Livia, Augustus' wife, was truly the power behind the throne. She not only advised him while he ruled, she did the same for the next emperor, her son Tiberius. She was one of the most influential women in Roman history. Livia didn't think of herself an an empress (although she was one), she thought of herself as someone who took care of herself and her family. She didn't ask for or wear jewelry or clothes "fitting for her station", she went about her business responsibly and without nonsense. Augustus never had any children with her, but she had two sons from a previous marriage. Tiberius was the elder. When Marcellus, the next in line for emperor died, there were rumors that Livia was behind it, as he didn't die of natural causes. After Augustus died, Livia kept her power and her royal status because of the requests in his will. While Tiberius and Livia started off as partners, Tiberius soon got jealous of his mother, and started voting down titles and honors for her. Many sources from her time called her "a woman of proud and queenly attributes, faithful to her imperial husband, for whom she was a worthy consort, forever poised and dignified." She died when she was 85, and should be a true role model of silent strength and keeping your cool.
No comments:
Post a Comment