Lucius Ceionius Commodus, the future Lucius Verus, was born on December 15 in AD 130. He was the son of Aelius Caesar, Hadrian’s first choice as a successor, but Lucius’ father died when he was only seven years old. Having lost his first choice as successor, Hadrian designated Antoninus Pius to be his successor and required him, in turn, to adopt Lucius as well as Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus ruled jointly for eight years, from AD 161 to 169.

As a tribute to Lucius Verus’ birthday, here is a selection of his surviving portraits.

Lucius Verus is remembered for being a fairly successful military conqueror. He made successful campaigns in Armenia and Mesopotamia and sacked Ctesiphon, the Parthian capital (see Lucius Verus and the Parthians). Verus also campaigned with Marcus Aurelius in the vicinity of Pannonia against the Marcomanni. Returning home in AD 169, the junior emperor fell ill and died soon after at the age of 38. Rome was left with a sole ruler again. Source

More portraits of Lucius Verus can be viewed from my image collection on Flickr.

Recommended book on Lucius Verus: Lucius Verus and the Roman Defence of the East by M.C. Bishop (Pen & Sword Military 2018)

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