Lucius Aelius, Roman adopted son of Hadrian (d. 138)

Lucius Aelius Caesar, originally known as Lucius Ceionius Commodus, was born on January 13, 101 CE. Though he never ascended to the imperial throne himself, he holds significant importance in the history of the Roman Empire as the father of Emperor Lucius Verus and, crucially, as Emperor Hadrian's initial chosen successor.

Hadrian's Chosen Heir: The Adoption of Lucius Aelius Caesar

By 136 CE, Emperor Hadrian faced a critical challenge: securing a stable imperial succession. Lacking a natural-born son, Hadrian meticulously planned for the future of the vast Roman Empire. His solution came with the formal adoption of Lucius Aelius, bestowing upon him the prestigious title of "Caesar." This act officially designated Lucius Aelius as Hadrian's heir apparent, marking him as the future emperor. Historical accounts suggest that Hadrian favored Lucius Aelius, possibly due to his distinguished senatorial background or personal connection, despite concerns some senators may have held regarding his seemingly delicate health.

A Premature End: The Death of Hadrian's First Successor

Tragically, Lucius Aelius's destiny as emperor was never realized. He passed away prematurely on January 1, 138 CE, just shy of his 37th birthday. His death, widely attributed to tuberculosis, occurred before that of his adoptive father, Hadrian. This unexpected loss fundamentally altered Hadrian's carefully laid succession plans, plunging the emperor back into the urgent task of finding a new successor for the Roman Empire.

A New Imperial Plan: Antoninus Pius and the Future Emperors

Following Lucius Aelius's untimely demise, Hadrian quickly devised a new strategy to ensure the continued stability of the imperial lineage. He adopted Antoninus Pius, a respected and capable senator. However, this adoption came with a crucial and ingenious condition: Antoninus Pius was required, in turn, to adopt two younger men. These were Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian's great-nephew by marriage and a promising young intellectual, and Lucius Verus, the biological son of the recently deceased Lucius Aelius Caesar. This farsighted arrangement ensured that even if Antoninus Pius had no direct heirs, the imperial succession would continue through both lines, ultimately leading to the co-emperorship of Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus. Thus, despite his own early death, Lucius Aelius Caesar's legacy ultimately manifested through his son's eventual rise to the highest office in Rome.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lucius Aelius Caesar

Who was Lucius Aelius Caesar?
Lucius Aelius Caesar was the adopted son and first designated heir of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. He was also the biological father of Emperor Lucius Verus, who later co-ruled with Marcus Aurelius.
Why was Lucius Aelius Caesar adopted by Hadrian?
Emperor Hadrian, lacking a natural heir to the Roman throne, adopted Lucius Aelius in 136 CE to secure the imperial succession and ensure the stability of the Roman Empire after his own reign.
Did Lucius Aelius Caesar become emperor?
No, Lucius Aelius Caesar never became emperor. He tragically died on January 1, 138 CE, from an illness (likely tuberculosis), before his adoptive father Hadrian passed away later that same year.
What happened after Lucius Aelius Caesar's death?
After Lucius Aelius's death, Emperor Hadrian adopted Antoninus Pius as his new heir. As part of this new succession plan, Antoninus Pius was required to adopt both Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Aelius's own son, Lucius Verus, ensuring the continuity of the imperial lineage.