Marcus Didius Julianus entered the world on the 29th of January 133. His father was Quintus Petronius Didius Severus, a man from Mediolanum, now known as Milan. His mother was Aemilia Clara, a North African woman of Roman descent who belonged to a family of consular rank. This background placed him within the upper echelons of Roman society from birth. He had two brothers named Didius Proculus and Didius Nummius Albinus. Domitia Calvilla, the mother of emperor Marcus Aurelius, raised him during his early years. Her influence helped secure his appointment to the vigintivirate at a very young age. This office served as the first step toward public distinction for any ambitious Roman nobleman.
Governor Of Dalmatia And Germania
Julianus held several key offices including quaestor and aedile before becoming praetor around 162. He commanded Legio XXII Primigenia in Mogontiacum, modern-day Mainz. In 170 he became prefect of Gallia Belgica where he served five years. He repelled an invasion by the Chauci tribe dwelling near the river Weser. This military success led to his consulship in 175 alongside Pertinax. He further distinguished himself fighting against the Chatti tribe. Julianus governed both Dalmatia and Germania Inferior. Commodus later made him prefect charged with distributing money to Italy's poor. Modern historians view this role as a demotion due to political fears about Julianus' growing power. He was accused of conspiring against Commodus but the jury acquitted him instead punishing his accuser. Later he governed Bithynia and succeeded Pertinax as proconsul of North Africa.The Praetorian Auction For The Throne