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Agrippina the Younger

By N.S. Gill, About.com

Agrippina and Nero

Agrippina and Nero

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Definition: Agrippina the Younger lived from November 6 A.D. 15- March 99.

Agrippina was the daughter of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder and a sister of Emperor Caligula. She married Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus in A.D. 28. He died in A.D. 40. During this marriage, she produced a son who was to become the Emperor Nero. While Agrippina's brother Caligula was in power (37-41), Agrippina was believed to be involved in incest with Caligula. In time Caligula sent her into exile. Agrippina married her second husband, Gaius Sallustius Crispus Passienus, in 41. Agrippina the Younger married the Emperor Claudius in A.D. 49. Very popular, Agrippina persuaded Claudius to adopt her son Nero in A.D. 50.

Agrippina was accused of murdering Claudius by early historians. Following Claudius' murder, a seventeen-year-old Nero came to power, with Agrippina the Younger as regent and Augusta. Agrippina's power gradually diminished. Nero sent her into exile. After a botched attempt, Nero arranged for the murder of his mother Agrippina.

Ancient sources on Agrippina the Younger are Tacitus, Suetonius, and Dio Cassius.

Also Known As: Agrippina Minor

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