Emperor Julian was injured in the side with a spear during fighting. His warriors transported him back to his camp, where he died later that night. There was no time to waste while grieving. Julian was bringing his army north …

The enigmatic Flavius Valens found himself managing an empire plagued by political turmoil and external dangers. Driven by an insatiable need and desperation for legitimacy, he unknowingly led the Roman Empire to a disastrous turning point that would reverberate through …

But how do we know Agrippina was a capable leader? One approach is to compare Claudius’ reign before Agrippina (41 CE-49 CE) to his reign after Agrippina (49 CE-54 CE). While Agrippina is represented as an intriguer and morally corrupt, …

After a twenty-three-year reign, the dour Tiberius’ death was met with great pomp by the Romans. The celebratory atmosphere resulted in a triumphant parade led by their new emperor, Caligula. But the Romans were more excited over the return of …

Who was Agrippina Younger? Her purported wickedness still surrounds her today. Agrippina, the Julian-Claudian Empress. According to ancient chroniclers, Julia Agrippina the Minor, also known as Agrippina the Younger (16 CE-59 CE), was a regicide, a perennial poisoner, a murderer, …

Agrippina the Younger was Germanicus’ daughter and the mother of Emperor Nero. She is known for her treachery and murders, as well as her dramatic end at the hands of her son. Her first spouse, Domitius Ahenobarbus, was Nero’s biological …

Roman Sallust is the best example of how the judgment of a woman’s power can be completely twisted. In his account of Catiline’s conspiracy (63 BC), the historian reports that Catiline drew around him a number of ladies who had …

In Roman history, some women served as prototypes for prominent political figures. The shift in status is represented by the acknowledgment of Roman women during a significant public event, the funeral oration. The earliest recorded speech honoring a woman was …

Lucretia was the most heroic mythical woman. Traditionally, the sons of the final Roman monarch, Tarquin, made a bet with their cousin, Collatinus, over the conduct of their wives while their husbands were away. Upon their return to Rome, it …

Pliny the Younger was delighted to see that his young bride was reading and remembering his work, as well as composing music based on his lines. Cornelia, Pompey’s wife, was knowledgeable in literature, music, and geometry, and regularly engaged in …