These four women were important during the early Roman Empire because of their influence on the men in power. If you are taking the new Classical Civilizations exam in the UK, they are one of the topics in section 10.5 The Early Empire: Tiberius, Claudius and Nero, according to the
Assessments and Qualifications Alliance (AQA).
Livia
Livia or Julia Augusta was the wife of the first Roman emperor, Augustus. By an earlier marriage she had given birth to the future emperor Tiberius.
Livia was a model of womanly virtue, which was important for Augustus who was trying to elevate the morals of Rome. Livia worked hard to elevate Tiberius. When he succeeded Augustus as emperor, she continued to exert power.
Emperor Claudius had her deified in A.D. 42.
Agrippina the Elder
Agrippina the Elder was a granddaughter of the Roman Emperor Augustus. She was married to Germanicus by whom she had nine children, including the future emperor Caligula. The Roman Emperor Tiberius had her exiled.
Agrippina the Younger
Agrippina the Younger, daughter of Agrippina the Elder, was popular with the Roman people and after being widowed twice, she married her uncle, Emperor Claudius. She was made "Augusta", founded the Colonia Antonia, which is now Cologne, convinced Claudius to make her son Nero his heir, and then Agrippina is believed to have helped poison the emperor. At the beginning of Nero's reign Agrippina had power. Agrippina the Younger was depicted on coins.
Poppaea
Poppaea or Poppaea Sabina was the Empress of Rome from A.D. 62-65 as the wife of the Roman Emperor Nero. Tacitus says she encouraged the murder of Agrippina the Younger. While she was pregnant, Nero kicked her. She died as a result and was deified.
