You may have heard of her as one of the most influential and controversial women in Roman history, but what do you really know about Livia? Was she a benevolent and virtuous matron, who supported and advised her husband, the emperor Augustus, in his quest for peace and stability? Or was she a scheming and ruthless manipulator, who eliminated anyone who stood in the way of her son Tiberius’ succession?
Livia Drusilla was born in 58 BCE, into a prominent patrician family. She married her cousin Tiberius Claudius Nero, and had two sons with him: Tiberius and Drusus. However, in 38 BCE, she left her husband and married Octavian, the future emperor Augustus, who was also her distant relative. Livia became his loyal and devoted partner, advising him on political matters and helping him consolidate his power. She also played a key role in securing the succession of her son Tiberius, who became emperor after Augustus’ death in 14 CE. She continued to exert influence as the mother of the emperor until her own death in 29 CE, at the age of 86. She was deified posthumously by her grandson Claudius, who gave her the title of Julia Augusta.
One of the reasons why Livia deserves our admiration is that she was a faithful and supportive wife to Augustus, who, in turn, loved and respected her deeply. She shared his vision of restoring peace and stability to Rome after decades of civil war. She helped him reform the morals and customs of Roman society, by setting an example of modesty, chastity, and generosity. She also encouraged him to be merciful and clement towards his enemies. For instance, she persuaded him to spare the life of Sextus Pompey, the son of Pompey the Great, who had rebelled against him, and she also intervened on behalf of many others who had offended or opposed Augustus, such as Ovid, the poet who was exiled for writing erotic verses. She was not only Augustus’ wife, but also his confidante and adviser, who often accompanied him on his travels and campaigns, and acted as his representative when he was absent. She also managed his correspondence and finances, and oversaw his household and estates. She was, in short, his right hand and his better half.
But not everyone was a fan of Livia. Some historians and biographers have accused her of being cunning and murderous. Some have even suggested that she poisoned several members of Augustus’ family, including his grandsons Gaius and Lucius Caesar, his nephew Marcellus, and his adopted son Agrippa Postumus, in order to eliminate any rivals to Tiberius’ throne. Some have also blamed her for the death of Germanicus, the popular general and nephew of Tiberius, who died of a mysterious illness in Syria in 19 CE. She has even been accused of arranging the death of Augustus. However, there is no conclusive evidence for any of these claims, and those who have made them often had obvious political agendas or reason to criticise the Julio-Claudian dynasty Livia helped construct.
So, what do you think? Was Livia Drusilla a saint or a sinner?
Greta is a sixth-form student from Gloucester, currently studying English Literature, History and Drama. Her passion for Classics first began when she completed a Classical Civilisation AS-level, and she can't wait to pursue her interest further at university. She is also a School Ambassador for The Chorus and is eager to increase accessibility to classical subjects for as many people as possible!