Antonius - Definition and Overview

Antonius (fem. Antonia) was the nomen of the gens Antonia, one of the most important plebeian (meaning not patrician) families of ancient Rome. The family claimed descendancy from Anton, a son of the god Hercules. Women of the family carried the name Antonia, according to tthe Roman naming convention. The Antonii produced several important Roman generals and politicians, listed bellow.

• Mark Antony (83 - 30 BC), ally of Julius Caesar, Triumvir and afterwards enemy of Caesar Augustus. Probably the most famous Antonius, his life is depicted in William Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra

Other Antonii

• Gaius Antonius (died 42 BC)
• Gaius Antonius Hybrida, Mark Antony's uncle
• Lucius Antonius, Mark Antony's brother
• Marcus Antonius Creticus, Mark Antony's father
• Marcus Antonius Orator (died 87 BC)

Women

• Julia Antonia
• Antonia Major
• Antonia Minor

Others

• lex Antonia
• Emperors Gordian I, Gordian II and Gordian III were also members of the Antonius family, although not directly related to the Republic protagonists cited above.