Aelia Paetina

Aelia Paetina or Paetina was a Roman woman who lived in the 1st century. Her biological father was consul of 4, Sextus Aelius Catus while her mother is unknown. She was born into the family of the Aelii Tuberones, and thus apparently descended from the consul of 11 BC. Her father may have died when she was very young, as she was raised by her relative Praetorian Guard Prefect Lucius Seius Strabo (the biological father of her adoptive brother or relative Lucius Aelius Sejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard under Roman Emperor Tiberius).

Aelia Paetina married the future Roman Emperor Claudius in 28, as his second wife. Their only child was their daughter Claudia Antonia, born in 30. Claudius divorced Paetina after October 31, after when her adoptive brother fell from power and was murdered. According to Suetonius, Claudius divorced Paetina for slight offences.

In 48, after the death of Roman Empress and Claudius’ third wife Valeria Messalina, Claudius considered remarrying for the fourth time. Claudius’ freedman Tiberius Claudius Narcissus supported a remarriage to Paetina. He suggested to Claudius to remarry her and reminded him they had a child together. Narcissus also stated that Paetina would cherish Claudia Octavia and Britannicus, as her own children. (Claudia Octavia and Britannicus were Claudius’ children with Messalina).

Another Freedman, Gaius Julius Callistus, was against Claudius remarrying Paetina and stated to Claudius that he divorced her before; Callistus said that remarrying Paetina would make her more arrogant. Callistus suggested Lollia Paulina. Another Freedman, Marcus Antonius Pallas, recommended Claudius' niece, Agrippina the Younger. Agrippina was chosen, with dire implications for Claudius' children.

ources

* Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, Claudius.
* Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome.