26 AD. Apparently, Lepidus was one of the few aristocrats obtaining high positions (including command of large armies) in this troubled time without ever being accused of plotting against the emperor. Although in 32 AD an important senator (Cotta Messalinus) openly attacked him because of his excessive influence in the senate, this accusation had no consequences. Lepidus died in 33 AD. Tacitus described him as "wise & noble" for his actions as a senator. According to Tacitus his actions could be taken as an example for independent aristocrats living under tyranny. DESCENDANTS Lepidus’ daughter Aemilia Lepida III married Drusus (Germanicus’ son); she committed suicide after being accused of adultery. Lepidus’ son Marcus Aemilius Lepidus became Caligula ’s brother-in-law and there were rumors that Caligula had indicated him as a possible successor. However, he was involved in a conspiracy in 39 AD and was murdered. REFERENCES
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