Chapter 3- Agrippina the Younger Flashcards
What were Agrippina’s main ambitions?
Power- wealth/status, marriages, patronage
Security- marriages, patronage
Nero’s succession- imperial lineage, marriages, Claudius, Seneca
What were the consequences of Germanicus’ actions in Germany?
He didn’t handle the rebellions very well- TACITUS
He sent his family away from the front
Although he was still respected by the legions- SUETONIUS
Who did Agrippina marry and when?
Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus (28-40AD)- SUETONIUS
Passienus Crispus (41-47AD)- BARRETT
Claudius (47-54AD)- TACITUS, BARRETT, DIO, SUETONIUS
How did Caligula promote his family upon his ascension as Emperor?
BAUMAN + BARRETT
THREE SISTERS COINAGE
He made his sisters Vestal Virgins
He gave them Imperial seats at the games
He established public vows of Imperial safety for them- SUETONIUS
He also set up military vows of allegiance and Senate vows for them
Why did Caligula promote his sisters?
Out of genuine affection?- SUETONIUS, BARRETT
Promotion of Germanicus’ family
Legitimise his Imperial claim- BAUMAN
What titles, honour and privileges did Agrippina receive during the reign of Claudius?
Augusta
Use of the Priestly Carpentum
Establishment of the Claudia Augusta Agrippinesium- TACITUS
Met foreign dignitaries, passing judicial judgement- SKETCH, TACITUS
Sitting equally on the Dias- SKETCH, DIO, TACITUS
Some Imperial Admin?- SEBASTION FRIEZE, BARRETT, DIANA COIN
Had personal bodyguards
Priestess
How did Agrippina promote Nero?
Octavia and Britannicus adopted out by Claudius
Vitellius removed Silanus
Nero and Octavia become engaged
He is appointed Consul in 51AD, Prince of Youth, Proconsular Imperium, priesthoods
Brittanicus’ tutors are replaced to isolate him
Nero and Octavia marry in 53AD
What is evidence of Agrippina’s good relationship with Nero?
“Best of mothers”- TACITUS, SUETONIUS
She’s appointed priestess, given 2 lictors, use of Carpentum- SUETONIUS, BARRETT
SEBASTION FRIEZE, NERO/AGRIPPINA COIN
How did their relationship begin to change?
Removal of Claudian Legislation undermined her- TACITUS
Armenian Delegation- TACITUS, DIO
Seneca/Burrus replaced her as Nero’s advisors
Nero’s speech condemned Agrippina’s actions, separating state/domus- TACITUS
Acte distracted Nero away from Agrippina- TACITUS
Juliana and Silana try to worsen their relationship, accuse her of betrayal with Plautus- it fails
Why did this change in their relationship occur?
Seneca’s influence on Nero
Nero believed the Domus should be separate from the state
Nero was sick of his interfering mother
Why was Agrippina eventually murdered by Nero?
He was sick of his mother’s influence- DIXON
He wanted to divorce Octavia and marry Poppaea, 3yrs later?- DIO
He wished to punish her for her crimes- unlikely
Retaliate for Agerinus’ plot- unlikely
What do modern sources say about Agrippina?
She made use of her abilities to succeed
She was able to contribute to Rome though- BARRETT, BAUMAN
Primarily orthodox Ancient view
What was the impact and influence of Agrippina?
She was able to influence the Emperors- I still political stability/succession/honours
Through Patronage
Removed many political rivals/enemies
Set up good Senate/Domus relations and had a brief ascendancy
What was Agrippina’s legacy?
Secured the Praetorian Guard, Senate/Domus relations, removed rivals and had a brief ascendancy
She determined the succession
She was a woman who took power- TACITUS
There are many physical remains of her- coinage, statues, Cologne
She has been depicted in popular culture
What are some of the main modern perspectives on Agrippina?
Stereotypical male 20th Century writers
Feminists
New perspective in archaeological evidence
Fractionalized portrayals
