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AGRIPPINA THE YOUNGER

1. Historical context

Geography, topography and resources of Rome and the Roman Empire

Overview of Roman social and political structures; principate

Role of imperial women in Roman society

2. Background and rise to prominence

Family background and status

Early life, ambitions and marriages

3. Career

Basis of her power and influence; patronage

Role during the reign of Gaius (Caligula), including exile

Role during the reign of Claudius

role and changing relationship with Nero during his reign

Relationships with other members of the imperial court: Seneca, Burrus and imperial

Freedmen

Impact of her personality on career: public image

Attempts on her life

Death: motives, manner and impact of death

4. Evaluation

Impact and influence on her time

Assessment of her life and career

Legacy

Ancient and modern images and interpretations of Agrippina the Younger

Historical context

Geography, topography and resources of Rome and the Roman

TIMELINE OF HER LIFE AND DEATH

14 Death of Augustus

15 Agrippina born

19 Death of Germanicus

28 Marriage to Ahenobarbus

29 Death of Livia

33 Death of Agrippina the elder

37 Death of Tiberius, accession of Gaius, birth of

Nero

38 Conspiracy against Gaius, exiled

40 Death of Ahenobarbus

41 Assassination of Gaius, accession of Claudius,

recall from exile

42 Marries Crispus

48 Death of Messalina

49 Marriage to Claudius, Seneca recalled

50 title Augusta, Nero adopted

51 Burrus appointed

53 Marriage of Nero and Octavia

54 - Death of Claudius, accession of Nero

55 Acte involved, fall of Pallas, death of

Britannicus, Agrippina left palace

59 Murder of Agrippina

62 Death of Burrus

65 - Death of Seneca

Key terms

auctoritas personal prestige and standing

potestas the power of magistrates

potentia power, authority, sway, influence

vis power, force, vigour

fastigium height, summit (of a

building/power)

artes honestae respectable, worthy skills

impotentia lack of control and restraint

impudicitia unchastity

lascivia wantonness

noverca a stepmother

cupiditas greed for money and power

avaritia greed

superbia arrogance

socia partner, comrade, companion,

associate, ally, relative, wife

prosperis dubiisque socia an ally in good

times and bad

domestica cura domestic concerns

domination domination/lordship

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Empire

As Rome developed into an empire, relied heavily on the Italian countryside,

resources and manpower to run army and industry.

Livy: Tiber river favourable for navigation upstream to inland crops, sea close

enough for trade yet far enough for threat of invasion, centre of Italy therefore good

for expansion, hills provide healthy environment

Strabo: walls, defence (not easily defended open to attack), open to attack (not

enough population, fertile land, marshy, mountainous, rocky, pests, problems,

prone to flooding and fire.

Efficient sea transport ensured Rome and Italy received their supplies e.g. Grain

(Africa, Egypt and Sicily), Wine (Spain and Italy), Iron tin and copper, Lead (Spain)

Plentiful in stone, clay, pottery and wood

Trade and industry were strong milling, baking, dyeing, glass manufacturing

Markets provided pottery, weapons, silverware, jewellery, wine and perfume

Overview of Roman social and political structures; principate

TACITUS (on Augustus) then he gradually pushed ahead and absorbed the functions

of the Senate, the officials and even the law. Opposition did not existPolitical

equality was a thing of the past; all eyes watched for the imperial commands.

Augustus established Principate (system of government) -> rule by first citizen

Did this by accumulating powers given to him by the senate during the first

settlement of 27BC and the second settlement of 23BC

The first settlement of 27BC gave Augustus:

1) Proconsular imperium over a large Provincia (province consisting of Spain, Gaul and

Syria)

2) Control of most of the legions to administer these provinces

3) The consulship

4) The name Augustus (Revered one)

5) The title Imperator

The second settlement of 23BC gave him

1) Proconsular maius imperium (his power extended over all provinces and governors)

2) Tribunicia potestas gave him increased political power and prestige

His dominant position meant that he controlled the army and ruled with the help of

the senate

Although the government continued to function according to republican tradition,

there was now a sharing of its powers with the princeps

The sharing of powers meant that the senate had the following authority

- Controlled senatorial provinces (although Augustus had supreme military

power in all provinces)

- Could mint coins and control finances

- Was a court of law e.g. for treason trials

The principate developed over time so it appeared that the princeps shared

authority with the senate. In reality, however, the princeps control of the army was

the true basis of his power

The princeps was distinguished from all other magistrates by the wide scope of his powers and functions including

- Paid army out of military treasury - Made political decisions - Appointed governors to imperial provinces - Controlled imperial provinces - Controlled the army - Nominated names for magistrate positions - Controlled the civil service - Controlled foreign affairs through his maius imperium

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Social Structure

From the times of the early Republic, Rome had two distinct class

1) Upper-class patricians

2) Lower class plebeians.

A middle class emerged called the equestrians

During the period of the early empire new opportunities opened for each class,

including the freed men.

Senatorial order (Patricians)

- Magistracies

- Chief military posts

- Control of the state treasury

- Administration of peaceful provinces

- Supervision of the civil services

Equestrian order

Civil and military service for the princeps, for example

- Prefect of Egypt

- Commander of the praetorian guard

- Administrator of the grain supply

- Commander of the fire brigade

- Procurator

- Staff officer in a legion

- Commander of an Auxiliary infantry cohort

Plebeian order

- Were involved in trades industries or farms

- Worked on imperial building sites or were lower officers in legion

- Made up two thirds of the plebs urbana (urban mob)

- Received the grain dole

- Attended the free shows

During the early empire freedmen played a very important role, they were the former slaves

who had been freed by their masters. They took on the citizenship of their former masters

but were not fully privileged roman citizens

Freedmen

- were artisans, shopkeepers and clerks

- Remained with former masters as secretaries

- Became apart of the emperors household and managed his private affairs

- Became influential civil servants

Rome during the early empire also consisted of women, non citizens and slaves

Overview of Roman social and political structures; principate:

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Political structure was organised into the cursus honorum, ranking of magistrates

Princeps

Proconsul - ex-consuls, governors of senatorial provinces Consul - supreme civil and military magistrate position often taken by emperor or family members. Princeps recommendations

Praetor - dealt largely with legal affairs. Also reponsible for public affair Tribune - "defender of the common people". Ability to veto magistrate and were sacrosanct

Aedile - General administrative dutie, streets of Rome, public order, water supply, corn supply etc. Quaestor - General Ainancial duties, especially in provinces. Had the ability to assume military command

Role of imperial women in Roman society

100 year period leading up to Julio-Claudians saw a change from women being

frowned upon if they wished to act independently to a time where they enjoyed

significantly more personal freedom that women at any other time in Roman history

Held some freedoms: ability to attend most social functions with their husbands,

administering their own properties as well as positive legislative change made on

their behalf, women with +3 children did not need a male counter-signature for legal

contracts.

Despite these, women held no direct political power/influence and were forced to

gain and wield it by furthering the political ambitions of husbands lovers or sons

A Roman womans main role was to be a good daughter, wife and mother

They were often controlled for political gain; commonly being forced into marriage

for purposes such as securing wealth or of establishing a link to power (Augustus,

other princeps etc.)

Roman society was patriarchal (run by men)

Major role for all Roman women was within the family as daughters, mothers, wives

or mistresses.

Used as a means of uniting noble families through marriage (women married and

remarried quite easily)

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Women had a great deal of personal freedom however had no direct political power

and could only influence the political activities of their husbands and sons

Always under the control of a male (fathers, husbands or a male next of kin) our

ancestors did not want women to conduct any - not even in private - business

without a guardian; they wanted them to be under the authority of parents,

brothers or husbands. (Livy)

By first century significant changes occurred that challenged this traditional view.

Julio Claudian family contained a number of well educated and talented women who

wielded great power and influence e.g. Augustus wife Livia, daughter Julia and sister

Octavia and Agrippina the Elder.

Main historians of the time, Tacitus, Suetonius and Cassius Dio disapproved

(context/bias)

Background and rise to prominence

Family background and status

Agrippina was part of the Julio-Claudian family which provided the first emperors e.g.

Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius, Claudius and Nero.

Was the great-granddaughter of Augustus

Was the daughter of Germanicus there is no doubt that Germanicus was immensely

popular with the Roman people and the army. (Bradley) who had great influence on

her life

the family was loved by the people of Rome (Lawless)

To understand Agrippinas later actions it is necessary to examine the events in her life

leading up to her marriage with Claudius. During these years she learned the

brutalities of life and intrigue within the imperial family

Early life & Ambitions

Family was immensely popular and loved by the people of Rome power and

influence at an early age Agrippinas birth placed her at the centre of imperial

power

Her mother Agrippina the Elder was involved in masculine activities (Tacitus) and

was outspoken about political issues e.g. Tiberius involvement in Germanicus

death, and was therefore exiled. She was powerful yet unwise.

Agrippina learnt her ambitions from her mothers actions e.g. Promotion of sons for

emperor, cultivation of the military, masculine activities (Tacitus)

Agrippinas aunt was also exiled for the murder of her husband Drusus

Agrippina learned valuable lessons about the consequences of female involvement

in politics.

Her brother Gaius became Emperor after Tiberius death. Made Agrippina and her

sister Vestal Virgins.

They appeared on coins as goddesses and were able to sit in the Imperial seats at

games and festivals heightened her influence and popularity

Caligula became ill imagined all sorts of plots against him (Koutsoukis) and

exiled Agrippina on the grounds of treason and adultery he deported his sisters to

the Pontian islands because of their relationships with Lepidushe was always

pretending to be in danger (Cassius Dio)

Before she was exiled Agrippina gave birth to Nero (Ahenobarbus son) who was

sent to live with his aunt when his father died during Agrippinas exile

When Gaius was assassinated, Claudius became the new Emperor and recalled

Agrippina from exile, and with Ahenobarbus dead, she was on the search for a new

husband, first aimed for Galba but settled for Crispus

Marriages

First marriage to Ahenobarbus

Arranged by her guardian Tiberius

He became consul in AD32

Was the father of Agrippinas son Nero

He became ill with dropsy and died in AD40

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Second marriage to Crispus

He held the consulship in AD 27 and 44

Came form a noble family and was quite wealthy (wealth was a key factor in politics)

He died in AD 47 and left an enormous inheritance to Agrippina and Nero

Third Marriage to Claudius

Agrippina was determined to achieve a position of great power was achievable if

she married Claudius however he was married to Messalina it was a position

of utmost power, and a very attractive one, considering her life so far (Lawless)

Agrippina needed to be wary of Messalina. Messalina was a jealous woman who

eliminated those who stood in her way. Messalina had reasons for disliking

Agrippina e.g. her popularity, threat to Britannicus heir to the throne

Messalina was executed on the grounds of adultery and plotting (was outed by

Claudius Advisors). Agrippina was now in a position to marry Claudius

Agrippina made alliances with the Praetorian Guards who were looking to stop

Britannicus from inheriting the throne as they were fearful of revenge for the death

of Messalina.

Claudius relied heavily on his advisors and listened when they suggested Agrippina

over the other candidates. [Pallas proposing Agrippina]let the Emperor ally

himself with a noble race and unite two branches of the Claudian house, rather

than allow this lady to transfer the glorious name of the Caesars to another

family (Tacitus)

Law had to change to allow the marriage otherwise the union would have been

incestuous as Claudius was Agrippinas uncle.

Historians vary in their analysis as to why Claudius picked Agrippina for marriage:

political or sexual

This marriage was of great importance placed Agrippina in the highest position of

power for a Roman woman granting her greater power and influence allowing her to

achieve her two main goals 1. Secure and strengthen a position of power and

influence 2. Secure her sons position of Emperor

Marriage would assist in Nero becoming Emperor: adoption of Nero by Claudius

gave Nero precedence over Britannicus making Nero the heir to the throne, this

took Agrippina three years to achieve Nero received the title Prince of Youth

was betrothed to Claudius daughter Octavia, strengthening Neros position

Agrippina dominated and influenced many of Claudius decisions and accompanied

him on his political duties she set out to dominate Claudiusshe was following

the pattern set out by Messalina but was infinitely more successful (Koutsoukis)

Evidence of Agrippinas power and influence: - given her own Praetorian Guard,

rode in the carpentum; appeared on coins next to Claudius and Nero; received the

title of Augusta; accompanied Claudius whilst on political duties. [Her growing

power] is confirmed by two pointsAgrippina was named Augustusand the

appearance of her portraitupon the official gold and silver coinage (Grant)

Relationship with Claudius was a key factor in her political successes

Advantages of marriage between Claudius and Agrippina:-

To Claudius To Agrippina

Agrippinas connections with Augustus who

was considered as a god

Satisfied her ambitions for herself and Nero

Agrippina had Julian blood Safeguard her. She was now in a very

powerful position

Proven capacity for child bearing Now a woman of great eminence

Popular

Organisational and leadership ability

Potential threat if she married someone else

who was influential

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Career

Basis of her power and influence; patronage

o Patron gave gifts, legal support etc to client in return for them advancing their career. o Agrippina used influence during Claudius to recall Seneca from exile and give him position of

Praetor.

o Burrus was made sole praetorian prefect in 51 who then in turn allowed Agrippina to use his position to her benefit.

o The wealth Agrippina has acquired through her marriages and her family allowed to her build a support base.

o Her family background & status. o The honours & privileges she received. o The elimination of rivals & political intrigues under Gaius, Claudius & Nero. o Her use of wealth & patronage, especially with Seneca & Burrus. o Her wealth along with her family connections, patronage and position in society paved the

way for the basis of her power and influence.

Role during the reign of Gaius (Caligula), including exile

o When assessing Agrippina and Gaiuss relationship one must take into account the sources at are their most opaque here. Bauman

o Gaiuss reign is perhaps the most badly documented principate of the Julio-Claudians with Tacitus lost books consisting of his reign. Instead we must rely on Suetonius and

archaeological evidence to draw our conclusions.

o After her family persecution by Sejanus under Tiberiuss rule Gaiuss principate signalled a new beginning for Agrippina. When Tiberius died and Gaius succeeded in March of 37,

Agrippinas fortunes underwent a complete change. Suetonius

o When Gaius become emperor the three sisters; Agrippina, Drusillia and Julia were given unprecedented constitutional status, including being made honorary vestal virgins, included

in the annual vows of allegiance and having a coin issued with their images

o Annual vow: I will not value my life or that of my children less highly than I do the emperor Gaius and his sisters...Good fortune attend the emperor Gaius and his sisters.

Suetonius

o Other honours included vestal privileges and seats in the imperial enclosure at the games. o The prominence given to the sisters has no precedent in the history of Roman coinage

and suggests an extraordinary honour. - Barrett

o It can be argued that these honours served a political purpose. The political reasoning behind these actions is thought to be that Gaius was attempting to establish an Eastern

style monarchy.

o These close relations between Gaius, Agrippina, Drusilla and Livilla spurred stories of incest it was his habit to commit incest with each of his three sisters. Suetonius

o Agrippinas role during Gaiuss reign shifted dramatically by 39 A.D; Gaius fell dangerously ill which is said to have affected his mental state and Drusilla his favourite sister died.

o While it is not completely clear why the following events occurred we do know Agrippina and Livilla fell from grace. Gaius charged them with adultery with Drusillas husband Lepidus

and of being involved in a political conspiracy against him and his emperorship.

o Gaius sisters Agrippina and Julia Livlla, also parties to the conspiracy, were banished and Agrippina, who had become Lepidus mistress, was forced to carry his ashes to tome in an

urn Garzetti humiliating Agrippina

o Gaius confiscated Agrippinas property and sent her into exile. o Gaius was assassinated in 41AD and Claudius was hailed emperor.

Role during the reign of Claudius

o Dio Cassius says Agrippina seduced Claudius, but Salmon disagrees. o Levick tells us of the political advantages Agrippina was the last surviving daughter of the

beloved Germanicus and his martyred wifeBy marrying her, Claudius could both right old

wrongs and immeasurably reinforce his political position

o Sebastian relief shows Claudius and Agrippina with clasped hands, (conferriatio marriage) o The sisters inclusion on coins also is unparalleled and portrays the great distinction given to

the sisters; the fact they appeared as god-like figures emphasises their importance to Rome

and the principate. -> GEMMA CLAUDIA COIN

o She dominated the politics of her time like no other women had- Bauman

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o In marrying Claudius Agrippina significantly increased her role in Roman politics; she was now the emperors wife and in a perfect position to use her relationship with Claudius to

influence his decisions and promote Nero as his successor over Britannicus.

o Ahphrodisiass relief of Agrippina and Claudius depicts the influence Agrippina had; they are represented as having equal prominence and standing (their height and hand gesture signals

this) and the partnership shared between the two represents the extent of Agrippinas

power in Claudiuss principate.

o Tacitus writes once sure of her marriage, she enlarged the scope of her plans and devoted herself to scheming for her son.

o Not only did she convince Claudius to approve of Nero and Octavias marriage she also conspired for Neros adoption.

o Agrippina used her influence over Claudius not only to consolidate Neros claims, but also to enhance her own position. Bauman

o Honours given to Agrippina: 1. She was given her own Praetorian bodyguard

2. She was awarded the title Augusta in 50AD

3. She founded a colony of veterans where she was born and name it Colonia

Claudia Argippinensis

4. Drove the carpentum

5. Appeared on coins

o The ancient sources stress how Agrippina used her newly found relationship with Claudius to influence him Agrippinas intrigues were still driving Claudius to the most brutal

behaviour - Tacitus

o As soon as Agrippina had come to live in the palace she gained complete control over Claudius. - Dio

o Agrippina and Claudiuss relationship disintegrated in its latter stages. Dio and Suetonius comment on the worsening of the relationship in his last years Claudius made it pretty

plain that he repented of having married Agrippina and adopting Nero. Suetonius

o He could not endure her behaviour, but was preparing to put an end to her power. Dio o Claudius death - Dio thinks Agrippina killed him, Suetonius says he was poisoned by not sure

who by, Wiedemann mentions that in the unhygienic conditions food poisoning would have

been common. - DEBATE

The majority of modern and ancient historians agree that Agrippina poisoned Claudius to

prevent him from naming Britanicus as heir and exposing Agrippinas doings. Claudiuss

death made way for Nero to become emperor and for Agrippina to advance her position and

role.

Role and changing relationship with Nero during his reign

o Marriage to Claudius meant she was in a good position, she chose Seneca and Burrus to be his advisors.

o AD 54 Neros accession occurred o Nero turned over all his public and private affairs to Agrippinas management- Suetonius o Her dominant influence lasted only a very short time Michael Grant o Coins: Was face to face bareheaded with Nero, showed they were almost corulers. Later:

She moved to the opposite side, and later disappeared from coinage all together.

o Just before his accession solely women and freeman were running the government from the Julio-Claudian household.

o Agrippina objected to changing legislation when the senate tried to excuse Quastors from the obligation to hold gladiatorial games. The senate treated her seriously and the meeting

was held at the Palatine and Tacitus records that a door was built at the back so she could

stand behind a curtain and listen.

o Nero had married Claudius daughter Octavia to ensure his place on the throne. o He fell in love with a freedwoman named Acte; which made Agrippina furious. She went into

a rage.

o Nero forbade advocates to receive fees or gifts (Tacitus). Agrippina argued that this legislation could not be challenged because Claudius had been deified. The measure was

passed anyway.

o This showed Agrippinas waning influence under Nero o Nero openly disobeyed his mother and asked Seneca to help him. o At this point Agrippina changed tactics and offered him her own bedroom. o Nero removed Pallas (a friend and lover of Agrippina) from his position to bring in his new

regime. this significantly undermined Agrippinas influence

o Removed the Praetorian guard (military was sympathetic due to Germanicus)

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o Agrippina now realised Seneca and Burrus were no longer on her side (Had little love for her petticoat government Scullard) and befriended Claudius son Britannicus and

encouraged him to claim ownership to rule.

o Nero had 14 years old Britannicus poisoned at a banquet and watched him die, telling the other guests he was having an epileptic fit.

o Nero plagued Agrippina with lawsuits.

Relationships with other members of the imperial court: Seneca,

Burrus and imperial freedmen

FREEDMEN: NARCISSUS AND PALLAS

The place of Agrippina in the Claudian system is so tightly bound up with those of his two

most prominent freedmen, Narcissus and Pallas Barrett

Narcissus

Of all the Julio-Claudian freedmen, it is probably fair to say that none has established his

place in the tradition so strongly as has Narcissus.

o Narcissus was positioned in a strong standing along side Pallas under Agrippinas influence

Narcissus does seem to have been genuinely loyal to Claudius' interests and until the

marriage to Agrippina was the most influential of the freedmen

o Narcissus was loyal to Claudius, and was the enemy to Agrippina Suetonius claims that his forced retirement was due to the ill-will Agrippina bore towards

him over his friendship with Narcissus

o The mistreatment of Narcissus by Agrippina , forced him to retirement

o It also awarded Narcissus an honorary quaestorship. But this was the least cause of arrogance to a man more powerful even than Pallas or Callistus.

o Agrippina took advantage of the emperor's gullible attributes to accuse Narcissus, the controller of the project, of illicit profits. He retorted by assailing her dictatorial,

feminine excess of ambition.

o Narcissus was imprisoned and harshly treated, the threat of imminent execution drove him to suicide.

Pallas

[Pallas proposing Agrippina]let the Emperor ally himself with a noble race and unite two

branches of the Claudian house, rather than allow this lady to transfer the glorious name

of the Caesars to another family (Tacitus)

o Although Pallas came into his own with Agrippina's ascendancy, Tacitus points out that he was highly prominent even before her predecessor Messalina's fall.

o Pallas was said to be Agrippinas lover o The influence of Agrippina on the senate would have been considerable. o Pliny the Elder notes an occasion when they passed a decree supposedly on her

orders, bestowing the praetorian insignia on Pallas.

o She, however, was supported by Pallas, who had ruined Claudius by instigating his incestuous marriage and disastrous adoption.

o Pushed for the adoption of Nero

o However, Nero was not disposed to obey slaves. Pallas' surly arrogance, anomalous in an ex-slave, disgusted him.

o Nevertheless, publicly, Agrippina received honour after honour. o When the escort-commander made the customary request for a password, Nero

gave: 'The best of mothers.'

o The senate voted her two official attendants and the Priesthood of Claudius. o She made use of Pallas as an intermediary to argue her case with her husband, but

we can be sure that Claudius would hardly have allowed his mind to be made up for

him on an issue that lay at the very heart of his principate.

o Agrippinas influence on finance would have come through Pallas o Tacitus says that under Pallas the finances of the imperial fiscus were brought

under centralised control

o The removal of Pallas...represented a serious blow to Agrippina BARRET

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SENECA

o It was Agrippina who had won Seneca's reprieve from exile and had given him the role of Nero's tutor

o She engineered Burrus' appointment as commander of the guard. o Her motive in appointing Seneca as tutor would have been largely political.

Barrett

o Tacitus describes Agrippina as trux and minax ('grim and threatening') in her dealings with her son, suggesting that she was trying through Seneca to teach him

discipline and self-restraint

o Barret suggests that Seneca could have been somehow involved in the conspiracy of AD 39 in which Agrippina had become involved

o Once Messalina was dead and Agrippina was married to Claudius (50AD), Seneca was recalled to Rome and become praetor and Neros tutor, on Agrippinas behalf

o In 58, Seneca was accused of having had an affair with Agrippina, but extra-marital affairs for the emperors wife, particularly one of Agrippinas intellect appeared

unlikely

o Seneca apparently worked with Burrus to sway Neros opinions of Agrippina to limit Agrippinas power over the state, she encountered their united opposition

(Tacitus)

o Possible role in Agrippinas death, however it was probably not in Senecas interest to remove Agrippina a from the scene completely, better to keep her

around to irritate Nero who in turn might feel a continuing need to lean on

Senecas advice.

o Ordered to commit suicide in 65 after becoming embroiled in a conspiracy to kill Nero

BURRUS

o The appointment of Burrus left Romans in little doubt about the strength of Agrippina's position

o Would have been conservative senators who disapproved of such power in any woman, whatever her political position.

o given sole control of the Praetorian Guard in AD51 (Agrippina married Claudius in AD 48) after the removal of Geta and Crispinus shows

Agrippinas power/influence over Claudius

o Burrus was an old-fashioned soldier with a strong sense of loyalty and his attitude towards Agrippina seems to have been ambivalent. Barrett

o Burrus encouraged the Guard to accept Nero over Britannicus on Claudius death

o Although Seneca and Burrus supported Agrippina in Claudius lifetime, they set about undermining her influence:-

Seneca stopped Agrippina from sitting by Neros side during a

reception for some Armenian ambassadors

Pallas (secretary and Agrippinas lover) was removed from office

Encouraged Neros love affair with Sabina

Advised Nero to start Agrippinas downfall

Chiefly responsible or Roman government after Agrippinas

influence had been eliminated

It is uncertain whether they were involved in her death but Nero

apparently asked for their help after his first unsuccessful attempt

- Seneca and Burrus chiefly responsible for Roman government once Agrippinas influence was eliminated. They encouraged Nero in love affairs (s.a. Acte and Poppaea Sabina). They

advised Nero to start Agrippinas downfall. - Burrus possessed too much integrity to do the kind of sordid job, such as the murder of the emperor's mother, that was now required of him. Barrett - When Nero learnt of Agrippinas involvement to replace him with Rubellius Plautus, Seneca and Burrus confronted her - Nero asked Seneca and Burrus to help him after his first unsuccessful attempt at killing Agrippina. - Both men would surely have been basically sympathetic to her views, and it is difficult to believe that any profound ideological differences could have separated them. - After Agrippinas death, they retained some restraint over Nero.

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Impact of her personality on career: public image

Strengths Weaknesses

Great-granddaughter of Augustus Woman

Julian blood No direct involvement in politics

Great wealth Jealous

Strong and powerful character Vindictive

Ambitious Ambitious

Eliminated those who stood in her way Arrogant

Intrigued to get power Greedy for greater wealth

Influential Dominating

Keen intellect Murderous

Successful

Courageous

Dignified

In most sources, Agrippina is presented as a wicked, scheming manipulative woman trying to advance the career of her son although most sources are written by powerful men who would have felt threatened by such a s powerful woman. (I.e. Senators) Some present her as a seductress for the same end; some as an opposing woman trying to eliminate competition. Most sources agree that with her death Neros downfall began. It should be noted that in all sources up to her death she is presented as a typical roman mother, yearning to advance the career of her son but also heavily involved in her sons life and very influential.

Attempts on her life

o Cassius Dio states Nero continued to fear Agrippina and under the influence of his advisors and mistresses he decided to have her killed. o They saw a boat that collapsed in theatre and built one just like it, but before it was finished Nero was flattering Agrippina so nobody would suspect anything and he did not Dare to do anything in Romefor

fear the crime should be generally known o Weideman says He decided against poison because she had

reputedly built up a resistance to poison by swallowing antidotes

o Tacitus says Acte was instructed to tell Nero that Agrippina was boasting of intimacy with him and that it would threaten his power. He decided to kill her and Anicetus (an ex-slave who tutored Nero) told him that a ship could be made with a section that would come loose and hurl Agrippina into the sea without warning. o Neros old tutor Anicetus, commander of the fleet at Misenun, was an enemy of Agrippina. He constructed a ship with a detachable section which would hurl Agrippina into the sea. Nero set out in the following way: 1. Nero invited his mother to dine during the festival of Minerva. 2. He sent her home across the Bay of Naples in his ship. 3. The roof collapsed but not the whole ship. 4. Agrippina survived & swan to shore. o After the collapse of the boat, Agrippina sent her freedmen, Agerinus, to tell Nero she was safe. o Nero became panic-stricken when he found out she had survived

Death: motives, manner and impact of death

MOTIVES

o Agrippina had wanted to share imperial power

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o Nero was threatened by her withstanding influence and power o Agrippina strongly opposed his relationship with Sabina o Sabina had accused Agrippina of conspiracy/plotting to kill Nero and strongly urged Nero to kill his mother

IMPACT AND MANNER

o Anicetus went to her villa & repeatedly stabbed her. Suetonius caims Nero justified his mothers murder by having her freedmen arrested for trying to kill Nero on Agrippinas orders. o Agrippina died; saying to his murders Strike here (pointing to her womb). o Nero feared the publics reaction to Agrippinas death. He sent reports to Rome that Agrippina had attempted to kill him and then proceeded to commit suicide. He also listed many of her crimes particularly that she wanted to be co-ruler. o She wanted to be co-ruler to receive oaths of allegiance form the

Guard, and to subject Senate and public to the same humiliation.

Disappointed of this, she hated all of them-army, senate and people

Tacitus 14.1

o While Agrippina was probably feared & hated by many of the nobility, they didnt approve if matricide (killing of ones mother). The Romans believed the home, hearth & motherhood to be the very foundation of their society. The most sacred duty of a Roman man was to honour & protect his mother. o Nero justified her death by having her freedman arrested for trying to kill Nero on Agrippinas orders- established rumour that she was involved in conspiracy to kill him

Evaluation

Impact and influence on her time

o Agrippina set un-precented standards; she as a woman broke down

gender restrictions on women in politics. Never before had a woman played such a crucial and influential role in politics. o She was resented greatly for interfering in politics and moving away from the traditional role for women and that of the matrona. o In the Julio-Claudian time period women did in general have more personal freedom than at any other time. o She tried to broaden the role of women in the imperial family. o Actual political power for women was unheard of and Agrippina broke down this barrier. o Some historians believe Agrippinas death began the downfall of Nero & the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. o The carriage given to her increased reverence felt for a woman who

to this day remains unique as the daughter of a great commander

and the sister, wife and mother of emperors- Tacitus o Elevated political status for women: Given title of Augusta (-> second woman to receive this honour), right to use carpentum, listened in on senate, had her birthplace named after her. o They offered Agrippina the same homage and gratitude as they had

given the Emperor- Tacitus elevation of status o Suetonius: Nero turned over all his public and his private affairs to Agrippinas management

Assessment of her life and career

o A number of factors contributed to Agrippinas great power and influence:- 1. Family connections descendent of Augustus, daughter of Germanicus, sister of Gaius, wife of Claudius and mother of Nero (all emperors) 2. Wealth as a member of the Julio-Claudian family, Agrippina had great personal wealth which was further increased by her two marriages in which she obtained large inheritances. 3. Patronage as a wealthy patrician and member of the imperial

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family, Agrippina skilfully used patronage to strengthen her position e.g. Pallas, Burrus and Seneca owed their position to Agrippina and thus supported her in her rise to power. 4. Honours and position in society position as Empress and mother of an Emperor meant enormous power/influence. Title of Augusta promoted her divinity. She also enhanced this status by riding in the Carpentum, appearing on coins, accompanying Claudius/Nero on their political duties etc. 5. Own intelligence and political skill learnt many lessons from the dominant women before her e.g. Agrippina the Elder & Messalina, and was able to progress further. According to Barrett this enabled her marriage to Claudius to be more like a partnership Agrippina had two important ambitions and she achieved both. Nero became emperor AND

she became the most influential, powerful woman of her time. She achieved numerous

honours and powers e.g. Priestess, coinage, control of political affairs, vestal virgin, imperial

seats, able to ride in the carpentum/litter etc and was thus a very successful individual in

her time.

Agrippina was a formidable adversary. She had political allies at all levelsshe knew how

to exploit her Augustan lineage and descent from Germanicus to the full. - Griffin

Legacy

Assessing any legacy from Agrippina is difficult as political power was beyond female reach

at the time.

Her key achievements include:-

o Given the title of Augusta first living empress to be given this title o Was able to manipulate Claudius in order to make Nero the heir over Britannicus o Able to ride in the carpentum o Founded a colony in Germany named after herself Colonia Agrippina o Accompanied Claudius/Nero on political duties

o Given divine honours in the east o Detailed knowledge of Roman law o Appointed priestess of the cult of Claudius o Commemorated on coins as a partner in power o Secretly attended meetings of the senate (hidden behind a specially installed

curtain)

o Managed to remain influential and powerful for many years despite opposition and criticism from influential nobles and freedmen

Agrippinas legacy lies within the fact that she gained an influential and powerful position in

a system dominated by men reflected in the charges that Nero brought against her after

her death and also by the disapproving views on ancient historians.

She was able to survive the dangers of life in the imperial family and was then able to use

the system to achieve her ambitions

o Agrippinas impression on politics lasted long after her death. o She revolutionised womens role and showed that women could and should have a

role in politics.

o Her birthday was declared a black day for Rome o Agrippina was bestowed with honours like no previous Julio-Claudian woman,

notably her inclusion on coins and in reliefs.

o For her coins was a way of emphasising to the Roman people that she was an important part of the Julio-Claudians and at the centre of family matters. She was

able to link herself with her individual and familys victories through coinage such as

military campaigns or her part in Neros accession.

o She played a role in the evolution of the imperial system, especially as Empress of Rome.

o She gave a definition to the political power a woman could achieve. o She had am almost equal standing with Claudius and Nero. That a woman should

sit before Roman standards was an unprecedented novelty. -Tacitus

Ancient and modern images and interpretations of Agrippina the

Younger

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ANCIENT:

1. Tacitus:

o His aim in writing is to promote the evils of one man rule and to educate. In ancient times history was a form of literature and had a moral purpose.

o Is the main source for this period. o As his aim is to degrade the principate and therefore the emperors he uses

Agrippina to belittle them.

o Note: status as a Republican o Is opposed to Agrippina as she is a woman and achieve political status. o Applies the old Republican ideals to women. o Draws parallels between powerful women e.g. Agrippina and Livia o Her private life was chaste unless power was to be gained. o Her passion to acquire money was unbounded. She used it as a stepping

stone to supremacy.

2. Suetonius:

o Focuses on gossip o He had access to imperial records. o Was a scholar and biographer. o Rarely analysed on historical events. o Quite hostile towards Agrippina and indulges in the scandals such as incest

with Nero etc.

3. Cassius Dio

o Wrote a history of Rome. o Is hostile towards Agrippina although acknowledges much what is said about

her is gossip.

It is evident that ancient historians, as victims of the ideals of their society, did not deal with

her actions or personality charitably. Tendency appears to be to remove Agrippina from the

stereotype of a Roman matron of kindness and charity and to instead create her to be the

quintessence of corruption and ruthlessness. It appears that the ancient representations

judged Agrippina on her inability to fulfil the expected, passive role of mother and wife in

Roman society and, in doing so, encouraged her own downfall

MODERN:

1. Anthony Barrett:

o Takes a middle ground between hostility and total admiration o It is when Agrippina is judged by her achievements, rather than her

personality or character that she demands admiration.

2. Richard Bauman:

o Not quite as friendly as Barrett but is certainly less hostile than ancient sources.

o In spite of her many unpleasant qualities, one cannot help feeling a certain admiration for Julia Agrippina, the last of the really great Julio-Claudian

matrons.

3. Salmon

o Idea that Agrippina learnt her methods from her peers and circumstances is shared by Salmon who states that she inherited an ambitious

temperament from her mother

o Bluntly affirms that she was no paragon of female virtue, using the metaphor that she would wade through slaughter in order to secure the throne

o Shares the ancient belief of her ruthlessness and determination, whilst justifying it in acknowledging that she was a product of her time

Within the modern sources, there is a tendency to portray Agrippina the Younger as a

determined female, eager to enter the world of male politics, despite the restrictions and

victimization of the Roman society. The sources praise her for her administrative and

political skills as well as acknowledging that she is a victim of the system that she is

exploiting. The defence of her flaws and unethical methods to achieve her ambitions is

justified, by the evaluation of her actions within the context of her government system

and society.

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The modern interpretations, in comparison with the ancient sources, appear to be more

lenient and understanding in their approach to history, as well as the specific example of

Agrippina the Younger. An attempt to lead a well-developed investigation where

previous interpretations are challenged, in order to recreate an individual rather than a

stereotype, appears to be the inclination. Regardless of her true nature, it cannot be

disputed that she was a woman of immense vigour, distinction and courage and her

achievements are worth great praise and admiration.