Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus Silanus

Who was Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus Silanus?

Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus Silanus, born Iunius Silanus was adopted by a descendant of the optimate Quintus Caecilius Metellus Creticus and the natural son of Marcus Junius Silanus. He was a Consul in 7 AD and governor of Syria from 13 AD to 17 AD. Silanus was socially connected with the then heir to the Roman principate Germanicus, his daughter at one time was betrothed to Germinicus' son Nero.

Towards the end of the governorship of Creticus Silanus Vonones seized the throne of Armenia, however Vonones was unpopular wth the neighbouring Parthian Empire and war threatened. The Romans, not desiring war with Parthia had Cretius Silanus summon Vonones to his court in Syria in 16 AD. There Vonones was kept under surveillance and permitted to retain his royal pomp and title.

Creticus Silanus was removed as governor of Syria by Tiberius to make way for Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso in 17 AD.