Agrippina the Younger, the most powerful woman of the early Roman Empire

 

Agrippina the Younger was a Roman empress and a prominent woman in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. She was the niece and fourth wife of Emperor Claudius, and the mother of Emperor Nero. She was also the granddaughter of the first emperor Augustus, and the sister of Emperor Caligula. She used her political influence and family ties to advance her son’s succession and to eliminate her rivals. She was eventually killed by Nero, who suspected her of plotting against him.Agrippina’s relationship with Claudius was complex and controversial. Agrippina was the niece of Claudius, as well as his fourth wife. She married him in 49 CE, after being accused of poisoning her previous husband, Gaius Sallustius Crispus Passienus. Agrippina used her marriage to Claudius to gain political power and influence, as well as to secure the succession of her son Nero, whom Claudius adopted as his heir. Agrippina was honored with the title of Augusta and was involved in many public and private affairs of the state. However, Agrippina also faced opposition and resentment from some of Claudius’ advisers, such as Narcissus, who tried to undermine her authority and expose her plots. Agrippina may have been involved in the death of Claudius in 54 CE, either by poisoning him or by convincing his doctor to administer a fatal dose of a drug. After Claudius’ death, Agrippina became the regent for Nero, until he asserted his independence and eventually ordered her assassination in 59 CE2.

Main rivals of Agrippina

Messalina, the third wife of Claudius, who tried to undermine Agrippina’s influence and plotted to kill her. Agrippina exposed Messalina’s affair with Gaius Silius and convinced Claudius to execute her in 48 CE1.

Narcissus, the freedman and secretary of Claudius, who opposed Agrippina’s marriage to Claudius and her promotion of Nero. Agrippina accused him of treason and had him poisoned in 54 CE2.

Britannicus

Britannicus, the son of Claudius and Messalina, who was the original heir of Claudius. Agrippina persuaded Claudius to adopt Nero and make him his successor. She also delayed Britannicus’ coming of age ceremony and may have poisoned him in 55 CE3.

Seneca

Seneca, the philosopher and tutor of Nero, who initially supported Agrippina but later sided with Nero against her. Seneca wrote a speech for Nero to justify Agrippina’s murder and later committed suicide on Nero’s orders in 65 CE4.

Poppaea Sabina

Poppaea Sabina, the second wife of Nero, who seduced Nero and convinced him to divorce and kill his first wife, Octavia, Agrippina’s granddaughter. Poppaea also resented Agrippina’s interference and influence over Nero and may have instigated her assassination in 59 CE.