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You might be familiar with the Roman Emperor Hadrian, famous for building Hadrian’s Wall in the north of England. However, you may not have heard of Aelius Caesar, his short-lived heir to the throne. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Aelius Caesar, the unexpected heir to Hadrian’s empire, and the intriguing story of his untimely death.

The Rise of Aelius Caesar: From Relative to Heir

In AD 136, Hadrian, facing health issues, turned his attention to the question of succession. After careful consideration, Hadrian chose Lucius Ceionius Commodus as his successor. He would be known as Lucius Aelius Caesar, marking the beginning of his brief yet pivotal role in Roman history.

However, Aelius Caesar lacked both military and administrative experience. To prepare him for leadership, Hadrian granted him tribunician power and sent him to the Danube Frontier to govern Pannonia. Sadly, Aelius never lived to ascend the throne, passing away in AD 138, leaving Hadrian heirless once again.

Controversy Surrounding Aelius Caesar's Succession

Aelius Caesar’s succession to the throne was not without controversy. In AD 130, Hadrian’s establishment of a cult and the minting of coins in honour of his favourite, Antinous, who tragically drowned in the Nile, had already stirred up scandal. Amidst this, rumours swirled that Aelius had been chosen purely for his good looks rather than his political or military abilities.

While earlier historians, such as Carcopino, suggested that Aelius was Hadrian’s illegitimate son, this theory has been largely discredited. It is more likely that Aelius gained Hadrian’s favour due to his refined tastes, cultural knowledge, and shared interests with the emperor in the arts and intellectual pursuits.

The Legacy of Aelius Caesar

After Aelius' death, Hadrian adopted Aurelius Antoninus, later known as Antoninus Pius, to be his successor. In a final act of influence, Hadrian required Antoninus to adopt Aelius’ son, Marcus Aurelius, ensuring the succession of one of the most famous Roman emperors.

Aelius Caesar's Forgotten Legacy

Though he never became emperor, his brief existence in the history of Rome played a pivotal role in the imperial succession. His connection to Hadrian and his eventual place in the story of Marcus Aurelius highlights the complexities of Roman imperial politics and the often-overlooked figures who shaped the empire.