Gnaeus Papirius Aelianus
Gnaeus Papirius Aelianus Aemilius Tuscillus was a Roman senator and governor of Roman Britain in 146.
Anthony Birley notes two fragmentary inscriptions recorded at Iliberris bearing his name, which leads Birley to conclude Aelianus was a native of the town. Birley further identifies Aelianus as the governor of Dacia Superior named on a building inscription dated to 132 at Sarmizegetusa. Two different military diplomas attest he was suffect consul for the nundinium November-December 135 as the colleague of Publius Rutilius Fabianus.
Little is known of his tenure in Britain, although Aelianus was probably in charge of the occupation of the Scottish Lowlands following its reconquest by Quintus Lollius Urbicus. This may have been peaceful as he was able to spare troops to take part in the Moorish campaign of 145-7.
Nothing is known of Aelianus after he left Britain. Birley notes "it may be presumed that the homonymous cos. ord. 184 was his grandson."
