Exile and Return Under Caligula
Who is Agrippina's father?
Germanicus
What is the relationship between Agrippina and Claudius?
Agrippina married this emperor as her third husband in AD 49 despite him being her uncle.
What is the relationship between Agrippina the Younger and Nero?
This emperor was Agrippina's son from her first marriage
Who is the person whose career Agrippina most significantly impacted?
Her only son Lucius (Nero)
Who are our TWO major written sources for Agrippina?
Tacitus and Cassius Dio
Where was Agrippina born
a. Oppidum Ubiorum (modern day Cologne)
OR
b. Along the Rhine in Germania
Who was the freedman who played a significant role in Agrippina's marriage to Claudius?
This powerful imperial freedman is credited by sources with supporting Agrippina's marriage to Claudius after the death of Messalina, and he became a key ally
What were two key steps Agrippina took to advance Nero's position as heir?
To secure this son's position as heir, Agrippina arranged his marriage to Claudius's daughter Octavia and successfully persuaded Claudius to adopt him in AD 50
What period of Nero's reign is often considered the most positive, linked to Agrippina's influence?
Agrippina's period of influence was arguably most effective during the initial year of Nero's rule, which sources often characterise by stability and positive government
How do ancient written sources generally depict Agrippina?
Ancient sources, such as Tacitus and Suetonius, frequently portray Agrippina negatively, often highlighting her ambition, manipulation, and perceived cruelty. Tacitus, in particular, is noted for a perspective on the Julio-Claudians influenced by "raging animosities" from the period after their deaths
What was Emperor Nero's birth name?
Lucius
What significant title and public representations did Agrippina gain during Claudius's reign?
During her marriage to this emperor, Agrippina received the title of Augusta and was depicted in visual sources like coins and the Sebasteion reliefs, sometimes showing her as an "equal partner"
What was Agrippina's role in Nero's accession to emperor and the early years of his reign?
Agrippina was instrumental in this 16-year-old's accession to the throne in AD 54, supported by her appointed Praetorian Prefect, Burrus, and initially wielded significant influence, even appearing with him on coins
What specific positive contributions are sometimes attributed to Agrippina by modern historians regarding the reigns of Claudius and Nero?
Some modern historians, like Erich S. Gruen, argue that Agrippina "deserves credit for wise financial policies and the generally effective administration that prevailed in the latter part of Claudius’ reign and the first part of Nero’s".
How do some modern historical interpretations of Agrippina differ from ancient ones?
Unlike the overwhelmingly negative ancient portrayals, some modern historians acknowledge Agrippina's political acumen and influence, and may offer a more nuanced or positive assessment of her impact on administration and stability during certain periods
What are Agrippina's three brothers names.
Caligula, Nero and Drusus.
What were some ways Agrippina exerted influence over Claudius's government and administration?
Agrippina influenced this emperor's administration by securing important appointments, including Seneca as Nero's tutor and Burrus as Praetorian Prefect, and is associated with bringing "sound government" and "wise financial policies" in his later years
What caused the tension and decline of Agrippina's influence in her relationship with Nero?
The relationship between Agrippina and this emperor became increasingly strained as he resented her interference, leading to her loss of political influence despite the guidance of figures like Seneca and Burrus in the early reign
What action by Agrippina had a major impact on the future leadership of the Roman Empire?
Agrippina's successful efforts to have Claudius adopt Nero, bypassing Britannicus, represent a significant impact on the succession and trajectory of the Julio-Claudian dynasty
What type of historical source provides a visual perspective on Agrippina's public image and status, distinct from written texts?
Material evidence, such as coins minted during the reigns of Caligula, Claudius, and Nero featuring Agrippina, and sculptures like the Sebasteion reliefs depicting her with Claudius, offer a different perspective on her public image and status compared to written accounts
What was the year and reason for Agrippina's exile during the reign of Gaius
39 AD. She was implicated in a plot along with her sister and Lepidus to overthrow Gaius and for Lepidus to become the next Princeps.
What was Agrippina's most significant achievement regarding Nero during Claudius's reign, and what is she famously accused of?
Agrippina successfully lobbied this emperor to adopt her son Nero, positioning him as heir over Britannicus. Ancient sources also extensively implicate Agrippina in this emperor's death in AD 54, though this accusation is debated by modern historians
What was the final, tragic outcome of Agrippina's relationship with Nero?
This emperor ultimately ordered his mother's assassination, though ancient accounts describe various failed attempts and methods leading up to her death
What event is often cited as a turning point leading to the deterioration of Nero's reign?
Agrippina's death at the hands of her son marks a turning point in Nero's reign, after which he is seen by sources to increasingly alienate different groups and exhibit more brutal behaviour
What aspects of Agrippina's life and career are frequently subject to evaluation and debate in modern historical analysis?
Questions about Agrippina's political influence, her achievements, her impact on her time, and her legacy are common areas of assessment and evaluation in historical studies, often requiring consideration of varied and sometimes conflicting sources