Agrippina the Younger: PERSONALITY Flashcards
1
Q
State the Geography and Topography of Rome and the Roman Empire
A
• West coast of Italy
• West of Apennine Mountain ranges
• Climate = Mediterranean
• Volcanic area (Mt Etna, Mt Vesuvius) = very fertile land
• Empire covered majority of Mediterranean
Extended to Europe in the north – Greece and Asia (East) – Egypt and Africa (South) & Spain (West)
• Agricultural production = major activity during Agrippina’s time
• Most cities located near rivers easy for trade
2
Q
State the Resources of Rome and the Roman Empire.
A
• Rome imported large amounts of food from around the empire
• Luxury goods imported from Europe, Africa & Near East
• Ships brought spices, jewels & perfumes from India
• Grain from Egypt = most significant importation fed Rome’s masses
Shipments arrived daily at Ostia (Tiber River)
3
Q
In discussion of resources what did Rome import from Britain?
A
- Lead
- Wool
- Gold
- Copper
- Tin
4
Q
In discussion of resources what did Rome import from Italy?
A
- Olive Oil
- Wine
5
Q
In discussion of resources what did Rome import from Syria, Judea and Parthia?
A
- Grain
- Fruit
- Wood
- Linen
- Pottery
- Glass
- Timber
- Resin
- Purple Dye
6
Q
In discussion of resources what did Rome import from China and India?
A
- Silk
- Spices
7
Q
In discussion of resources what did Rome import from Egypt and North Africa?
A
- Grain
- Ivory
- Wild Animals
8
Q
In discussion of resources what did Rome import from Gaul and Spain?
A
- Gold
- Copper
- Tin
9
Q
Overview of Roman social and political structures in relation to the principate.
A
- Government established by Augustus in 27 BC
- Augustus established peace & stability after a century of civil war
- Given privileges and powers
- Did not dictate called himself Princeps (first citizen)
- Modest, administered Rome and empire effectively for more than three decades
- Held auctoritas personal prestige and influence based on background & achievements
- Wanted line of succession to be family would prevent civil war
10
Q
The structure of Roman society reflected the political power of different groups, name the groups of upper class romans.
A
Emperor, Imperial Family, Consular, Senators, Equestrians, Rich Freedmen/Women ‘liberti’
11
Q
Describe the upper class station ‘the Emperor’.
A
Political, military, economic & religious control in Rome and empire
12
Q
Describe the upper class station ‘the Imperial family’.
A
The Julio-Claudians they exercised power and influence over populace.
13
Q
Describe the upper class station ‘the consular’
A
Senators who had achieved office of consul experience & authority respected
14
Q
Describe the upper class station ‘Equestrians’
A
- Membership based on ownership of property worth 400,000 sesterces
- Public office, trade & banking = wealth
- Served emperor as procurators, Praetorian guards, commanders of fire service & grain supply, jurors, military officers
- Businessmen
- Political & military positions
15
Q
Describe the upper class station ‘senators’
A
Membership = hereditary
Served emperor in offices throughout empire
Gained wealth from large estates
16
Q
Describe the upper class station ‘Rich and freedmen/women’ “Libertas”
A
- Ex-slaves acquired wealth through trade, banking, manufacturing and land dealings
- Could marry freeborn women
- Could not become senator, serve in legions, religious or judicial roles
- Business roles could become extremely wealthy
- Claudius: Freedmen Pallas and Narcissus supervised main branches of government
- Children (Freeborn) entitled to full citizenship
17
Q
Whats Cursus Honoroum
A
The ladder of political officers.
- Consul civil and military
- Praetor judicial
- Aedile maintenance of city (temples, streets, public buildings, water supply, markets, grain dole)
- Quaestor Financial and administrative
18
Q
Name the groups of Lower Class romans
A
Plebians and Slaves
19
Q
Describe the Lower Class Station “Plebians”
A
- Many denied access to power
- Most relied on grain dole
- Soldiers in army
20
Q
Describe the Lower Class Station “slaves”
A
- Essential to Roman economy
- Dominated agricultural industry mines and quarries
- Commerce industry labourers, domestic servants, prostitutes, gladiators
- Education tutors, doctors, secretaries, librarians & linguists
- Not permanent manumission common
21
Q
What does Tacitus (Ancient Source) say about the role of imperial women?
A
“to mind the house and watch over the children.”
22
Q
What does Baumann (Modern Source) say about the role of imperial women?
A
“Shaped domesticity of ancient Rome”
23
Q
Name the roles of imperial women in Roman Society.
A
- Ideal woman matrona loyal wife and devoted mother, controlled under pater familias
- Expected to be modest, marry young, have large families
- Expected to exhibit gravitas have dignity and aware of responsibilities
- Motherhood raise children effectively
- Educators taught daughters how to manage household, read and write
- End of republic upper class women gained some independence
- Could inherit, own and sell property
- Fatherless women who had three children could enter into legal transactions without male guardian
- Ran businesses
- Bought and sold slaves
- Made investments
- Wealth and prestige of father/husband = great social & political influence
24
Q
Role of the imperial woman “Livia”
A
- Wife of Augustus
- Dutiful and devoted wife, modest, promoted traditional values
- Confidant and adviser of Augustus
- Active role in public life
- Owned properties in Rome, Asia Minor, Gaul & Palestine
- Rights & honours voted public statues
- Augustus left 1/3 of estate & adopted Livia into Julian family
- Given title Augusta
- Priestess of cult of Augustus
- Deified under grandson Claudius
25
Role of the imperial woman "Octavia"
* Promoted traditional Roman values
* Augustus’ sister
* Had three children with Marcellus
* Married Mark Antony (political arrangement to strengthen relationship between Augustus and Antony)
* Given public funeral by Augustus
26
Role of the Imperial woman "Antonia"
* Daughter of Octavia and Mark Antony
* Son = Claudius gave mother many honours
* Bore three children
27
Role of the Imperial woman "Julia"
* Daughter of Augustus
| * Three marriages Six children
28
Role of the Imperial Woman "Agrippina the Elder"
* Married Germanicus
* Bore 9 children
* Influential in Roman affairs
29
Whats the basic family and background on Agrippina the younger?
* Great granddaughter of Augustus
* Father Germanicus
* Brother Emperor Gaius Caligula
* Uncle and later husband Emperor Claudius
* Son Emperor Nero
30
Agrippina is connected to both the Julian and Claudian blood line, what are some sources on this relation?
o Barrett: made great use of her Julian blood line and connection to Augustus
o Link to Claudian line great-grandmother Livia and father Germanicus
o Link to Julian family Augustus BUT also her grandmother Antonia Minor was the daughter of Octavia (sister of Augustus)
o Tacitus: “her pedigree was impeccable”
31
Agrippina the Younger in relation to Germanicus?
o Agrippina inherited enormous status from Father
o Germanicus is the son of Drusus and Antonia
o In 20s fought in regions along the Danube and Germany, sometimes with Tiberius
o Augustus had forced Tiberius to adopt Germanicus in order to secure his succession
o AD 12 became consul
o AD 13 Augustus appointed him Governer of Upper and Lower Germany
o Despite poor performance in Germany – remained popular in Rome
32
What do the sources say of Germanicus and Agrippina?
o Suetonius: “true Renaissance man”
- Lists Germanicus’ accomplishments in battle (hand-to-hand combat)
- “Outstanding physical and moral excellence”
o Barrett: argues he had too much charisma
33
What is the influence of Agrippina the Elder on Agrippina the Younger?
o Agrippina gained enormous status from mother
o Daughter of Julia (daughter of Augustus) and Agrippa (trusted and loyal adviser – arranged by Augustus)
o All siblings had died (except Julia – sent to live in exile)
o Established Julian blood line
o Extremely fertile gave birth to six surviving children (fertility highly valued by Augustus)
34
What does Tacitus say in relation to Agrippina the Elders in family influence over A2?
o Tacitus: Praised for her role in ensuring the safe return of legionary forces from Germanic tribes
Assisted soldiers who had lost equipment and needed dressing for their wounds
Prevented destruction of Vetera Bridge over the Rhine
35
Agrippina's early life in relation to Tacitus?
Born 6th November AD 15 generally accepted date
36
Agrippina's early life in relation to Barrett?
Used Germanicus’ “success” in Germany to her advantage
37
The death of Germanicus in Agrippina's Early Life? which influences Grants quote.
o AD 19
o Death surrounded by suspicion
o Unexpected illness and death led Agrippina the Elder to suspect Tiberius as the perpetrator of his death caused insecurity and turmoil within Agrippina’s family
Grant: “she grew up in an appalling atmosphere of malevolence, suspicion and criminal violence”
38
AD 28/29 Early life Agrippina?
* AD 28: Marries Ahenobarbus
* AD 29: Agrippina the Elder’s popularity with the army makes her a threat
* Sejanus threatened plotted against Drusus, Nero and Agrippina’s allies
* Treason trials eradicated several wealthy senators
39
Agrippina the Elder in relation to Agrippina the Youngers Early Life?
Griffin: “She must have been the most important influence on her daughter and namesake.”
40
Agrippina's ambitions?
• Agrippina lived with great-grandmother, Livia:
o Became aware of political intrigue and disputes
o Learnt need for political caution and diplomacy
o Learnt need for influential friends and support of military (patronage)
o Understood need for sex, wealth and power
o Gave sense of importance: understood own lineage gave her courage to plan continuance of family line
• Influenced by Agrippina the Elder:
o Promoted sons to be in line for emperorship
o Cultivated military appeared to want power (influence of Germanicus)
o Tacitus: concerned with masculine matters (military)
41
Agrippina the Youngers first marriage to 'Gnaeus Domitious Ahenobarbus'
o Suetonius says: arranged by Tiberius
o Descendant of prestigious family
o Not a threat to Tiberius
o Related to Augustus
o AD 32: Became consul influential figure
o AD 37: Birth of Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus – later named Nero
o AD 39: Ahenobarbus becomes ill from dropsy
o AD 40: Death of Ahenobarbus brings much wealth to Agrippina
42
Agrippina the Younger's second marriage. "Crispus"
Crispus (AD 44)
o Barrett says: Wealthy and noble senator
o Need to re-establish herself as credible citizen with political influence
o Improved her financial and political status
o Protection from Messalina Nero threat to Britannicus’ succession of Claudius
o AD 47: Death of Crispus left Agrippina extremely wealthy
43
Agrippina's third marriage to Claudius
o Agrippina’s uncle
o Incestuous Claudius granted special approval from the Senate
o Archaeological source: Statue from the Sebasteion in Aphrodisias, depicting Claudius and Agrippina together marital affection
o Strengthened Nero’s position by arranging marriage with Octavia
o Major political influence
o Caused clash between Agrippina and Messalina Britannicus seen as a barrier to Nero’s succession
44
What's the basis of Agrippina's power and influence? "patronage"
• Ancestry great-grandfather = Augustus
• Mother (Agrippina the Elder) and Father (Germanicus) well respected and popular in Rome and provinces
• Sister of emperor Gaius
• Marriages to Ahenobarbus and Crispus = wealth proved as matron
• Birth of Nero with Ahenobarbus enhanced respect as mother – fertility accepted in Roman society
• Nero possible heir
• Power based on talents and intelligence to manipulate others
• Patronage: built a strong network of friends & patrons to help secure her and Nero’s future
E.g. Burrus, Seneca, Claudius, Vitellius etc.
45
What was Agrippina's role during the reign of Gaius?
• Gaius acceded in AD 37
• Immediately bestowed the rights and privileges of the Vestal Virgins on Agrippina, and sisters Drusilla & Livilla
Exempted from male guardianship
Access to imperial seats in games (usually not allowed for women)
Included in proposals submitted to Senate
46
What sources and evidence identify the role of Agrippina during the reign of Augustus?
Cassius Dio: sisters included in the annual vows for safety and oaths of allegiance
– Suetonius: “I will hold myself and my children dearer than I hold Gaius and his sisters”
Ancient sources suggest Gaius had incestuous relationships with sisters
Barrett: “The enormous favours … has a political purpose, but they also suggest considerable affection within the family”
Included on bronze sestertius issued by Gaius AD 38
Agrippina = Securitas of the state and continuance of Julio-Claudian dynasty
Holds cornucopia: fertility and growth of state
(No Roman coinage had ever depicted Emperor’s sisters)
47
Agrippina's exile during Caligula's reign?
* AD 38 Drusilla died Death changes relationship between Gaius & Agrippina
* Nero perceived as a rival of Gaius relationship deteriorates
* AD 39 Gaius’ illness regime/personality changed dramatically
* Conspiracy: accused Agrippina and Livilla of plotting against him & committing adultery with Lepidus
48
Barrett on Agrippina's exile?
Agrippina used Lepidus to secure Nero’s safety after Ahenobarbus’ death (AD40)
Lepidus = executed
Gaetulicus = arrested and executed for involvement
Agrippina and Livilla = exiled to Pontian Islands
49
Cassius Dio on Agrippina's exile.
Cassius Dio: Gaius humiliated Agrippina “Agrippina was given Lepidus’ bones in an urn and bidden to carry it back to Rome…”
Claudius recalled Agrippina and Livilla to Rome upon accession
50
Seutonius on Agrippina's and Claudius's marriage.
Claudius was "dictated by his wives and freedmen"
51
The marriage to Claudius was?
• Agrippina recommended by Pallas
| Right family background, fertile & young
52
Seutonius on Claudius marriage and incest?
* Suetonius: “She had a niece’s privilege of kissing and caressing Claudius”
* Incestuous law amended through influence of Vitellius on Senate allowed to marry
* Marriage = Claudius acquired connection with Julian line
53
Holland says what about Agrippina's marriage to Claudius?
"political reasons"
54
Physical/Archeological sources on Agrippina's marriage to Claudius?
• Gemma Claudia: Agrippina as goddess of fertility, with Germanicus & Agrippina (Julian line)
• Statue at Sebasteion in Aphrodisias:
Claudius and Agrippina clasping hands – marital affection
Agrippina holding cornucopia: fertility and prosperity of the Roman Empire
55
Agrippina and Claudius's adoption of Nero
• Ancient sources suggest part of Agrippina’s plan to gain power for Nero
• Pallas played vital role Close relationship with Agrippina
• Significance = Claudius gave precedence over Britannicus
Thought unwise to have 9-year-old B as only successor
• Agrippina tried to strengthen Nero’s power arranged marriage with C’s daughter Octavia
Already engaged to Silanus
Agrippina made Vitellius lay charge in Senate against Silanus, for incest with sister
Silanus committed suicide
Ancient sources: Agrippina eliminated other members of Silanus family descendants of Augustus and threats to Nero’s power Inc. Marcus Junius Silanus & Junia Calvina
• Began replacing people in prominent positions who were loyal to Messalina
Praetorian Prefects: removed Geta and Crispinus – replaced with Burrus
56
During the reign of Claudius what was Agrippina's image and status?
• Mock battle at opening of Fucine Lake
Agrippina wore golden military cloak – first woman to wear military garment in Rome
Claudius and Nero wore simple military cloaks
• Founded veteran’s colony in Germany: modern day Cologne
Popular in provinces – had many clients & supporters
Public statues erected in Gaul, Asia Minor & Greece
57
Sources on AG2s image and status while in the reign of Claudius?
• Tacitus: surrender of Caratacus
Importance and status = best illustration
Seated on dais near emperor offered “same homage and gratitude”
Tacitus = not impressed by display of female importance
“She was asserting her partnership in the empire her ancestors had won” = she didn’t deserve it.
Wood: “public acknowledgement and institutionalisation of her role in foreign and provincial affairs
58
Titles and honors to Agrippina during the reign of Claudius?
• AD50: given title Augusta
Barrett: “conveyed notion of empress”
“She could lay equal claim to majesty of emperor”
• Cassius Dio: “She wanted the same title as his [Claudius]”
• Given honour of riding carpentum: carriage reserved for priests and religious objects
59
Claudius's death and Agrippina what do sources say?
* Tacitus & Suetonius: Claudius eventually unhappy with choice of wives and arrangement of Nero as successor instead of Britannicus
* Tacitus & Cassius Dio: Agrippina main perpetrator of Claudius’ death through poisoned mushrooms
* Modern sources: No forensic evidence = we’ll never know truth about Claudius’ death
60
Role of Agrippina during the reign of Nero? In relation to Agrippina's influence in succession.
• Nero: First password given to Praetorian guard on day of accession
Suetonius: optima mater, ‘the best of mothers’
• Early in reign Grant: “Empire was ruled by a woman”
• Seneca & Burrus (chosen by Agrippina) influenced Senate to give Nero honours
61
Agrippina in Nero's succession.
• When Claudius deified - Senate appointed Agrippina priestess of the cult of the divine Claudius
Gave her two lictors (protectors of magistrates and those in power)
62
Archeological evidence on Agrippina's role in the reign of Nero.
• Sculpture from Sebasteion at Aphrodisias – Agrippina crowning Nero
Significant role in Nero’s succession
• Coin depicting Agrippina and Nero confronting each other
First imperial woman to appear on same side as emperor on Roman coinage
63
More sources on Agrippina and Nero's reign?
* Dio: “At first Agrippina managed for him all imperial business”
* Tacitus: “Every outward honour was heaped on Agrippina”
64
The changing relationship with Nero is seen with the?
Claudian legislation, Armenian delegation, INfluence of Seneca and Burrus, Acte, her removal from the palace and Poppaea Sabina.
65
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina is seen in relation to the Claudian Legislation. Say what?
Senate changed C’s legislation regarding maximum fee to be charged by advocates
Tacitus: Senate “forbade advocates to receive fees or gifts”
Agrippina argued that because he was deified, his legislation could not be amended – BUT passed anyway
Despite Agrippina’s objections, Senate passed legislation that excused quaestors from obligation to hold gladiatorial games
* Nero did not support Agrippina’s claim relationship waning
66
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina is seen in relation to the Armenian delegation. Say what?
• Armenian delegation – Tacitus
Agrippina attempted to mount emperor’s dais while Nero was receiving Armenian delegation
Seneca intervened, telling Nero to step down to meet his mother and take her to another seat
67
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina is seen in relation to the influence of Seneca and Burrus Say what?
• Influence of Seneca and Burrus
Gradually replaced Agrippina as chief advisors
Took control of administration of affairs
68
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina is seen in relation to the Acte. Say what?
To ensure place on throne, Nero married Claudius’ daughter Octavia (arranged by Agrippina)
After succession – Affair with freedwomen Acte shame to principate
Ancient sources: Agrippina furious at having son have affair with ex-slave
Nero aggravated: Seneca appointed Serenus as gift-giver so mother wouldn’t find out
69
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina is seen in relation to her removal from the palace? Say what?
• AD 55 - Removal from Palace
Nero removed Pallas from position – lessen Agrippina’s influence
Tacitus: Agrippina began to support Britannicus to make Nero jealous
Agrippina held secret meetings with officers and nobleman to try and gain support against Nero
Consequentially:
– Nero removed Praetorian bodyguard
– Removed her from Palace on Palatine Hill lived by herself at Bauli
– Removed German body guards & military escorts
Weidemann “Agrippina’s loss of influence is illustrated by the disappearance of her
portrait from the coinage.”
70
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina is seen in relation to Poppaea Sabina. Say what?
Nero’s mistress
Senatorial background: originally married to Otho (future emperor)
Threat to Agrippina’s power
71
The changing relationship between Nero and Agrippina changes in A2's desperation and Nero's intolerance.
• Tacitus: AD 58 – Agrippina attempts to seduce Nero to regain control over Nero
“All decked out and ready for incest”
• Nero killed his mother
72
Agrippina's exertion of patronage expects what?
Patron expected to assist clients and relatives – advancing their careers
Client had to support patron
73
Agrippina's relationship with Seneca in the early stages?
Initially loyal owed her his position
Loyalty reversed through Nero’s reign
Principal ally of Agrippina
Descendent from highly conservative family
Exiled to Corsica by Messaline AD 49 Agrippina convinced Claudius to recall Seneca to become tutor of Nero
74
Seneca's loyal relationship with A2 waned?
Relationship began to wane when Seneca realised that serving Nero as princeps gave him greater power
Tacitus: Wrote Nero’s inaugural address “From my house bribery and favouritism will be excluded”
Restriction of Agrippina’s power
Armenian delegation: Seneca advised Nero to step down and take Agrippina to other seat
75
Agrippina's relationship with Burrus?
Given sole control of Praetorian Guard in AD 51 Previous commanders (Geta and Crispinus) were loyal to Britannicus Agrippina had them replaced
Burrus encouraged P.G to accept Nero over Britannicus after Claudius’ death
76
Agrippina's relationship with pallas, an imperial freedmen.
Pallas
Supported marriage to Claudius
Pushed for Nero’s adoption
May have been lovers – extremely close
Gave her extreme wealth
Increased her aristocratic rank
77
Agrippina's relationship with Narcissus an Imperial freedmen.
Narcissus
Opposed Agrippina’s influences
Loyal to Claudius military
Draining of the Fucine Lake Agrippina accused Narcissus for failure of opening ceremony
Tacitus: Agrippina killed Narcissus
78
Agrippina's relationship with the senators?
Vitellius: influenced Senate to amend law for Agrippina to marry Claudius
Stated that:
Emperor needed support of wife
Agrippina fertile, aristocratic & virtuous
79
Agrippina's relationship with the Julio Claudians?
Strong relationship
Similar life to great-grandmother Livia both clever & ambitious, married to emperor and used position to promote sons
Used powers to destroy those in JC’s who threatened her or Nero
```
Feared Domitia (Ahenobarbus’ sister) could control Nero looked after him while she in exile
• Brought charges against her for use of black magic
```
80
Impact of Agrippina' s personality on her career showed?
* Strong and powerful
* Immense ambition, willpower
* Enjoyed wealth
* Intellectual and determined
* Position in imperial family allowed her to use these personal traits to gain power and influence
81
Public image of Agrippina sources Gaius reign?
• Gaius coin AD 38:
First appeared on coin
Portrayed as Securitas
• Unpleasant image by Tacitus & Suetonius
82
Public image of Agrippina sources Claudius reign?
• During Claudius’ reign
Titled as Augusta on coins
Shown wearing crown of wheat associated with Demeter goddess of fertility
Shown with Claudius on obverse
83
Public image of Agrippina sources Nero Reign?
• Nero’s reign
Coin: Nero and Agrippina confronting each other – Agrippina’s prominence
“Agrippina Augusta, Wife of the Divine Claudius, Mother of Nero Caesar”
Coin: obverse: Nero and Agrippina– reverse: elephant chariot with Augustus & Claudius
“By the decree of the Senate, Agrippina Augusta, Wife of the Divine Claudius, Mother of Nero Caesar”
84
What does Barrett say of Agrippina's public image?
o Evidence suggests she was a distinctly unattractive individual
o Politically ambitious people tend not to be appealing
o When Agrippina is judged by her achievements rather than her personality or character, that she demands admiration
85
Attempts on Agrippina's life?
* AD 55: Nero and Agrippina’s relationship began to wane
* Nero had enough of Agrippina’s interference with his relationships began to plan matricide
* Dismissed Pallas, removed her from palace, took away privileges, lictors and
86
When removed from palace Agrippina?
Agrippina in danger
o Julia Silana asked two clients to charge Agrippina for plotting to marry Rubellius Plautius and replace Nero on the throne
o Tacitus: Nero “resolved to kill his mother, to kill Plautius, and to depose Burrus from the command of the Praetorian Guard”
o Nero gave her a hearing
87
Poppaea Sabina on Agrippina's attempts on life?
• Poppaea Sabina teased Nero for relationship with Acte, marriage to Octavia and dependence on Aggrippina
88
Nero on Agrippina's life?
```
• Nero – only way to break her power was to kill her
• Anicetus proposed plan
• Suetonius: Three Attempts
1. Poison
2. Collapsible bed
3. Collapsible boat
```
89
Motives for Agrippina's death?
• AD 58: Nero’s relationship with Poppaea Sabina consistently urged Nero to kill Agrippina
• Tacitus & Suetonius: Nero wished to free himself from Agrippina’s influence
• Model Roman matron: Worked diligently to achieve power for Nero only for him to resent her
• Dixon: Relationship of Agrippina and Nero based on political, sexual and emotional dependence
Dominance threated Nero’s pride and security in imperial office
90
Manner of Agrippina's death?
• Died AD 59
• Burrus warns Nero not use Praetorian Guards to kill Agrippina may reject and turn on him
• 1. Suetonius: tried to poison three times
• 2. Nero has craftsmen create mechanism that would make ceiling of Agrippina’s bedchamber collapse in her sleep Agrippina noticed so failed – didn’t conceal well enough
• 3. During festival of Minerva, Nero invited Agrippina to dine at Baiae
On way home: Nero put Agrippina on collapsible boat that would cause her to drown
Plan failed: Agrippina swam to shore Nero panic-stricken and aggravated
• 4. Nero selected three assassins led by Anicetus to murder Agrippina
Tacitus: she exclaimed: “Strike my womb, because it bore Nero”
Cassius Dio: Nero - upon viewing her dead body:
“I did not know I had so beautiful a mother”
91
Impact of Agrippina's Death?
• Nero’s reign deteriorated (death of Poppaea, raping vestal virgins)
• Didn’t return to Rome for 6 months presented speech to Senate justifying his act of matricide
o Tacitus: “she had wanted to be co-ruler”
• Crime of matricide: shocked Rome and diminished authority BUT Nero faced no consequences for crime
• Agrippina’s birthday added to ill-omen days
• Ancient sources: Nero haunted by Agrippina’s ghost
92
Impact and influence of Agrippina's time?
* Exerted considerable authority and power in imperial Roman society
* Influential through family background (Augustus, Germanicus, Livia)
* Granted honours and privileges
* Greatest impact = role in Gaius, Claudius & Nero’s reigns
93
Impact and influence of Agrippina in time of Gaius?
o Coinage: promoted as Securitas
| o Vital in downfall of Gaius
94
Impact and influence of Agrippina in the time of Claudius?
o Impact = Enormous
o Ability to manipulate key alliances Pallas
o Influenced change in Roman legislation to marry Claudius (incest)
o Succession adoption & promotion of Nero
o Appointment of PRAETORIAN GUARD influence shown when Burrus denies the use of the PRAETORIAN GUARD to murder Agrippina
o Patron-client relationships (Seneca, Burrus, Pallas)
o Able to exile or eliminate rivals (Paulina – rival for marriage to Claudius)
o Veteran’s colony named after her in Germany
o Prominence at public events (Caratacus ceremony)
o Granted title Augusta (only woman in her lifetime except Livia)
o Sebasteion relief: marital relationship
o Death of Claudius = accession of Nero
95
Impact and influence that Agrippina had in influence of Nero?
o Critical in accession of Nero worked tirelessly to remove any rivals (Messalina, Britannicus) to ensure succession
o Granted honours, privileges and appears on coins (confronting coin)
o Worked alongside Seneca and Burrus broke gender stereotypes – women weren’t expected to be involved in politics, not natural role (shown in written evidence)
o Grant: “For a few startling and unprecedented months, the empire was ruled by a woman.”
96
Ancient sources and Agrippina's influence?
o Hostile towards Agrippina for her ambition
o Portray as evil & ambitious woman thirsty for power
o Scullard: agrees with Tacitus: “no man or woman was safe if she suspected rivalry or desired their wealth”
97
Modern sources and A2?
o Assessment of life and career in context
o Politically astute woman
o Used her talents to succeed
o Contributed to strength and stability of Julio-Claudian dynasty
o Bauman: “redoubled her efforts when she herself was given the title of Augusta”
o Barrett: Coin with Agrippina and Nero confronting
“The three roles that brought her the greatest pride”
“Most powerful hint that Agrippina saw herself as a kind of regent or co-ruler with her son, a position that had no precedent in Roman law or tradition”
98
Assessment of A2's life and career?
* Extremely successful woman immense wealth, status and power
* Rome and provinces honoured with titles, privileges, statues, coins
* Acknowledged as Claudius’ “partner in power”
* Early in Nero’s reign = most powerful woman in the empire
* Conflict between ancient and modern sources Hard to form clear picture of Agrippina and motives
99
Ancient Assessment of Agrippina?
o Ancient
Tacitus harsh portrayal
Male perspectives (Tacitus, Suetonius, Cassius Dio)
Wicked, scheming mother
Seductress
Violent and intimidating woman
Know her thoughts and motives BUT lived 2 generations after!
100
Modern Assessment of Agrippina?
Consider ancient writer’s context, gender, political persuasion, literary style and the sources they refer to
Barrett: suggests need for balanced assessment between ancient and modern
Ferrero: noble portrait – “respectable, active, and energetic woman”
101
Assessment of A2 "She was proud of her ancestry & gave her opportunity to share in political power"
* Knew how to display Augustan lineage
* Securitas continuation of the Julian line
* Impact on Claudius: established link with Julian line
* C’s adoption of Nero: ensured Julian would become ruler
* Nero’s accession: Agrippina felt her lineage, status and experience entitled her to involve herself in the regime
102
Assessment of A2 "She learnt from her experience"
* Suffered great hardship through loss of relatives (Agrippina the Elder, Germanicus, Drusilla, Gaius)
* Married to violent man at 13
* Gaius’ extreme Principate gave honours, accused of treason, confiscated property & exiled her
* Learnt methods used by powerful people to eliminate threats or opponents
* Saw damage of incompetent rule
103
Assessment of Agrippina "She was politically astute"
• Prevented herself from harm during Tiberius’ reign when other imperial members were persecuted
• Made the most of marriage to Claudius security for Agrippina and Nero, enhanced Nero’s status, adoption
Gained support of clever men through patronage
(Pallas, Vitellius, Seneca, Burrus)
“Partner in power” maintained influence in provinces, received foreign embassies
Ensured Nero had support of Praetorians before he was presented to the Senate
104
Assessment of Agrippina "She was intelligent, ambitious and determined"
* Key role in Nero’s succession and rise to prominence
* Used same methods by powerful men in her family patronage and removed potential rivals through trials, banishment and execution
* Tacitus: Understanding of Roman politics
* Realised ambition through Claudius’ reign
105
In assessment of Agrippina what are the weaknesses?
* Disregard for Roman political convention not acceptable for women to exercise immense political power to senatorial class
* Agrippina’s relationship with Nero upon accession reluctant to surrender her power and influence for Nero
* Seneca and Burrus owed positions BUT turned against her upon Nero and Agrippina’s diminishing relationship
* Very conservative outraged by Nero’s relationship with Acte
* Condemned Nero’s spending lead to downfall of relationship and status
106
The legacy of Agrippina what does Tacitus say?
• Tacitus: “unique as the daughter of a great commander and the sister, wife and mother of emperors”
• Ancient sources negative stereotype used for intelligent or powerful women
o Overreaching ambition, use of ruthless means (poison) to achieve ambition, incestuous
o Opposite of the Roman matron
107
Legacy in relation to women and politics?
* Physical representations on coins, cameos, statues
* Redefined status of women in the Roman political system broke down stereotypes
* Warning to aspiring political women = price of influence and power may be death
* Extraordinary woman who was at the centre of power in Rome
* Political achievements = remarkable
* Exercised immense power and influence when there was no official political role available to women
* Key in Nero’s succession
* Last women to exert this much power for another 150 years
108
Greatest of her legacy?
• Greatest legacy of her power = Nero’s succession: BUT unfortunately murdered her & destroyed her statues and name from inscriptions & public buildings
• No political/supporting groups formed after her death supporters had been removed
• Emperors after Nero didn’t commemorate her life and achievements
• Appears in modern day opera, film and television
o I, Claudius by Robert Graves depicts Agrippina through Tacitus’ account – wicked, evil
109
Ancient interpretation Tacitus. Quotes.
“Rigorous, almost masculine despotism”
“Passion for power carried her so far”
“All decked out, ready for incest”
110
Ancient interpretation Tacitus.
- Hostile to A2, because of hostility to the Julio Claudian dynasty as it steered away from Augustus set leadership values
- Hatred of women, especially imperial
- Traditional values:
Masculine mannerisms (ambition) defies this
Removal of basic decency, stepping out of matronly role
A2 portrayed very masculine
- Desired power painted her negatively
- Patriarchal ideals, going against the decency of women in Rome
- He was a traditionalist, hence negative portrayal.
111
Modern interpretation Ferrero 'Quotes'
“Moment she appeared all hearts were filled, as such an energetic and respected woman stood next to the weakling of Claudius”
“Government of Agrippina a great success”
112
Modern interpretation Ferrero
- The only apologist
- Interpretation much more sympathetic
- Self-sacrificing for the blood line
- Early century anomaly, as other writers such as Scullard and Salmon are influenced primarily by patriarchal views.
“Exhibited an undisguised lust for power”
play on the wording of ‘lust’ provokes the stereotype of a female politician and promiscuity
“No paragon of female virtue”
not attentive to the rule of woman, that she should resume
113
Ancient interpretation Cassius Dio 'quotes'
“She desired to have his title outright”
| “The 2nd Messalina”
114
Ancient interpretation Cassius Dio
- Traditional hierarchy
- Disapproved of her over stepping boundaries of the Roman woman
- Women of the Julio Claud dynasty moved successors away from the set ideals of leadership set by Augustus.
(CASSIUS BELIEF)
- Despises Agrippina
- Interprets Agrippina to be controlling of Claudius, to exercise the patronage, and maliciously manipulate the state.
- Says A2 had no bounds in the gratification of sex, money and power.
- Focuses on her adultery, lack of moderation, and criminality.
- Negative portrayal of Agrippina because she is a woman.
- Describes her as ‘masculine’ due to her ambitious drive most unnecessary in a woman.
115
‘Susan Wood and Stewart Perowne’ Quotes on modern interpretation
“Victim of the system”
| “She didn’t invent the fashion, she followed it”
116
‘Susan Wood and Stewart Perowne’ Modern interpretation
- Product of the environment
- Women of the dynasty encouraged subvert the devious and manipulative nature as survival
- Wood says though that A2 is still held of moral responsibility
- To which Perowne says “murder was endemic in the court of Claudius” though agreeing with the product of environment.
- Wood deconstructs Tacitus stereotype due to the feminism in the present era.
- Acknowledge A2’s ruthless vice. Though note on that she didn’t begin it (fashion quote)
117
Ancient interpretation Suetonius, quotes.
- Quotes:
“Shameless, Hooked, Unchaste”
“Over critical mother”
118
Ancient interpretation Suetonius
- Patriarchal society again
- Same traditional hostility
- ‘scheming woman theory’
- Gossip queen, scandal, incest
- Paints A2 in a promiscuous light, signifying adultery and Nero incest.
- Focus on her sexuality as a woman, especially in reverence to her place in politics.
119
Modern interpretation 'Edwin Judge' quotes
“One of the many imperial women, who were in the position to dispense political favour”
120
Modern interpretation 'Edwin Judge'
- Late Modern society, feminism less focus on her femineity but rather on her portrayal in the past.
- Product of society
- Portrayed in social and political aspects
- Political: Female nobility, land owning, hence influence with family politics if carrying blood line.
- Social: A2 important blood transmitter, ‘prestigious’ = Augustan blood. Example of this is also seen in link to germanicus her father, when she is portrayed in statues she appears more like him. Creating a ‘strong’ allusion of A2 in society.
- Interpreted as, A2 exploits her production into the dynasty, though she is also in fact used for Augustan blood, in marriage to Claudius and adoption of Nero.
- A blood bag of potential.
121
Notes on archaeological evidence which aid in interpretation.
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- Evidence:
A2 reclined statue
Relief – “Sebastian at Aphrodisias”
Coins in the reign of Claudius
Statue of Agrippina as Goddess Fortuna and Nero
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122
Notes on archaeological evidence which aid in interpretation. (commentary)
- Relief signifies degrees of affection towards Claudius in the matter of co ruling, though also symbolism of kindness towards the people, state and senate.
- Coins = equality and the title of Augusta. Which entices she is in league with Livia and Anatolia the younger. A major presence and significance in society.
- Statue Fortuna, shows the precedence and the preeminent status of power A2 holds as she gives ‘heir to emperor’ in reign of Nero.
- Recline, shows her as pious, matronly and homely in contrast to the negative and hostile written sources.
Clear bias due to reign and political pursuit of others.
123
Anthony Barrett modern interpretation. quotes.
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“Supreme Politician”
“Great admin and Govt Leader”
“Distinctly unattractive”
“Worked Harmoniously”
“Lop Sided”
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124
Notes on Anthony Barrett and his interpretation.
- Lop sided in relation to the interpretation of A2 between mod and Ancient sources.
- Politician, ‘manoeuvred with advantage and skill’
- Sees that she is a result again of the system
- ‘Great admin’ should be judged on achievements not persona
- Self-sacrificing for the blood line in link with Ferrero
- Harmoniously… contributed to Claudius well compared to Messalina. Less maisteas.
- Acknowledges ruthless character
- Political ambition = death
125
In conclusion what was the interpretation of Agrippina the Younger?
- Bias
- Society and present idealisms
- Patriarchal society to feminism
- The line between villainous and pious.
- Contrasts between era’s and within eras, late mod and early mod which is closer linked with the ancients.
- Ancient: sources from imperial period are bound to be biased or simply untruthful
- Modern: Historians see through stereotypes and give credit where it is due.
- Agrippina was the supreme politician detested by the men of the ancient world, and applauded as the first feminist activist in the developed modern world.
