WI: Commodus dies before Marcus Aurelius. Who is the heir?

Hi guys... first post lol. Loving it here so far.
Anyway, who would be the most likely candidates for the successor to Marcus Aurelius? Note: This is after the death of his other son as well. Let's say 176 so we don't have the issue of Commodus already being a co-emperor... ;)

Personally I was thinking...

1. Marcus Petronius Sura Mamertinus

2. Tiberius Claudius Pompeianus (I know he was reluctant, but perhaps for his son?)

3. Lucius Antistius Burrus

These are all son-in-laws. As for non-relatives...

Avidius Cassius? Pertinax? Titus Pollio?

Any other thoughts are welcome. Also, any potential analysis of the effects of this is welcome too.
 

Welcome to AlternateHistory! Happy to hear that you like it here!

As for an answer to your question, I'd believe that it'd be Marcus Petronius Sura Mamertinus. Pertinax is a decent bloke, but keep in mind - he's not an in-law of the emperor. Marcus has the advantage of being closer related.

That being said, if Marcus were to adopt Pertinax as their heir, then Pertinax could become Emperor. He was a pretty good ruler, all things considered, even if he couldn't bribe his way through the Praetorians.
 
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Anyway, who would be the most likely candidates for the successor to Marcus Aurelius? Note: This is after the death of his other son as well. Let's say 176 so we don't have the issue of Commodus already being a co-emperor... ;)


Avidius Cassius? Pertinax? Titus Pollio?


176 CE was too late for Cassius who had already lost his life in a failed bid for the purple. I think the Empire might've been better off had he succeeded though. Besides preempting Commodus, Cassius might've ensured tighter military discipline, and therefore obviated some of the third century chaos.
 
Oh gooodness, I forgot about Cassius being dead. :p

I have to ask though, why is Marcus Mamertinus adopting Pertinax when he has a son (and grandson of Marcus Aurelius), Petronius Antonius? Not certain when he is born, but he is perhaps three when Commodus dies in this TL? If Marcus dies at same time as OTL, Petronius will be far too young. Perhaps an adoption would be necessary if Aurelius can't hold out a little longer.

Edit: Lucius Pompeianus is a possibility I considered myself. He is born OTL one year after our POD. He probably still exists, and my hesitance to just say it will be him is because his father declined being heir/emperor/co-emperor multiple times.

Second Edit: Ah, Maximus. Wouldn't that be something if a Roman Emperor was also a movie star?
 
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so what makes these three son in laws stand out? Seriously honest question i Know nothing about the family of Marcus Aurelius
 
Good question: I thought they were the only ones lol. But after further research, I found that Marcus Aurelius's daughter Fadilla married Marcus Peducaeus Plautius Quintillius, nephew of Lucius Verus. This guy does not seem to have been favored particularly by Marcus Aurelius, but his blood connections and marriage make him an easy candidate. He was consul a year after my POD. Apologies for not including him.
 
Good question: I thought they were the only ones lol. But after further research, I found that Marcus Aurelius's daughter Fadilla married Marcus Peducaeus Plautius Quintillius, nephew of Lucius Verus. This guy does not seem to have been favored particularly by Marcus Aurelius, but his blood connections and marriage make him an easy candidate. He was consul a year after my POD. Apologies for not including him.
So why do the sons in law in the op stand out?
 
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