| Marcus Junius Silanus | |
| Children: | Junia Silana Junia Claudilla |
| Mother: | Atia M. f. |
| Father: | Gaius Junius M. f. Silanus |
| Relatives: | Caligula (son-in-law) |
| Family: | Junii Silani |
Marcus Junius C. f. M. n. Silanus (c. 26 BC - AD 37)[1] was an Ancient Roman senator who became suffect consul in AD 15.[2] His daughter Junia Claudilla was the first wife of Emperor Caligula.[2]
Marcus' father was Gaius Junius Silanus who was the son of Marcus Junius Silanus, the consul of 25 BC.[3] Marcus had two brothers Decimus Junius Silanus and Gaius Junius Silanus, and a sister named Junia Torquata. Decimus was banished for having an affair with Vipsania Julia during the reign of Augustus.[2] [3] Their mother may have been an Atia, daughter of Marcus Atius Balbus and Claudia. Balbus was the uncle of emperor Augustus.[4]
Ancient historians considered Marcus Silanus a highly respected man. When Tiberius came to power, if a judicial decision made by Silanus was appealed to the emperor, Tiberius invariably rejected the appeal, trusting Silanus' decision, and Tiberius would send the case back to him.[2] [5] He also had the honour of casting the first vote in the Senate.[1] Silanus successfully persuaded Tiberius to recall the banishment of his brother Decimus.[2]
Silanus had at least two daughters, Junia Silana and Junia Claudilla. In 33, his daughter Junia Claudilla married Caligula.[2] [6] She died in 36[7] or early 37[8] but according to Philo, Silanus continued to treat Caligula as his own son.[9] In November or December of 37, Caligula had him executed for unclear reasons. Suetonius claims he plotted against Caligula[10] while Philo and other sources claim the emperor was simply annoyed by him.[1] [11]