DOMVS IVLIO–CLAVDIATHE IMPERIAL FAMILY ARCHIVE
The dynasty   /   People   /   Germanicus Gemellus
Twin brother of Tiberius Gemellus

Germanicus Gemellus

Germanicus Gemellus

Dynastic role
Twin brother of Tiberius Gemellus
Life
19 CE – 23 CE
Archive group
Heirs and princes

Germanicus Gemellus was one of the twin sons born to Livilla and Drusus the Younger. He was named for his maternal uncle Germanicus and died in early childhood.

The actual twin named Germanicus

Livilla gave birth to twin sons in the year her brother Germanicus died. One child received his uncle’s name and is conventionally called Germanicus Gemellus; his brother was Tiberius Gemellus. The word gemellus denotes a twin.

A short life

Germanicus Gemellus died in early childhood, leaving Tiberius Gemellus as the surviving twin. He never became a contender for imperial power, but his name can create confusion with his celebrated uncle.

Historical sources

Tacitus, Annals 2.84; 4.9
The birth of Livilla’s twins and the young Germanicus among the imperial descendants.

Suetonius, Caligula 14
Tiberius Gemellus as the surviving grandson and later co-heir.

About the sources and further reading