The Significance of Women in the Imperial Family Essay -- Roman Histor

The Significance of Women in the Imperial Family During the time of the Roman Empire women were not allowed to play any part in the political life of the empire. However women were still able to influence powerful men and manipulate them to use their power for the wants of woman. The most powerful woman in the roman society was either the wife of a principate or the mother of one. Examples of influential woman in the imperial family include Livia Drusilla, Julia Agrippina and Octivia. The only woman that seemed to have a stable position with both power and security was the wife of the emperor. For example the Livia Drusilla (58 BC-29 AD), an influential consort of Augustus, who was depicted in imperial propaganda as the embodiment of womanliness and dedication, while her enemies believed her to be a ruthless seeker of power. Through the example of Livia it can be seen how influential a wife of a powerful man can be. Augustus married her when she was very young taking her away from her first husband Tiberius Nero. From then on, Augustus’ affection was fixed on her. They stayed together till the end, despite certain insecurity from not giving Augustus an heir. Livia was the most powerful woman of her time and Augustus appeared to have taken most of her advice. She sometimes accompanied him from Rome and always served as a trusted confidante and advisor. When a beloved great grandson of Augustus’ died (a son of Germanicus’), she saw to it that the child’s statue was placed in his private quarters, demonstrating power she did contain. However modestly she presented herself, Livia's life was showcased by Augustus from the first ... ...members.aol.com/zoticus/bathlib/nero.htm http://www.travel-italy.com/ct/agrippina.html http://www.ancientworlds.net/aw/Thread/116676 Books 1. Author: Bartman, Elizabeth. Title: Portraits of Livia : imaging the imperial woman in Augustan Rome / Elizabeth Bartman. Publisher: New York : Cambridge University Press, 1998. 2. Author: Barrett, Anthony, 1941- Title: Livia : first lady of Imperial Rome / Anthony A. Barrett. Publisher: New Haven : Yale University Press, c2002. 3. Author: Wood, Susan (Susan Elliott), 1951- Title: Imperial women : a study in public images, 40 B.C.-A.D. 68 / by Susan E. Wood. Publisher: Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 1999. 4. Author: Barrett, Anthony A. Title: Agrippina : mother of Nero / Anthony A. Barrett. Publisher: London : Batsford, 1996.