'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 Greek god
Hercules. Women of the family carried the name ''Antonia'', according to the
Roman naming convention. The Antonii produced several important Roman generals and politicians, listed below.
★ '
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''. He promulgated the
Lex Antonia.
Other Antonii
★
Marcus Antonius Antyllus, Mark Antony's eldest son by
Fulvia (died
30 BC)
★
Iullus Antonius, Mark Antony's youngest son by
Fulvia (died
2 BC)
★
Gaius Antonius, Mark Antony's younger brother (died
42 BC)
★
Gaius Antonius Hybrida, Mark Antony's uncle
★
Lucius Antonius, Mark Antony's second younger brother
★
Marcus Antonius Creticus, Mark Antony's father
★
Marcus Antonius Orator, Mark Antony 's grandfather (died
87 BC)
★
Antonius Natalis, an
equestrian, member of the
Pisonian conspiracy against
Nero.
Women
★
Julia Antonia
★
Antonia Major
★
Antonia Minor
★
Claudia Antonia
Others
★ Emperors
Gordian I,
Gordian II and
Gordian III were also members of the Antonius ''gens'', although not directly related to the Republic protagonists cited above.
Present day
★
Patrik Antonius,
Finnish professional
poker player