Agrippina atrox ac ferox – Tacitus’ depiction of Agrippina minor in the Annals

Term Paper , 2008 , 14 Pages , Grade: A

World History - Early and Ancient History

Agrippina the younger seems to fascinate not only for modern authors or movie makers, but also ancient writers and artists. Not only was Agrippina minor widely used as model for statues or images on coins, she also used to play often a major role in the stories of ancient authors like Tacitus, Suetonius or Cassius Dio. She stands out in the description of those authors, characterized mainly as evil and greedy for power, interfering the businesses of the emperors and therefore totally un-female, if not even totally male in her character.
The paper covers biographical facts as well as Agrippina’s depiction in literary sources, her relations to the emperors of her family as well as her commemoration on coins. Furthermore, Agrippina’s actions, especially her political actions are described and the impact which they had on Roman society and on her characterization by Tacitus.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• Agrippina the younger seems to fascinate not only for modern authors or movie makers, but also ancient writers and artists.
• Since there was no possibility for women holding an office, her power and influence must have had its origin the only source available to women in the Roman Empire, close relationship to male power.
• Agrippina the Younger was the daughter of Germanicus Julius Caesar and of Vipsania Agrippina (Agrippina maior).
• Agrippina was born probably in 14 AD,¹ most likely in the city now known as Cologne.²
• Suetonius and Tacitus reports that in 28 AD Agrippina married Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, a man from a distinguished family with a long line of consuls as his ancestors, and through his mother Antonia maior and his grandmother Octavia also related to Augustus.
• Unfortunately a great deal of Tacitus account on Caligula and his reign are lost, therefore we don't have a depiction of Agrippina and her actions for that particularly time.
• But after 38 AD a conspiracy was exposed, in which the sisters and some prominent members of the aristocracy were involved.¹
• After the assassination of Caligula in January 41 AD the sisters returned to Rome.
• That uncle, after the horrible end of his marriage to Messalina, mother of his two children Octavia and Britannicus, looked for a new wife, and Agrippina appeared to be the perfect candidate.
• Agrippina and Claudius were married early in 49 AD; short time after Messalina had been removed.
• Shortly after the marriage Claudius followed the tradition of his nephew Caligula and minted especially gold and silver coins with his portrait on the averse and with the portrait of his wife Agrippina on the reverse.
• Such considerations may be underlined by the words with which Tacitus describes the new circumstances after the marriage between Claudius and Agrippina.
• The next step Agrippina undertook was again a very mindful and considered one: she supported the adoption of her son Domitius by Claudius, 25 most likely in order to provide her son a better chance to succeed Claudius in the rule.
• At the same year, in 50 AD, the title Augusta was given to her, 26 a title which only her great-grandmother Livia held before (probably also her grandmother Antonia minor was given that honor in the beginning of the reign of Caligula).
• Another honor to Agrippina was to give her name to a colony at the Rhine, which was meant to be her birth place.
• Fazit
• Literaturverzeichnis

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte

This text aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Tacitus' depiction of Agrippina the Younger in his Annals. It examines the historical context of Agrippina's life and her relationships with various Roman emperors, focusing on how Tacitus portrays her as a powerful and ambitious woman who used her influence to advance her own political goals.

• Tacitus' portrayal of Agrippina as a powerful and ambitious woman
• Agrippina's relationships with Roman emperors, including her marriage to Claudius and her influence over him
• The use of sexuality as a political tool in ancient Rome
• The role of women in Roman society and their access to power
• The historical context of Agrippina's life and the events surrounding her rise and fall

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel

The text begins by introducing Agrippina the Younger and her family background, highlighting her connections to prominent figures in the Roman Empire. It then delves into her early life, including her marriage to Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and the birth of their son, Nero. The text also explores Agrippina's relationship with her brother, Gaius Caligula, and the honors bestowed upon her during his reign. It then examines the conspiracy that led to Agrippina's exile and her subsequent return to Rome after Caligula's assassination.

The text then focuses on Agrippina's marriage to her uncle, Claudius, and her influence over him. It analyzes the political motivations behind this marriage and the ways in which Agrippina used her position to advance her own ambitions. The text also discusses the coinage issued during Claudius' reign, which featured portraits of both Claudius and Agrippina, and the significance of the title Augusta bestowed upon her.

The text concludes by examining Agrippina's role in the adoption of her son, Nero, by Claudius, and the political implications of this event. It also discusses the honors bestowed upon Agrippina, including the naming of a colony after her, and the ways in which Tacitus portrays her as a powerful and influential figure.

Schlüsselwörter

The keywords and focus themes of the text include Agrippina the Younger, Tacitus, Annals, Roman Empire, power, politics, women, sexuality, influence, Claudius, Nero, Caligula, family, marriage, adoption, coinage, Augusta, and historical context.

• College: Indiana University
• Grade: A
• Author: M.A. Diana Beuster (Author)
• Publication Year: 2008
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V128663
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640349401
• ISBN (Book): 9783640349104
• Language: English
• Tags: Agrippina, Tacitus’, Agrippina, Annals