WI: Emperor Corbulo

WI: Emperor Corbulo

220px-Pseudo-Corbulo_Musei_Capitolini_MC561.jpg


One of the early Roman Empire's best generals, Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, was known for successful campaigns on the Rhine and in Armenia. He was loyal to a fault and committed suicide at Emperor Nero's command in 67 AD. What if instead we make Corbulo a bit more ambitious. So at the conclusion of his eastern campaigns we have Corbulo, with the support of his men, declare himself emperor. Do you think his play for the throne would be successful? Could he be similar to Vespasian or go the way of Galba, Otho, Vitellius?

Cassius Dio: “Corbulo, in spite of the large force that he enjoyed, did not rebel and was never accused of rebellion. He might easily have been made emperor, since men thoroughly detested Nero but all admired him [Corbulo] in every way.”
http://warfarehistorynetwork.com/daily/military-history/roman-generals-gnaeus-domitius-corbulo/
 
One problem i see with Corbulo as emperor is that he was already 60 years old when he committed suicide IOTL. The essence of the question, thus, is who his adopted heir would be.
 
One problem i see with Corbulo as emperor is that he was already 60 years old when he committed suicide IOTL. The essence of the question, thus, is who his adopted heir would be.
Wasn't Domitian his son-in-law, or is my memory failing me? If so, then, well, shit.
 
Wasn't Domitian his son-in-law, or is my memory failing me? If so, then, well, shit.
Not quite. Corbulo's youngest daughter Domitia Longina was married to Lucius Aelius Lamia Plautius Aelianus (what a mouthful) until 70 CE-upon which time Domitian apparently convinced Aleianus to divorce her and let him marry her (and later executed him while emperor). Domitian was apparently infatuated with Domitia Longina though, so who knows, maybe he manages to maneuver his way in if Corbulo takes a liking to him for some reason.

As it stands though, Corbulo's eldest daughter is married to Lucius Annius Vinicianus (who also, incidentally, met his demise for his role in the plot to overthrow Nero.) and Domitia Longina is married to the aforementioned Aelianus. This marriage produced a son-Lucius Fundanius Lamia Aelianus, who went on to have a pretty distinguished career in under Trajan and Hadrian. So there's already a secure successioln if Corbulo would choose to go that route.

On the other hand, Vinicianus served with Corbulo in the Parthian War, and he and the elder Domitia may also have a son. He also has very loose ties to the Julio-Claudians through his mother whose brother was married to Julia Livilla. He's also younger than Aelianus.

Aelianus is probably the more desirable option from a "who would make a better emperor and set up a better dynasty" perspective though.
 
Not quite. Corbulo's youngest daughter Domitia Longina was married to Lucius Aelius Lamia Plautius Aelianus (what a mouthful) until 70 CE-upon which time Domitian apparently convinced Aleianus to divorce her and let him marry her (and later executed him while emperor). Domitian was apparently infatuated with Domitia Longina though, so who knows, maybe he manages to maneuver his way in if Corbulo takes a liking to him for some reason.

As it stands though, Corbulo's eldest daughter is married to Lucius Annius Vinicianus (who also, incidentally, met his demise for his role in the plot to overthrow Nero.) and Domitia Longina is married to the aforementioned Aelianus. This marriage produced a son-Lucius Fundanius Lamia Aelianus, who went on to have a pretty distinguished career in under Trajan and Hadrian. So there's already a secure successioln if Corbulo would choose to go that route.

On the other hand, Vinicianus served with Corbulo in the Parthian War, and he and the elder Domitia may also have a son. He also has very loose ties to the Julio-Claudians through his mother whose brother was married to Julia Livilla. He's also younger than Aelianus.

Aelianus is probably the more desirable option from a "who would make a better emperor and set up a better dynasty" perspective though.

Where did I find mention of a loose family connection between Corbulo and the Flavians before Nero's death, then? (perhaps I was simply getting something wrong). However, very interesting stuff.
 
Top