Imperial Women Flashcards
(23 cards)
What role did imperial women often play in historical narratives?
Used as scapegoats
Examples include Claudius & Messalina, Nero & Agrippina.
Which imperial women are noted for running the state?
Agrippina, Messalina, Livia
They had significant influence over political affairs.
Who described Livia as ‘a peerless lady, in everything more like a goddess than a mortal being’?
Velleius Paterculus
This description emphasizes the perceived divinity and power of imperial women.
According to Suetonius, whose actions were “dictated by his wives and freedmen?”
Claudius
This highlights the influence of imperial women in political decisions.
What happened to Silanus for refusing Messalina’s advances? [Cassius Dio]
He was killed
This indicates the level of influence and power held by imperial women
Who was behind the appointment of Burrus as Praetorian Guard prefect? [Dio Cassius]
Agrippina
This illustrates her political maneuvering and influence.
What does Tacitus imply about the relationship between Nero and Agrippina?
“He was under his guardian’s thumb”
This suggests manipulation and control in imperial succession.
What scandalous behavior was alleged about Agrippina in relation to her son? [Tacitus]
“she several times appeared before her inebriated son all decked out and ready for incest.”
This may not be accurate and in fact reflect the villainisation of powerful women by ancient sources
What is depicted on the Aureus of Nero?
Nero and Agrippina as co-rulers
This coinage symbolizes their partnership in power.
How is Poppaea portrayed in coinage and Josephus?
suggest Poppaea was a competent and interested political figure
presenting her far more positively than Dio and Tacitus
Which two figures signified succession and offered legitimacy in the imperial context?
Julia and Agrippa
Their marriages were strategic for maintaining power.
What did Tacitus say about the sacrifices made for imperial ambition of Agrippina?
“There is nothing she will not sacrifice”
This highlights the lengths to which imperial women would go for power.
How did Claudius use his daughter’s marriages for political gains? [Cassius Dio]
To gain successors through his sons-in-law
These son-in-laws took part in donations to the plebs
What was the proposed marriage of Claudia Antonia that Tacitus found unlikely?
To marry Piso
Why did Nero marry Octavia? [Tacitus]
For legitimacy
Marriages were often used to solidify power and status.
What did Tacitus imply about Livilla’s aspirations?
“You are mistaken, Sejanus, if you think that Livilla … would be content to grow old as the wife of a knight”
This reflects the ambitions of women in the imperial family.
What title was given to Gaius’s grandmother Antonia in relation to the imperial cult? [Dio]
Augusta, but later “He forced his grandmother to commit suicide”
What dilemma did Gaius face regarding his sister’s honors? [Seneca]
“whether he wanted his sister to be mourned as a mortal or worshipped as a goddess”
What did Suetonius say about Livia’s honors under Claudius?
“The Senate decree his grandmother livia divine honors”
This shows the recognition of women’s influence in the imperial cult.
What was the impact of ill-feeling among imperial women according to Tacitus?
It “made things worse”
Rivalries among women could destabilize the imperial family.
According to Tacitus what would be the impact if Livilla remarried?
“Agrippina’s ill-feelings will be greatly intensified if Livilla marries: this would virtually split the imperial house in two”
This indicates the potential for rivalry and conflict within the imperial household.
What did Tacitus say about the women’s rivalry under Tiberius?
“The women’s rivalry is irrepressible”
This highlights the persistent nature of competition among imperial women.
How did Poppaea affect Nero according to Tacitus?
“Nagged and mocked him incessantly”
This reflects the influence of women over the emperors
