Pliny, West Virginia Statistic: Population, Charts, Map, Steets and More

Pliny's father arranged a tutoring relationship for his nephew, Lucius Verginius Rufus, after his father's death. Lucius was an older brother of Pliny and seems to have served as Pliny's mentor when he first entered the political arena. The brother's piety, as well as their knowledge of the city's history and its people, may have influenced Pliny to pursue his political career.

A number of Roman officials sought to enrich themselves through their patronage. Letter 4.4 offers some insight into the Roman patronage system. This letter indicates that women played an important role in the advancement of men in their careers. Although women were not allowed to become a senator or a dean in Rome, they were granted significant roles in the provincial government. Therefore, it is possible that a Roman official could become rich by investing in real estate.

While the number of women mentioned in Pliny's letter is unknown, it is possible that he had more than one wife. His second wife, Asinia, was not named in the letter, but her marriage to Saturius Firmus resulted in only one child. The son, Asinius Bassus, was selected for quaestorship in 107 CE.

In 123 CE, Lucius Venuleius, a consul, predeceased Pliny. His mother, Cottia, also bore a double name, Calpurnia Hispulla. Her father, Corellius Rufus, was also named Lucius Venuleius. It is unclear how the two met. However, Pliny never mentions Venuleius' wife, Cottia.