Nero Wives and the Pisonian Conspiracy Flashcards
(13 cards)
Who was Nero’s first wife?
Octavia, daughter of Claudius
Octavia’s marriage to Nero established his legitimacy but was unhappy.
What happened to Octavia after her marriage to Nero?
She was accused of sexual outrages, exiled to Pandateria, and murdered in 62 AD
Nero quickly supplanted her with his freedwoman Acte.
Who was Poppea Sabina?
Nero’s second wife and mother of Claudia
Tacitus suggests Poppea encouraged Nero to remove Agrippina and Octavia.
What was significant about the birth of Claudia?
Claudia was born in 63 AD, but died at four months old
Both Nero and Poppea were deified after their deaths.
What did Tacitus record about Poppea’s relationship with Nero?
She was one of Nero’s most trusted counsellors in moments of Rage
Dio and Tacitus provide insights into her influence over Nero.
What was the relationship between Poppea and Agrippina?
Poppea encouraged Nero to remove Agrippina
This was part of her strategy to facilitate her relationship with Nero.
Who was Statilia Messalina?
Nero’s third wife, great-great-granddaughter of Statilius Taurus
Suetonius states Nero murdered her husband to marry her.
When did Nero marry Statilia Messalina?
June 66 AD
This was her fifth marriage out of seven.
What was the Pisonian Conspiracy?
A conspiracy involving senators, knights, soldiers, and women against Nero
Tacitus describes it as not originating from Nero’s desires.
Whose character outweighed Faenius Rufus in Nero’s mind?
Tigellinus’ ferocity and shamelessness
Faenius Rufus was a prefect with a praiseworthy life.
What prompted the conspirators to act sooner?
Fear of betrayal
This urgency led them to commit the murder more quickly.
On what day did the conspirators decide to strike?
The day of the Circensian Games
These games celebrate Ceres.
How did Nero use the Pisonian Conspiracy to his advantage?
As an excuse to execute dozens of senators and equestrians
This helped him reassert authority and acquire funds through confiscated property.
