Description

Wife of Augustus, Livia Drusilla was one of the most powerful women in Roman history. Born in 58 BC to Marcus Livius Claudius Nero, a member of the Roman nobility, Livia married Tiberius Claudius Nero, an opponent of Octavian (Augustus) in 43 BC, having a son, Tiberius.
In 39 BC, Livia was six months pregnant with her second son Drusus when Augustus arranged for her divorce so they could be married. This wife of Emperor Augustus proved to be both faithful and devoted to the Emperor and the state. Livia, renowned for her beauty, dignity, and virtue, was the ideal empress.
She covertly influenced Augustus and protected the interests of her two sons. Tiberius became Augustus’ heir and emperor, youngest son Drusus an able and respected legion commander. It has been suggested that Livia arranged the murder of Augustus’ nephew Marcellus in 23 BC as well as Gaius and Lucius Caesar as they all posed possible threats to her son Tiberius inheriting the throne from Augustus.
Despite her devotion to Augustus, historian Dio charged that she poisoned his figs in 14 AD because Augustus was planning to bring back Agrippa Postumus and elevate him over Tiberius. Despite many accusations, Livia’s political influence increased after her son’s accession in 14 AD.
Livia lived to be 86 and had displayed a successful pursuit and application of power that left chroniclers such as Tactus uneasy.