Livia

Livia Drusa Augusta, Livia Drusilla, or Julia Augusta (58 BC-AD 29) was the wife of Caesar Augustus and the most powerful woman in the early Roman empire, acting several times as regent and being Augustus' faithful advisor.

Widow

Augustus died in AD 14, being deified by the senate shortly afterwards. In his will, he left one-third of his property to Livia, and the other two-thirds to the successor Tiberius. In the will, he also adopted her into the Julian family, thus turning her into a patrician, and granted her the honorific title of Augusta. These dispositions permitted her to maintain her status and power after his death, under the name of Julia Augusta.

Related Topics:
AD 14 - Honorific title of Augusta

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For some time, Livia and her son Tiberius, the new Emperor, got along with each other. Speaking against her became treason in 20 and, in 24 he granted his mother a theatre seat among the Vestal Virgins. Eventually, Tiberius became resentful of his mother's political status, particularly against the idea that it was she who had given him the throne. He forbade the senate to call her Augusta and removed most of the privileges granted by Augustus.

Related Topics:
Treason - Vestal Virgin

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When Livia died in 29, Tiberius had already revealed his cruel nature. He was governing Rome by proxy from Capri and refused to come to her funeral. Later he vetoed all the honours the senate had granted her after her death and cancelled the fulfilment of her will. Her villa north of Rome is still a spectacular site.

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