Agrippina the Younger wielded significant power in during the later years of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, acquired through her lineage connecting her to Augustus in both Julian and Claudian families; and though her three marriages to significant political figures. Tacitus notes her unique position as the “sister, wife and mother of emperors”. Daughter of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder, Agrippina II was born into prominence. Her first marriage was to Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, to which she bore her only son to, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (Nero). Gnaeus, a Roman general and politician, was quite wealthy and held credible familial links to Octavia, Augustus’ sister. This would ensure Nero was a legitimate heir to the role of Princeps. …show more content…
Roman law during this time forbid incestual marriages, preventing Agrippina from marrying her Uncle Claudius. Pallas, an Imperial freedman with considerable influence worked alongside Agrippina to create exceptions to allow this union. It is suggested by Tacitus that the two worked so closely during this time it was considered to be sexual. Vitellius, Roman Senator and palace insider, would act as the instigator to initiate reform to permit exceptions that would allow this union. This marriage was a politically benefiting for both, and once permitted, wed …show more content…
It was at this point Agrippina wielded the greatest power of a woman in any time period of the Roman Empire, acting as Nero’s regent. However, Agrippina’s power and influence on Nero would lessen significantly following Nero’s resentment of his mother’s influence, and Tigellinus’ new role as Prefect of the Praetorian Guard following the death of Burrus. Agrippina’s downfall and her ultimate death was at the hands of her son,