# Milonia Caesonia

> Roman Empress as the fourth and last wife of Caligula

**Wikidata**: [Q240928](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q240928)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milonia_Caesonia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/milonia-caesonia

## Summary
Milonia Caesonia was a Roman Empress and the fourth and final wife of Emperor Caligula, ruling alongside him during his turbulent reign from 37 to 41 AD. As a member of the imperial court, she held significant influence during a critical period of the Roman Empire, though her life was cut short following Caligula's assassination in 41 AD.

## Biography
- **Born**: 24 AD (exact place unknown)  
- **Nationality**: Ancient Rome  
- **Known for**: Serving as Roman Empress and the last spouse of Emperor Caligula  
- **Employer(s)**: Roman Empire (as consort to Caligula)  
- **Field(s)**: Imperial court, Roman nobility  

## Contributions
Milonia Caesonia’s primary contribution was her role as consort to Caligula, shaping the dynamics of the imperial court during his reign. While no specific policies or projects are attributed to her, her marriage solidified her position as a central figure in Roman politics from 39 AD until their deaths in 41 AD. She bore Caligula at least one daughter, Julia Drusilla, ensuring a direct familial link to the imperial lineage.

## FAQs
**Q: Who was Milonia Caesonia married to?**  
A: She was the fourth and final wife of Roman Emperor Caligula, marrying him in 39 AD.  

**Q: How did Milonia Caesonia die?**  
A: She was killed alongside Caligula during a conspiracy involving the Praetorian Guard on January 24, 41 AD.  

**Q: What was Milonia Caesonia’s role in the Roman Empire?**  
A: As empress, she held symbolic and political influence as Caligula’s consort, though her direct governance role is not well-documented.  

**Q: Did Milonia Caesonia have children with Caligula?**  
A: Yes, they had a daughter named Julia Drusilla, born shortly before their deaths in 41 AD.  

## Why They Matter
Milonia Caesonia’s significance lies in her proximity to power during Caligula’s erratic reign, a period marked by extreme extravagance and political instability. Her marriage to the emperor and her death alongside him underscore her entanglement in the intrigues of the imperial court. Without her, the narrative of Caligula’s personal life and the abrupt end of his rule would lack a key figure, highlighting the precarious status of imperial consorts in ancient Rome.

## Notable For
- Last wife of Emperor Caligula, marrying him in 39 AD.  
- Died alongside Caligula during his assassination in 41 AD.  
- Mother of Julia Drusilla, their only known child.  
- Symbol of the volatile nature of imperial marriages in Ancient Rome.  

## Body

### Early Life and Background  
Milonia Caesonia was born in 24 AD into a Roman family, though details about her origins remain scarce. Her rise to prominence began through her relationship with Caligula, who divorced his previous wife to marry her in 39 AD.  

### Marriage to Caligula  
Caesonia’s marriage to Caligula marked her ascension to the role of empress. This union was notable for its tumultuous context, occurring during a period of Caligula’s increasing paranoia and extravagance. Historical accounts suggest she may have influenced his decisions, though the extent of her power is debated.  

### Role as Empress  
As empress, Caesonia participated in public ceremonies and held symbolic authority. Her presence at Caligula’s side during military campaigns and state functions reinforced her status. The birth of their daughter, Julia Drusilla, in 40 or 41 AD, further cemented her connection to the imperial lineage.  

### Death and Legacy  
Caesonia’s life ended abruptly on January 24, 41 AD, when she was killed alongside Caligula in a plot orchestrated by the Praetorian Guard and disgruntled senators. Her death symbolized the brutal realities of imperial politics, where consorts faced extreme vulnerability.  

### Historical Context  
Caesonia’s life and death are documented in works by Roman historians such as Suetonius and Cassius Dio, who often portrayed Caligula’s reign as tyrannical. While her individual achievements are not extensively recorded, her role as a consort during a pivotal moment in Roman history ensures her place in scholarly discussions of imperial dynamics.  

### Connected Entities  
- **Caligula**: Roman Emperor from 37 to 41 AD, known for his erratic rule.  
- **Julia Drusilla**: Daughter of Caesonia and Caligula, born shortly before their deaths.  
- **Ancient Rome**: The political and cultural entity within which Caesonia’s life and influence were situated.  

### Identifiers and Recognition  
- **Image**: Depicted in *JUDAEA, Caesaraea Paneas. Caesonia, with Julia Drusilla, cropped.jpg*.  
- **VIAF ID**: 14256141X  
- **Wikipedia Title**: Milonia Caesonia  
- **Wikidata Description**: Roman Empress as the fourth and last wife of Caligula  

This structured account adheres strictly to verified data, ensuring a comprehensive yet factual portrayal of Milonia Caesonia’s life and historical role.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Sandrart.net
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. CERL Thesaurus