Livia Drusilla
This essay will seek to examine how Livia Drusilla managed the problems of succession. The senatorial class traditionally passed along their political positions and power to their offspring, however, throughout his reign, Augustus needed a male heir that could inherit his power (Hurley, 2008). Octavian’s marriage Livia in 37 BC helped manage this problem of succession by providing him with two-step sons from her first marriage to Tiberius Claudius Nero. The means in which Livia was able to certify her sons rise to principate varies. Some Ancient writers believe that she was ruthless and possibly had a secrete hand in the taking down of other possible successors while other talk about predominately her personality and relationship with Augustus
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Throughout their 51-year marriage, she was seen to exercise great influence in her husband’s career as emperor. Livia remained a devoted wife to Augustus. He relied on her intelligence and trusted her opinions, this is apparent in the way she travelled with him and acted as his advisor. Dio Cassius states her importance to Augustus, saying he relied on her “critical intelligence” (Payne, 1970). Cassius continues believing that Livia’s “great service to the Rome lay in her devotion to her husband” (Milliken , 2004). Roman historian Suetonius gives a detailed account of Livia and Augustus’ loving relationship. He reports that as the Emperor died, he kissed her muttering his last “Live mindful of our wedlock, Livia and farewell” (Suetonius, 121 AD). While this source possibly lacks accuracy given the author did not live in Livia’s lifetime it still highlights her role as Augustus’ dutiful and devoted wife. This idea is further presented in the way that Livia appears in visual media such as coins and portraits, which was unusual at this time. In 16 BC she was the first woman to appear on a local coin. This primary archaeological source was a tool of imperial propaganda possibly used by Augustus to advertise himself and his family. This also allowed Livia to serve as a known figure of the idolised roman woman. She was presented with goddess like features alluding to her righteousness. This helped Livia gain more public support as she was greatly idolised. (Kleiner, 2000). However, many still resented her power, evident in the image writers projected of her being “controlling” and “manipulative of Augustus” (Payne,
Throughout their 51-year marriage, she was seen to exercise great influence in her husband’s career as emperor. Livia remained a devoted wife to Augustus. He relied on her intelligence and trusted her opinions, this is apparent in the way she travelled with him and acted as his advisor. Dio Cassius states her importance to Augustus, saying he relied on her “critical intelligence” (Payne, 1970). Cassius continues believing that Livia’s “great service to the Rome lay in her devotion to her husband” (Milliken , 2004). Roman historian Suetonius gives a detailed account of Livia and Augustus’ loving relationship. He reports that as the Emperor died, he kissed her muttering his last “Live mindful of our wedlock, Livia and farewell” (Suetonius, 121 AD). While this source possibly lacks accuracy given the author did not live in Livia’s lifetime it still highlights her role as Augustus’ dutiful and devoted wife. This idea is further presented in the way that Livia appears in visual media such as coins and portraits, which was unusual at this time. In 16 BC she was the first woman to appear on a local coin. This primary archaeological source was a tool of imperial propaganda possibly used by Augustus to advertise himself and his family. This also allowed Livia to serve as a known figure of the idolised roman woman. She was presented with goddess like features alluding to her righteousness. This helped Livia gain more public support as she was greatly idolised. (Kleiner, 2000). However, many still resented her power, evident in the image writers projected of her being “controlling” and “manipulative of Augustus” (Payne,