Agrippina The Younger Analysis
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Tim Wong-See.
23133873.
Part B: With specific reference to the sources you have chosen, evaluate the ancient and modern interpretations of Agrippina the Younger.
Intro:
The ancient sources depict and write of Agrippina the Younger as a cruel and ruthless ruler who would stretch the power of women to boundaries unseen before. Tacitus describes her as a woman having a “masculine despotism”. However modern interpretations of Agrippina such as Bauman perceive a woman of power, skill, determination, one able to dominate her husband and able to achieve what was thought impossible for a woman. A level of uncertainty surrounds the interpretations of Agrippina during the time of her death. Tacitus’ The Annals provides an account, however, …show more content…
The ancient and modern sources reveal differing perspectives of Agrippina the Younger. Tacitus is known to be generally hostile to imperial rule and by displaying Agrippina’s power he portrays how easily manipulated and foolish the imperial rule is. Suetonius is acclaimed for his biographies on the Roman emperors which served as a model for later writers, he also made use of executive documents in the archives of the Senate. Dio Cassius is typically politically conservative and was a solider rather than a critical historian. One key event from 15AD -39 AD would be Tiberius’ arrangement (and Agrippina’s consent to?) of Agrippina’s first marriage in 28 AD at the age of 13 to Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus. He was wealthy and had political connections, providing an opportunity for Agrippina to build a support base by gaining influence and wealth. While the marriage was beneficial for Agrippina and her status, ancient writers perceive Ahenobarbus as …show more content…
Tacitus states that from the moment Agrippina married Claudius “the country was transformed”, “her passion to acquire money was unbounded. She wanted it as a stepping stone to supremacy”. This marriage is also described as one dominated by the power and influence of Agrippina, “as soon as Agrippina moved into the palace she gained complete control over Claudius” (Dio Cassius) Agrippina is shown as a woman who hastily secured her means of dominance and privileges to elevate her power and status. Dio Cassius’ Roman History also notes Claudius’ feelings are “enslaved by Agrippina” and once the incestuous marriage had been legitimised by the Senate, Claudius arguing it was “beneficial for the state” (Suetonius), he married her without “a single day’s delay” (Dio Cassius) reinforcing Agrippina’s control and manipulation over Claudius. Agrippina was willing to do anything for Nero to become emperor, “let him kill me but let him rule” Tacitus. Modern historian Richard Bauman notes that this period shows Agrippina at the height of her career and influence in Rome, seen in Claudius’ eventual adoption of Nero in 50 and “a string of successes for Agrippina” (Bauman). According to Bauman, the adoption of Nero was one of numerous examples of Agrippina’s dominance
Tim Wong-See.
23133873.
Part B: With specific reference to the sources you have chosen, evaluate the ancient and modern interpretations of Agrippina the Younger.
Intro:
The ancient sources depict and write of Agrippina the Younger as a cruel and ruthless ruler who would stretch the power of women to boundaries unseen before. Tacitus describes her as a woman having a “masculine despotism”. However modern interpretations of Agrippina such as Bauman perceive a woman of power, skill, determination, one able to dominate her husband and able to achieve what was thought impossible for a woman. A level of uncertainty surrounds the interpretations of Agrippina during the time of her death. Tacitus’ The Annals provides an account, however, …show more content…
The ancient and modern sources reveal differing perspectives of Agrippina the Younger. Tacitus is known to be generally hostile to imperial rule and by displaying Agrippina’s power he portrays how easily manipulated and foolish the imperial rule is. Suetonius is acclaimed for his biographies on the Roman emperors which served as a model for later writers, he also made use of executive documents in the archives of the Senate. Dio Cassius is typically politically conservative and was a solider rather than a critical historian. One key event from 15AD -39 AD would be Tiberius’ arrangement (and Agrippina’s consent to?) of Agrippina’s first marriage in 28 AD at the age of 13 to Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus. He was wealthy and had political connections, providing an opportunity for Agrippina to build a support base by gaining influence and wealth. While the marriage was beneficial for Agrippina and her status, ancient writers perceive Ahenobarbus as …show more content…
Tacitus states that from the moment Agrippina married Claudius “the country was transformed”, “her passion to acquire money was unbounded. She wanted it as a stepping stone to supremacy”. This marriage is also described as one dominated by the power and influence of Agrippina, “as soon as Agrippina moved into the palace she gained complete control over Claudius” (Dio Cassius) Agrippina is shown as a woman who hastily secured her means of dominance and privileges to elevate her power and status. Dio Cassius’ Roman History also notes Claudius’ feelings are “enslaved by Agrippina” and once the incestuous marriage had been legitimised by the Senate, Claudius arguing it was “beneficial for the state” (Suetonius), he married her without “a single day’s delay” (Dio Cassius) reinforcing Agrippina’s control and manipulation over Claudius. Agrippina was willing to do anything for Nero to become emperor, “let him kill me but let him rule” Tacitus. Modern historian Richard Bauman notes that this period shows Agrippina at the height of her career and influence in Rome, seen in Claudius’ eventual adoption of Nero in 50 and “a string of successes for Agrippina” (Bauman). According to Bauman, the adoption of Nero was one of numerous examples of Agrippina’s dominance