Junia Claudilla

Junia Claudilla (d. AD 34, 36 or 37), also known as Junia Claudia, was the first wife of the Roman Emperor Caligula before he came to power. Biography Early life Her father was a distinguished senator named Marcus Junius Silanus, one of emperor Tiberius closest friends. She was the sister of Junia Silana who was a friend of Caligula's sister Julia Agrippina. Maxwell Craven has speculated that her mother may have been a Claudia and a relative of Tiberius. Ronald Syme agrees that Claudilla was likely related to Tiberius, but thinks the descent came from her father. She was likely also closely related to Appius Junius Silanus through the Claudii Pulchri. Marriage Claudilla was given in marriage to the young prince by his grand-uncle the Emperor Tiberius. Tiberius reasons for arranging the match is unknown. In terms of succession it made no obvious sense as each of Caligula's brothers had been married off to a cousin within the Julio-Claudian family, adding extra prestige to the men, while Claudilla is not known to have had any such ancestry. It seems that Tiberius did not consider the possibility of Caligula remarrying one of his brothers widows. Tiberius may have picked her simply because there were no women of appropriate background for Caligula. It is also possible that Tiberius arranged the match because it would bring Caligula more under his control due to his new father-in-law being a firm supporter of Tiberius. Anthony Barrett on the other hand has argued that the marriage implied favour from Tiberius towards Caligula, since it was impressive compared to those of his sisters. They were married at Antium either in 31 before Sejanus fell from favour or in 33 when the last of Sejanus supporters were ousted (if it was in 33 then it would likely have been between the second half of July and first half of August). Tiberius himself attended the ceremony which would have been a rare appearance for him on the mainland (Tiberius preferred to stay on his island during this period). Claudilla likely accompanied her husband to Capri where the political intrigues were in full force during his youth.