Historia de livia drusilla biography

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Dio 48.34.3, 44; Vell. Dio 56.32.1, 42.4, 46, 47.1. (1962). Tib. A su vez, Livia se divorció de su primer marido, una decisión poco común y controvertida para la época.

A pesar de no tener hijos biológicos en común, el matrimonio entre Augusto y Livia fue sólido y duradero, y Livia se convirtió en una aliada inquebrantable de Augusto.

The ancient sources do not speculate about Livia's feelings, but she was probably happy to be joined with a younger man of such overwhelming promise. Her management of estates and patronage ensured the financial stability and political success of her family.

Despite her public image of virtue, Livia was the subject of controversy and rumors.

Tiberius did not bar all honors, however. It would seem that the scheming stepmother had at last succeeded and was now the mother of the presumptive princeps. Tac. Ann. 1.5. This however surely bought a great deal of goodwill for her from Augustus, the fact that she was never able to give him a child was ignored, in a time when wives were discarded frequently.

Pat. 2.123.1. Aug. Vell Pat. 2.93.1-2, 102. In the Roman East however, especially Egypt she got to do some cool stuff. This would eventually become the title used by Emperors. Livia managed extensive estates, including copper mines in Gaul and papyrus marshes in Egypt, and held unprecedented financial independence for a Roman woman. Augustus honored her with public statues and entrusted her with political responsibilities, reflecting her unique position in Roman society.

Livia’s marriage to Tiberius Claudius Nero produced two sons: Tiberius and Drusus.

Historia romana. Dio 53.30.2, 33.4; 54.6.5, 18.1; 55.10a.6-10. Gaius delivered the eulogy. The goal of a Roman marriage was the formation of a household and the production of children, not sexual gratification, which could be found elsewhere. And with the death of her husband, she was now the only link to someone who had been Deified as a god, she was literally married to a god.

This union solidified her political influence.

What role did Livia play as empress?

Livia managed vast estates, influenced Augustus’ policies, and exemplified Roman matronly virtues such as modesty, fidelity, and industriousness.