10Livia Drusilla

Livia Drusilla was wife to the Emperor Augustus for 51 years. By all accounts Livia was as dutifully modest and industrious as a Roman matron was supposed to be. Yet she worked hard behind the scenes to keep the Imperial System running by advising Augustus.

Her patronage was sought after and her sons by a previous marriage both benefited from it. Potential heirs more closely related to Augustus either died or were exiled, and ancient historians report rumours of Livia having a hand in their demise. Whatever the truth of the allegations Livia’s descendents were the ones to hold the Imperial throne after Augustus’ death. She continued to manage affairs of state into her son Tiberius’ reign. After her own death she was deified as a goddess; The Divine Augusta.

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