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It is unfortunate that the death of Lucius Aelius Verus (101-138 AD) occurred before the death of his adoptive father, Emperor Hadrian. At the very least, it is interesting to imagine an alternate history stemming from an imperial administration led by the highly cultured and educated Aelius. But Aelius never got the chance, and arguably he wasn’t even supposed to be Caesar. That’s what the average Roman probably thought at the time. When Hadrian ascended as Emperor, it was widely expected that next in line was Lucius Julius Ursus Servianus, a prominent politician who was a strong ally of Hadrian’s predecessor (Augustus Trajan). And if there was any doubt about the fitness of Servianus – after all, he was Hadrian’s elder by more than three decades – next-in-line was Servianus‘ grandson, Lucius Pedanius Fuscus Salinator. However, the Roman world was in for a surprise in 136 AD when Augustus Hadrian, after suffering a serious illness, ordered that Aelius serve as his official Caesar and that Servianus and Salinator be put to death.
This denarius was struck in Rome the following year (137 AD). The obverse bare-headed bust of Aelius was engraved by an unknown ancient artisan in a scholarly yet virile style, encircled within the straightforwardly advertised epithet L AELIVS CAESAR. On the verso stands Felicitas, the Roman goddess embodying fertility and fortune, along with the inscription TR POT COS II, advertising Aelius’ credentials and leadership experience.
Even though Aelius’ resume was strong, his rise to power was unexpected. Reportedly, Hadrian’s choice was
invitis omnibus, or against the wishes of everyone. Regardless of public opinion, it became a moot point in 138 AD when Aelius unexpectedly died of an acute illness. The increasingly frail Hadrian needed a new heir, and he subsequently chose his close advisor, the respectable senator Titus Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus. As part of the deal, Hadrian insisted that Antoninus adopt as successors both his own nephew, Marcus Aurelius, and Aelius’ son Lucius Verus.
Hadrian’s motivation in originally choosing Aelius as Caesar remains uncertain. One theory asserts that Aelius was the Emperor’s illegitimate son. In this case, it makes sense that Hadrian would desire his son to succeed him, and, once bereft of that choice, he at least made assurances that his grandson might one day reach Rome’s throne.
Additional Reading: Hammond PB, Mark JR, Benefiel RR. Imperial epistaxis and edema: Insights into the death of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2021;0(0). doi:10.1177/01455613211042120.
COIN DETAILS: ROMAN EMPIRE, Aelius, Caesar, AD 136-138, AR Denarius (17.5mm, 3.31 g, 6h), Rome mint, Struck AD 137, NGC Grade: Ch VF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Obverse: Bare head right, L AELIVS CAESAR, Reverse: Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia, TR POT COS II, References: RIC II.3 2634; RSC 50.