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Aelia Paetina married the future Emperor Claudius in 28 as his second wife. Their only child was their daughter Claudia Antonia, born in 30. Claudius divorced Paetina after October of 31 AD, when her adoptive brother fell from power and was murdered. [1]
Feb 27, 2018 · Claudius’ second bride was Aelia Paetina, but, as happened in the earlier betrothal, they divorced for political reasons. The final two wives of Emperor Claudius were particularly scandalous. Before ascending to the throne in the year 41, Claudius had taken Valeria Messalina as his third wife.
Paetina (fl. 30 CE) Roman noblewoman. Name variations: Aelia Paetina. Flourished around 30 ce; became second wife of Claudius (10 bce–54 ce), Roman emperor (r. 41–54 ce), before 27 ce (divorced 38 ce); children: Claudia Antonia (27–66 ce).
- Claudius’ Early Life
- Claudius’ Time as Emperor
- Claudius’ Death and Successor
- Claudius’ Greatest Achievements and Historical Significance
- Emperor Claudius FAQs
Claudius was born on August 1, 10 BC, in Lugdunum, Gaul (modern-day Lyon, France). His parents were Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia the Younger, the daughter of Mark Antony. He had two siblings; a brother, Germanicus (a famous general under Augustus), and a sister, Livilla. Claudius’ father, Drusus, died while on a military campaign after a fall f...
Claudius’ Accession as Emperor
On 24 January 41, Caligula was assassinated in a broad-based conspiracy involving Cassius Chaerea – a military tribune in the Praetorian Guard – and several senators. It was thought that Cassius wanted to wipe out the Imperial family. During the assassination, Claudius fled to the palace to hide, but was found hiding behind a curtain. The Praetorian Guard declared him Emperor, but the Senate met and began debating a change of government. Claudius refused to appear in front of the Senate for a...
Claudius and the Conquest of Britain
Under Claudius, the empire underwent its first major expansion since the reign of Augustus. The provinces of Thrace, Mauretania, Noricum, Pamphylia, Lycia, and Judeawere annexed during Claudius’ term. However, one of Claudius’ most notable achievements as Emperor was the conquest of Britannia. Claudius sent Aulus Plautius with four legions to Britain (Britannia) in 43. Britain was an attractive target for Rome because of its material wealth (mines and slaves), as well as being a haven for Gal...
Claudius and Legal Works
Claudius held a great interest in the legal system and judged many of the legal cases tried during his reign. Despite his interest and close attention to the operation of the judicial system, historians claim that Claudius was often easily swayed and his rulings did not always follow the law. He brought changes to the judicial system during his reign, including extending the summer court session, as well as the winter term, by shortening the traditional breaks. He also made a law requiring pl...
Claudius died in the early hours of October 13, 54. The exact nature of Claudius’ death is unknown, but it is widely considered that he was murdered by poison, which was possibly contained in mushrooms. There are a few different accounts of how this happened, with some saying he was killed after a single dose of poison at dinner, while others say t...
Claudius is historically significant and has been remembered for his achievements. While many thought he was not going to be a successful ruler due to his disabilities, he was responsible for many accomplishments throughout his time. Arguably his most remembered achievement was the expansion and of the empire with the conquest of Britain. The conqu...
Was Emperor Claudius disabled?
Claudius was disabled, although the exact details and diagnosis of his affliction are unknown. It is thought by historians that he may have suffered from cerebral palsy or Tourette syndrome. His speech was often confused and he stammered. He also slobbered and his nose ran when he was excited. His head shook and his knees often gave out under him, too. Because of these health issues, he was hidden from public view by his family for many years. Claudius, however, himself claimed that he had ex...
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He then married Plautia Urgulanilla, whose father had been honoured with a triumph, and later Aelia Paetina, daughter of an ex-consul. He divorced both these, Paetina for trivial offences, but Urgulanilla because of scandalous lewdness and the suspicion of murder.
According to Suetonius, Claudius divorced Paetina for slight offenses. In 48, after the execution of Claudius’ third wife Valeria Messalina, Claudius considered marrying for the fourth time. Claudius’ freedman Tiberius Claudius Narcissus suggested to him a remarriage to Paetina, and reminded him they had a child together.
Soon after (possibly in 28), Claudius married Aelia Paetina, a relation of Sejanus. They had a daughter, Claudia Antonia. He later divorced her after the marriage became a political liability (although Leon (1948) suggests it may have been due to emotional and mental abuse by Aelia).
