Lucius Roscius Aelianus Maecius Celer was aRomansenator of the second century. He wassuffect consul in thenundinium of November-December AD 100 withTiberius Claudius Sacerdos Julianus as his colleague.[1] Celer is primarily known from inscriptions.
The origins of Maecius Celer have attracted some discussion. The fact that the final elements of our man's name are shared with the consul of 101,Marcus Maecius Celer, have led some experts[2] to suggest the two men are brothers and our Maecius Celer had been adopted by a Roscius. However Olli Salomies endorsesRonald Syme's hypothesis that hisfiliationM.f. refers to a Marcus Roscius, namelyMarcus Roscius Coelius, consul in 81, who married an aunt of the consul of 101, and this was the source of the last two name elements; instead of brothers, the two Maecii Celeres are cousins.[3]
Lucius Roscius L.[f. Qui. Paculus Mae]cius Celer M[...] Postumus Mam[ilianus? ...] Vergilius Staberia[nus ...], quaestor to the emperorHadrian, is likely the son or grandson of this Maecius Celer.[3]
Celer'scursus honorum is partially known from an inscription set up atTibur by his friend, Gaius Vecilius Probus;[4]Anthony Birley notes that "Vecilius Probus gave only a selection of posts on the Tibur inscription. Otherwise, it would certainly be curious that he held a relatively early consulship, with no appointments in the imperial service to his credit."[5] According to Probus, Celer's career began as one of thedecemviri stlitibus iudicandis, one of the four boards of thevigintiviri, a preliminary and required first step toward gaining entry into the Roman Senate. Celer was thenmilitary tribune inLegio IX Hispana, which was stationed inRoman Britain. DuringDomitian's Chattan War of 83, twovexillations were sent from Legio IX to Germany, one under Celer, the other under Velius Rufus. For Celer's efforts in the conflict, he was awardedDona militaria appropriate for his rank.[6] He was admitted to the Senate when he becamequaestor for an unnamed emperor, possiblyDomitian; this was followed by the traditional republican magistracies ofplebeian tribune andpraetor. Syme argues the date of his praetorship fell in the years 90 to 94, making him a contemporary ofTacitus.[7] Celer's consulate followed.
The only office Celer is known to have held after his consulate is theproconsular governorship ofAfrica, whichWerner Eck has dated to 117/118.[8] His life after this governorship, as well as the date of his death, is unknown.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded byas suffect consuls | Suffect consul of theRoman Empire 100 withTiberius Claudius Sacerdos Julianus | Succeeded byas ordinary consuls |