LIVIA DRUSILLA

born Jan. 30, 58 BC died AD 29 also called (from AD 14) Julia Augusta Caesar Augustus' devoted and influential wife who counselled him on affairs of state and who, in her efforts to secure the imperial succession for her son Tiberius, was reputed to have caused the deaths of many of his rivals. Her father was Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus, an adoptive son of the tribune of 91, Marcus Livius Drusus. She married her cousin Tiberius Claudius Nero and in 42 bore him Tiberius. She was still pregnant with her second son, Nero Claudius Drusus, when early in 38, Octavian (later Augustus) compelled her to divorce Nero and marry him. Her second marriage was childless. After the death of Augustus (Aug. 19, AD 14) she assumed the name Julia Augusta. Livia's power and ambition proved embarrassing to Tiberius after his accession. He forbade her to accept certain honours and even refused to carry out the terms of her will. She was, however, deified (42) by her grandson Claudius. Surviving portraiture confirms her reputation for dignified beauty.