Livia Drusilla-Roman History

Livia Drusilla

Time Period 58BC AD 29

Livia Drusilla, Augustus Caesar's wife, was a cunning, powerful force in ancient Rome. Her power was political in nature, but she did take multiple lives. Livia’s power enabled her to influence her husband, and the emperor of Rome, Augustus Caesar, throughout his reign. Augustus was the first Roman emperor. In death, he left behind a large legacy. Towards the end of his life, Livia further exerted her influence over him. After Augustus’ death, she attempted to maintain her political power through her son Tiberius. Livia decided to make Tiberius emperor. She had him murder Augustus’ grandson. Augustus' grandson, who would have otherwise been the heir to the throne.

Livia was an ambitious person, which led to several assassinations. She controlled Augustus, pushing him to banish his grandson, forcing him to forfeit his right to the throne. banishment. Under Livia’s influence, Augustus banished his grandson, Agrippa, to an island. Had it not been for Livia’s manipulation of Augustus, Agrippa would have been heir to Rome. After Augustus’ death, her ambition pushed her to incentivize Tiberius to kill Agrippa, the previous heir to Rome. Tiberius killed Augustus's surviving grandson- he was the stepson of Augustus.[5] Agrippa was the original heir.

She had tried to get her son Tiberius as Emperor after Augustus. Tiberius killed Augustus’ grandson after Augustus died. Toward the end of his life, he became more and more influenced by Livia. Livia Drusilla was Augustus’ wife; she was sometimes called Julia. 

 Livia excelled at court politics.[1] According to the Roman historian Tacitus, who may have been biased, [2] Livia’s control led Augustus to choose Tiberius over Agrippa, a choice revealed to be less than grand. [3] Livia even plotted against Augustus.[4] Livia/ Julia survived past Augustus' death. Livia outlived Augustus. She remained a key political power in Rome throughout the Middle Ages. She cemented her legacy as one of the most powerful women in Europe. Livia was suspected of assassinating Augustus Caesar. Suetonius wrote that Livia was buried next to Augustus when she died.[6] Her role as wife of the emperor included: Protecting Augustus, puppeteering both Augustus and his court, and assassinating.  Livia led Augustus to make Tiberius the next emperor, which was probably at least slightly a mistake because Tiberius wasn’t perfect.

Livia was a predominant leader in Rome and led Augustus' court. Her influence had some adverse effects. Placing her son on the throne regardless of his ability to rule. She also murdered people- rare for women. She led the court's intrigue and led the procession of the emperor after Augustus’s death. Her role as wife, woman, empress, and puppet master left ripples in history, the extent of which can’t be measured even to this day.

Bibliography

Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. Translated by Robert Graves. Revised edition. London: Penguin Books, 2007.

Tacitus. The Annals of Imperial Rome. Translated by Michael Grant. London: Penguin Books, 1996.

[1] Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, trans. Michael Grant (London: Penguin Books, 1996), page number. Pg. 18

[2]  Ibid Pg. 33

[3] Ibid Pg. 33

[4] Ibid pg. 34

[5] Ibig pg. 34

[6] Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, trans. Robert Graves, rev. ed. (London: Penguin Books, 2007), page number. Pg.40