Agrippina The Younger

The loss of Agrippinas political influence

Evaluate the reasons behind Agrippinas loss of political influence; consider whether the loss was justified given her ambitions, actions and the role of Roman matriarchs during the Julio-Claudian period.

Agrippina the Younger, born in 15 AD in Germany to Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder, not only became one of the most powerful Julio-Claudian woman in Roman history with extensive family connections1, but her position within Roman politics was perhaps one the most dominant any woman has ever achieved. As a woman, however, she possessed inability to directly control the throne; Agrippina is credited for gaining this ability through the men in her life, namely Gaius, Claudius and Nero. She was able to become the driving force behind the throne through her illustrious bloodline, distinctive personality and remarkable determination. Although experiencing definitive power and influence, her justified downfall came about due to her overbearing nature, her dangerous ambitions and the actions that she took to gain her position of power in Roman society. Agrippinas marriages, first to Domitius Ahenobarbus, followed by Sallustius Passenius Crispus and then Claudius, underlined her initial prominence and gave her significance through her family background and status, as well as imparting on her excessive wealth. Agrippina was not initially fixed on any aspirations of her own, or even her son, but as a result of a combination of unforeseen circumstances, opportunities and family background, she adapted to take control of whatever situation she could. Being a descendent of Augustus and the daughter of Germanicus, these family connections employed immense power, control and status, which would accentuate her selfish desire for principate through Claudius and Nero. Agrippina eventually did everything in her power to reach her newly-developed aspirations, with the actions she took to undertake this being stated as, [using]...her influence and her considerable talents to cultivate and bend people to her will husbands, senators, freedmen, and for a while, her own son, Nero.2 The marriages of imperial women were recognised as political events, with a key consideration being to keep power within the control of a few families. Her first marriage to Domitius

Toni Hurley, Christine Murray, Philippa Medcalf, Jan Rolph, Antiquity 2, Oxford University Press, 2008. Page 279, Great-granddaughter of Augustus, great-granddaughter of Livia and daughter of Germanicus 2 Toni Hurley, Christine Murray, Philippa Medcalf, Jan Rolph, Antiquity 2, Oxford University Press, 2008. Page 288

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Ahenobarbus occurred, arranged, at the age of 13 to 14. Ahenobarbus was a wealthy man with many connections, and who was related to several notable figures who dominated the Roman Empire during the 1st century. Suetonius describes him as despicable and dishonest3, and Barrett later states he was a man who was detestable in every aspect of his life, although was widely respected and in line for Consul. This began her prominence of power and wealth within Rome. Following this, she then married Passienus Crispus, another man of considerable wealth and of consular rank. However, it was her third marriage that would take precedence as the major step for her own ambitions, and for her son, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus4 to later become emperor. Agrippina wedded Claudius in AD 49, after the death of S. Crispus in AD 47 (which left her very wealthy). She was recommended by a freedman named Pallas (who was also believed to have been one of Agrippinas lovers) to be married to the Emperor. Messalina, the wife of Emperor Claudius previous to Agrippinas marriage, recognised Agrippina and Nero were largely popular and posed a threat to her son Britannicus. However, Messalina was executed in AD 48 and Agrippina spotted a chance for power. The effort Agrippina enforced to ensure her sons adoption and his promotion above Claudius own son was immense. The discarding of Britannicus and his supporters is evidence of her forcible nature to fulfil the desire for Nero to become emperor. During the reign of Claudius, her strong ambitions for Nero would have catered to her desire of power and influence over many aspects of Rome, such as the Senate, the treasury (through Pallas) and Praetorian Guard (through Burrus). Agrippinas influence over Claudius sought numerous improvements within society5, but the catalyst outcome of her influence was the engagement of

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Suetonius, De vita Caesarum (literal trans.: On the Life of the Caesars), AD 151 Neros former name before adoption by Claudius 5 Barrett: A distinct change did occur towards the end of the decade this should be attributed to the influence and efforts of Agrippina.

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Octavia6 and Nero, which Tacitus implies was focused on the political advantages gained by the reconciliation between the two factions of the imperial family7. Neros, and therefore Agrippinas, position was strengthened with Claudius adoption of Nero in 50AD. Amongst ancient sources, it is unanimously viewed that this was a result of Agrippinas manipulation of Claudius, and if so, it certainly shows her power over Claudius: Neros adoption seemed an acknowledgement that he was Claudius successor, and this action must have been taken only after some convincing, which Tacitus and Suetonius attributes to Pallas. As Pallas was such a fervent supporter of Agrippina, it is not unreasonable to conclude that this was done to fulfil Agrippinas demand. However, the adoption of Nero was also a prudent action by Claudius, who saw the dangers of leaving only one successor. Whether Neros adoption was machinated by Agrippina, it certainly fulfilled her desire and increased her power in Roman society as mother of the future emperor. Agrippina blatantly aspired for power; however her concerns always included her son. This represented her role as a powerful matriarchal figure in Roman society, and on Neros adoption, he was prioritised over Claudius own son. She gained power and respect no woman had ever achieved and her son himself attained titles and honours8 whereas Britannicus received less. Her unscrupulous skill allowed the inference of power from Claudius to Nero to be smooth; there was no powerful objection to Nero becoming emperor, even though Britannicus was Claudius biological son displaying the attempts Agrippina made to allow an easy path for her son. Salmon and Scullard claim that Agrippina undoubtedly wanted to rule through her son, at the end of her marriage to Claudius, which would only be achievable through his death. Claudius died in AD 54, with sources from Tactitus and Dio Cassius blaming Agrippina; claiming she used poisonous mushrooms. Though there is much doubt Agrippina was involved in Claudius
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Daughter of Messalina and Claudius. Anthony Barrett, Agrippina Sister of Caligula, Wife of Claudius, Mother of Nero, Psychology Press Pg106. 8 AD 51 assumed toga virilis, named consul for year 58 and was given the title of princeps iuventutis or Prince of Youths. E.T. Salmon, A History of the Roman World 30BC to AD138. pg 172.

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murder9, there is certainly suspicion as to why. Claudius began to resist her influence, planning to end her power and Neros title as toga virilis10, and as a mother determined to secure the position of her son as emperor, she branded Claudius a threat. Agrippinas nature eliminated even minor threats as seen by her boasting list of victims11 who in her mind were merely obstacles to her aspirations. Nevertheless, she must have poisoned him with the protection of her son in mind as well as her own aspiration. Agrippina preferred to have her son rule at a young age, when he was still amenable to her influence and through him become mistress of the world12. Though Agrippina may have endeavoured a journey with the highest of expectations of her sons future, her intentions begin to morally decline. Barrett describes Neros dependency on his mother to be natural13 and his judge on Neros character explains Agrippinas acknowledgement of her power and influence, and the advantages that she could achieve by the control she possessed. It is unlikely for Agrippina to spontaneously begin scheming for power and control for selfish reasons. Considering she was a woman of the Julio-Claudian branches, it would be natural of her to be blinded by a desire for power, manifested through her son; an emperor under her control in a circumstance she could manipulate to acquire more power. Not only was this the start of moral decline, but also of the decline of her power altogether. Agrippina realised the decline in her relationship with Nero, accompanied with the lack of longevity of her predominant position of power. Acknowledging that she was not the only individual in control of Nero, and that she could only maintain influence for so long, she resorted to incest with her son14. However, he was failed to be deceived; Neros friends and tutors warned him of her behaviour. Agrippinas deterioration of her power is visible through many

Most people think that Claudius was poisoned; but when, and by whom, is disputed An equal discrepancy exists between the accounts. Suetonius, Claudius, 44.2 (Graves, The Twelve Caesars, page 181-3) 10 Toga virilis (toga alba or toga pura): A plain white toga worn on formal occasions by most Roman men of legal age, generally about 14 to 18 years. The first wearing of the toga virilis was part of the celebrations on reaching maturity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga 11 Anthony Barrett, Agrippina Sister of Caligula, Wife of Claudius, Mother of Nero. xxi 12 E. T. Salmon, A History of the Roman World 30BC to AD138. Pg 138 13 Anthony Barrett, Agrippina Sister of Caligula, Wife of Claudius, Mother of Nero. Pg 150. 14 Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars pg.223

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occurrences; loss of lectors, position in tribunal, disappearance of her portrait on coins and Neros affair with Acte15, which Tacitus attributes as the reason for the decline in Nero and his mothers relationship. Agrippinas motives could not help but change at this point of their relationship. She murdered and betrayed to hand over the rulership to Nero, yet she can hardly end it. With Nero being so financially careless and disobeying her wishes, Agrippina believed that the Roman government was in jeopardy. Neros removal of Pallas position, which Claudius had appointed on Agrippinas request, was seen as an insult and furthered her growing resentment for her son. No longer playing the role of a mother, and beginning to lose everything to her disobedient son, Agrippina schemed to obtain the power and status she was renowned for by any means. It is conclusive that Agrippina, considering Rome and her sons immaturity, egotism and stubbornness, believed Nero was an incompetent emperor whose intentions completely opposed her initial motives16 when she was striving for Neros accession. The combination of Neros insecurities, the constant undermining of Agrippinas influence by Seneca and Burrus, along with her own overbearing nature provided Agrippinas ultimate downfall. This was wholly justified, as Agrippina seemed to be losing a grip on morality, sanity and purpose for the power and status she had strived so hard to attain she had essentially sealed her own fate. As stated by Salmon, her obvious eagerness to be invested with the trapping of authority played into the hands of Seneca and Burrus.17 Nero, hearing rumours of her formation of a Party to overthrow him, banished her from the palace, dissolving her influence instantaneously. The government of Rome now effectively lay in the hands of Seneca and Burrus. Neros realisation, fostered by Seneca and Burrus, that she was capable of destruction of what she achieved for him illustrates the lengths Agrippina went to, to ensure success for her son. They deprived her of power, and it occurred to him her actions to position him as emperor could be as easily used to reverse this success. With

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Freedwoman ex-slave and servant girl who strongly resembled Agrippina. It angered Agrippina yet Senecca and Burrus encouraged it and Nero began to constantly disobey his mother. 16 In short, Agrippina tried to revive the aristocratic traditions of the government which had inspired the policies of Augustus and Tiberius G. Ferrero. The Woman of Caesars. Pg 243. 17 E.T. Salmon, A History of the Roman World 30BC to AD138.

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this reasoning, Agrippina was condemned to a brutal death in AD59 by her own son, and her influence over Nero and Roman society came to an end. The desire for power could never have been absent in her mind during the reigns of both Claudius and Nero. Her continual manipulation of both these men to successfully achieve her goals and her ability to take advantage and adapt to opportunities enabled her to become the woman behind the throne. This is the key issue that leads me to believe Agrippina deserved of her end, that her losses were a result of her own personal demise. Neros position as emperor was unique, as he was in debt to his mother for his accession which she utilised to her benefit. Their relationship climaxed at the beginning of his reign; it appeared to Nero that his mother had been in support of his accession. Although this was initially Agrippinas intention, she realigned her moral views as a matriarch and instead of acting as a mother to her son, acted as a jealous, conniving woman, lusting for power. Finally, it was destructive to Agrippina that Seneca and Burrus would not allow a woman to possess such power and influence. They encouraged Nero to constantly rebel against his mothers wishes, and eventually assassinate her. Agrippina the Younger left her legacy as a powerful Roman woman, experiencing the rise, and deserving of her dramatic fall in Roman society of the Julio-Claudian Period.

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Bibliography
Written: 1. Anthony Barrett, Agrippina: Sex, Power And Politics In The Early Empire, Psychology Press, 1999 2. E.T. Salmon, A History of the Roman World 30BC to AD13, Routledge, 1990 3. G. Ferrero, The Woman of Caesars, Barnes & Noble, 1994 4. Jennifer Lawless, Agrippina II, Class resources 5. Suetonius (AD 151), Robert Graves, Michael Grant, The Twelve Caesars, Penguin, 2003 6. Toni Hurley, Christine Murray, Philippa Medcalf, Jan Rolph, Antiquity 2, Oxford University Press, 2008 Electronic: 7. Describe Agrippinas Rise To Prominence, Unknown, https://sites.google.com/site/ancienthphs/agrippina-the-younger https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxhbmNpZW 50aHBoc3xneDoyY2U4NDBmMTY2MDJjNWMz 8. Julio-Claudian Family Tree http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julio-Claudian_family_tree 9. Tacitus, The Annals, Written 109 A.C.E., Translated by Alfred John Church and William Jackson Brodribb http://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/annals.html 10. Toga Virilis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toga#Varieties

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