Thank you for reading about the life of Livia Drusilla Augusta. I hope that you learned a lot about her. Here are some additional sources that you might like to use.
Gratias!
Extra Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Livia
http://www.roman-emperors.org/livia.htm
http://rome.mrdonn.org/weddings.html
http://thehistoryofrome.blogspot.com/
Sunday
Death of Livia
December 6, AD 29-
Hello. This is Tiberius. I don't really know how to put this nicely for all of you women, but Livia has died. Yes, I know that is a shock, but she fell ill and died a few months ago. I am sorry for the late notice, but I would have hoped you had heard.
That is all for now. And probably forever.
Gratias (Thank you),
Tiberius
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Author's Note:
Livia has now died...well in AD 29. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia detailing some her honors some years later, " It would not be until 13 years later in AD 42, under the reign of her grandson Claudius, that all her honours would be restored and her deification finally completed. Named Diva Augusta (The Divine Augusta), she received an elephant-drawn chariot to convey her image to all public games. A statue of her was set up in the temple of Augustus along with her husbands, races were held in her honour, and women were to invoke her name in their sacred oaths. Her Villa ad Gallinas Albas north of Rome is currently being excavated; its famous frescoes of imaginary garden views may be seen at National Museum of Rome. One of the most famous statues of Augustus - the Augustus of Prima Porta came from the grounds of the villa."
Hello. This is Tiberius. I don't really know how to put this nicely for all of you women, but Livia has died. Yes, I know that is a shock, but she fell ill and died a few months ago. I am sorry for the late notice, but I would have hoped you had heard.
That is all for now. And probably forever.
Gratias (Thank you),
Tiberius
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Livia has now died...well in AD 29. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia detailing some her honors some years later, " It would not be until 13 years later in AD 42, under the reign of her grandson Claudius, that all her honours would be restored and her deification finally completed. Named Diva Augusta (The Divine Augusta), she received an elephant-drawn chariot to convey her image to all public games. A statue of her was set up in the temple of Augustus along with her husbands, races were held in her honour, and women were to invoke her name in their sacred oaths. Her Villa ad Gallinas Albas north of Rome is currently being excavated; its famous frescoes of imaginary garden views may be seen at National Museum of Rome. One of the most famous statues of Augustus - the Augustus of Prima Porta came from the grounds of the villa."
Palatine Hill and all of Rome mourns
August 19, AD 14-
All of Rome mourns on this sad day. My beloved husband has died. He has left me 1/3 of the property and the rest to my son and his successor, Tiberius. In his will, he adopted me into the Julian family and granted me the title of Augusta, a VERY great honor. I feel as if my heart will break. I must go.
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla AUGUSTA
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Author's Note:
Augustus did die on this day while he was visiting Nola, the place of his father's death. His famous last words were "Did you like the performance," referring to the play-acting he had put on as an emperor. On the day of his burial, all private and public businesses closed to honor the dead emperor.
All of Rome mourns on this sad day. My beloved husband has died. He has left me 1/3 of the property and the rest to my son and his successor, Tiberius. In his will, he adopted me into the Julian family and granted me the title of Augusta, a VERY great honor. I feel as if my heart will break. I must go.
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla AUGUSTA
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Author's Note:
Augustus did die on this day while he was visiting Nola, the place of his father's death. His famous last words were "Did you like the performance," referring to the play-acting he had put on as an emperor. On the day of his burial, all private and public businesses closed to honor the dead emperor.
DEAD, DEAD, DEAD!!!
February 1, 13 AD
FINALLY!!! All the other heirs are dead! Dead, dead, dead! Tiberius is the only one left. Augustus will have to pick him because all the others, are well, gone and no longer in the running. I have heard rumors floating around that I was responsible for his death. But, what makes them think that? :)
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Though it has been some years, finally all the possible successors have died. Some point the blame to Livia, though fact is not really known in this subject. Augustus did indeed finally choose Tiberius as successor and died a year later.
FINALLY!!! All the other heirs are dead! Dead, dead, dead! Tiberius is the only one left. Augustus will have to pick him because all the others, are well, gone and no longer in the running. I have heard rumors floating around that I was responsible for his death. But, what makes them think that? :)
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Though it has been some years, finally all the possible successors have died. Some point the blame to Livia, though fact is not really known in this subject. Augustus did indeed finally choose Tiberius as successor and died a year later.
My sons are married at last!
October 31, 11 BC-
Both of my sons have married!!! Drusus, a trusted general I must add, married Octavian's favorite niece, Antonia Minor (nice planning I must say if he is to be in the running for next emperor), and Tiberius married Julia the Elder (Octavian's only child with Scribonia). My sons have turned into young men that are very smart. I wonder who taught them to be so sharp? It couldn't have been me of course...oh wait...it was me. I am the best of the best!!!
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Both Tiberius and Drusus married in the family, maybe in hopes of one day becoming the next Roman emperor.
Julia the Elder, Tiberius' wife
.jpg)
Antonia Minor, wife of Drusus
Both of my sons have married!!! Drusus, a trusted general I must add, married Octavian's favorite niece, Antonia Minor (nice planning I must say if he is to be in the running for next emperor), and Tiberius married Julia the Elder (Octavian's only child with Scribonia). My sons have turned into young men that are very smart. I wonder who taught them to be so sharp? It couldn't have been me of course...oh wait...it was me. I am the best of the best!!!
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Both Tiberius and Drusus married in the family, maybe in hopes of one day becoming the next Roman emperor.
Julia the Elder, Tiberius' wife
.jpg)
Antonia Minor, wife of Drusus
Sons...step up!
May 14, 20 BC-
My sons! My sons! Now is the time to be bold. Now is the time to be courageous. Now is the time to stand strong. My goal in the next few years is to push my sons into position to succeed Augustus. If one of my sons succeeds, I will be so powerful! Imagine all the things I could do (actually my son could do)...both good and bad, mind you. Muhahaha!
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia's lust for power for her sons is definitely growing and she continues to push her sons to power. (I made up the above date.)
My sons! My sons! Now is the time to be bold. Now is the time to be courageous. Now is the time to stand strong. My goal in the next few years is to push my sons into position to succeed Augustus. If one of my sons succeeds, I will be so powerful! Imagine all the things I could do (actually my son could do)...both good and bad, mind you. Muhahaha!
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia's lust for power for her sons is definitely growing and she continues to push her sons to power. (I made up the above date.)
Rumors or Fact? You decide
July 12, 23 BC-
Rumors of fact? I heard today that some people are accusing me of killing Marcellus, Augustus' nephew. They are saying that it was no natural death and that I am definitely the one behind it because of my quest, as I like to call it, for power. What do you think? Am I a friend or a foe?
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
After the unnatural death of Augustus' nephew, rumors did start to float around that Livia was behind the plot to kill possible heirs to the throne. One by one, all the sons of Julia the Elder, the wife of first Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa whom was the father of these sons, died. First it was Lucius and then Gaius. Augustus had adopted them as his sons and intended them to be his successors. So YOU decide. Was Livia a friend or a foe?
Rumors of fact? I heard today that some people are accusing me of killing Marcellus, Augustus' nephew. They are saying that it was no natural death and that I am definitely the one behind it because of my quest, as I like to call it, for power. What do you think? Am I a friend or a foe?
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
After the unnatural death of Augustus' nephew, rumors did start to float around that Livia was behind the plot to kill possible heirs to the throne. One by one, all the sons of Julia the Elder, the wife of first Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa whom was the father of these sons, died. First it was Lucius and then Gaius. Augustus had adopted them as his sons and intended them to be his successors. So YOU decide. Was Livia a friend or a foe?
Octavian honors me!
June 23, 35 BC-
Octavian has honored me publicly! He told yesterday that he has given me complete control over my finances! He is so good to me! You know what else? He has dedicated a statue to me. What a sweetie.
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Octavian, also Augustus, gave his wife a great honor in giving her complete control over her finances. Livia was always very faithful to Octavian and even spent some of her time making him clothes! She never wore excessive jewelry or costumes, and took good care of her sons and husband. No wonder he honored her! By the way, though the year is correct, the month and day of this honoring are not.
Octavian has honored me publicly! He told yesterday that he has given me complete control over my finances! He is so good to me! You know what else? He has dedicated a statue to me. What a sweetie.
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Octavian, also Augustus, gave his wife a great honor in giving her complete control over her finances. Livia was always very faithful to Octavian and even spent some of her time making him clothes! She never wore excessive jewelry or costumes, and took good care of her sons and husband. No wonder he honored her! By the way, though the year is correct, the month and day of this honoring are not.
Octavian is emperor at last!
November 15, 31 BC-
My husband Octavian has been named emperor of the Roman empire! You know what that means? I am a Roman empress! One of the reasons that Octavian has gotten this high is because of the suicide of Marc Antony after the battle of Actium. Since then, Octavian has had no more opposition to his rising power. I must say that he has risen in power quite quickly! I do not know much of what has happened outside these walls of my house on Palatine Hill, for I do not delight in war. It has been quite lonely around here though because of all the recent battles. Hopefully, now that he is emperor, he will settle down and we can be together.
Until later,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Though I do not know exactly when Octavian became emperor, Marc Antony did commit suicide after Octavian's forces cut of his retreat in Egypt. He stabbed himself with his own sword. After that, Octavian's power grew rapidly, which led to his becoming an emperor. It wasn't until later that he became known as Caesar Augustus.
My husband Octavian has been named emperor of the Roman empire! You know what that means? I am a Roman empress! One of the reasons that Octavian has gotten this high is because of the suicide of Marc Antony after the battle of Actium. Since then, Octavian has had no more opposition to his rising power. I must say that he has risen in power quite quickly! I do not know much of what has happened outside these walls of my house on Palatine Hill, for I do not delight in war. It has been quite lonely around here though because of all the recent battles. Hopefully, now that he is emperor, he will settle down and we can be together.
Until later,
Livia Drusilla
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Though I do not know exactly when Octavian became emperor, Marc Antony did commit suicide after Octavian's forces cut of his retreat in Egypt. He stabbed himself with his own sword. After that, Octavian's power grew rapidly, which led to his becoming an emperor. It wasn't until later that he became known as Caesar Augustus.
Saturday
Wedding Day #2
January 17, 39 BC-
Well, the day finally arrived...and I am so tired, and of course happy! Let me give you a run down of all that has happened. I woke very early this morning to the sunlight streaming into my window. I was sad that Nero would no longer be my husband, but I was happy because it was my wedding day. I got dressed quickly and ran to the room where are the gods are stored. I kneeled down on my face in front of them and asked them to give me a good wedding day. I felt as if they gave me their blessing. I rushed inside after that and started getting ready. My dress was simple, but very fitting and beautiful. We had the wedding ceremony ( since most the people I am writing to know about the traditionalism of it all, I will not go into great detail of everything we did) and later returned to our new home. There were many people that came to give us their blessing. Now, I am so tired! Being a mother of a newborn and a new bride can tire a person!
Vale habeque somnia suaves! (Good night and sweet dreams!)
Livia Drusilla Augusta
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Author's Note:
Weddings in the Roman day were much like ours today. As a symbol of engagement, the couple would exchange rings and wear it on the third finger of their left hand, if, of course, they could afford to even purchase rings! An engagement period was not required, but it was considered "good manners." On the night before the wedding, the bride would give her bulla, the locket that one received at birth, to her father. She also gave many of her things to the family. On the day of her wedding, the mother of the bride would help her put on her dress, which was usually a long straight tunic that came all the way down to her feet. The most important part of the outfit was the belt tied in the knot of Hercules. Hercules was said to be the guardian of wedded life, and only the husband could untie the knot. A flame colored veil covered the dress and the bride had to gather flowers for a wreath on top of her head.
To make a wedding ceremony legal, there had to be witnesses, usually ten. The wedding was held at the bride's father's house where the bride and the groom had to appear before a priest holding hands. The bride had to consent to the marriage by saying these words, "Quando tu Gaius, ego Gaia," which meant, "Where you are Gaius, I then am Gaia." After the words were spoken, the bride and groom made an offering to Jupiter, which typically consisted of cake. After a big dinner, the groom escorted his bride to his house. He would carry his bride over the threshold of the house, and special guests were allowed to come into the house to celebrate the new marriage.
Roman women preparing for wedding
Well, the day finally arrived...and I am so tired, and of course happy! Let me give you a run down of all that has happened. I woke very early this morning to the sunlight streaming into my window. I was sad that Nero would no longer be my husband, but I was happy because it was my wedding day. I got dressed quickly and ran to the room where are the gods are stored. I kneeled down on my face in front of them and asked them to give me a good wedding day. I felt as if they gave me their blessing. I rushed inside after that and started getting ready. My dress was simple, but very fitting and beautiful. We had the wedding ceremony ( since most the people I am writing to know about the traditionalism of it all, I will not go into great detail of everything we did) and later returned to our new home. There were many people that came to give us their blessing. Now, I am so tired! Being a mother of a newborn and a new bride can tire a person!
Vale habeque somnia suaves! (Good night and sweet dreams!)
Livia Drusilla Augusta
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Weddings in the Roman day were much like ours today. As a symbol of engagement, the couple would exchange rings and wear it on the third finger of their left hand, if, of course, they could afford to even purchase rings! An engagement period was not required, but it was considered "good manners." On the night before the wedding, the bride would give her bulla, the locket that one received at birth, to her father. She also gave many of her things to the family. On the day of her wedding, the mother of the bride would help her put on her dress, which was usually a long straight tunic that came all the way down to her feet. The most important part of the outfit was the belt tied in the knot of Hercules. Hercules was said to be the guardian of wedded life, and only the husband could untie the knot. A flame colored veil covered the dress and the bride had to gather flowers for a wreath on top of her head.
To make a wedding ceremony legal, there had to be witnesses, usually ten. The wedding was held at the bride's father's house where the bride and the groom had to appear before a priest holding hands. The bride had to consent to the marriage by saying these words, "Quando tu Gaius, ego Gaia," which meant, "Where you are Gaius, I then am Gaia." After the words were spoken, the bride and groom made an offering to Jupiter, which typically consisted of cake. After a big dinner, the groom escorted his bride to his house. He would carry his bride over the threshold of the house, and special guests were allowed to come into the house to celebrate the new marriage.
Roman women preparing for wedding
A Joyous Day!
January 14, 39 BC-
In my last post, I told you that I was pregnant...well, 6 months pregnant! Today I have given birth to my second son, Drusus the Elder! And, to make matters more complicated and confusing, I am to be married to Octavian in three days! Yes, you heard me right. THREE DAYS!! Maybe now I can get POWER!!!!! He is much more powerful than I could ever be. Octavian must have been so captivated by my beauty, I AM beautiful you know, and decided to marry me. I heard from one of my trusted servants that he forced Tiberius to divorce me. Then, he had to divorce his wife too. Scribonia had her baby the very day that he divorced her! What a terrible blow! Oh no! I hear Drusus crying. He must be very hungry for I have spent a lot of time writing to you all.
Duty calls!
Dum cras (actually I will write again in 3 days...much to do for the wedding!)
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note: The facts above are true. Legend has it that Octavian fell immediately in love with Drusilla and divorced his wife in 39 BC, the very day that his wife gave birth to what would be his only child, a daughter, named Julia the Elder. Livia, at this time, was 6 months pregnant. Nero was supposedly persuaded or forced into divorcing Livia.
bust of Julia the elder, Octavian's only child
bust of Drusus of the Elder, Livia's second son
In my last post, I told you that I was pregnant...well, 6 months pregnant! Today I have given birth to my second son, Drusus the Elder! And, to make matters more complicated and confusing, I am to be married to Octavian in three days! Yes, you heard me right. THREE DAYS!! Maybe now I can get POWER!!!!! He is much more powerful than I could ever be. Octavian must have been so captivated by my beauty, I AM beautiful you know, and decided to marry me. I heard from one of my trusted servants that he forced Tiberius to divorce me. Then, he had to divorce his wife too. Scribonia had her baby the very day that he divorced her! What a terrible blow! Oh no! I hear Drusus crying. He must be very hungry for I have spent a lot of time writing to you all.
Duty calls!
Dum cras (actually I will write again in 3 days...much to do for the wedding!)
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note: The facts above are true. Legend has it that Octavian fell immediately in love with Drusilla and divorced his wife in 39 BC, the very day that his wife gave birth to what would be his only child, a daughter, named Julia the Elder. Livia, at this time, was 6 months pregnant. Nero was supposedly persuaded or forced into divorcing Livia.
bust of Julia the elder, Octavian's only child
bust of Drusus of the Elder, Livia's second son
Wednesday
Meeting with Octavian
October 12, 39 BC-
Guess who I met today?? No, come on, really guess. I got to meet Octavian!! He was pretty good looking, and I could tell that he really liked me. Every time I looked up, he seemed to be staring at me. I was feeling a little uncomfortable about the whole situation, but he told me not to worry (I don't really know that's supposed to mean). Anyway, while I was in his presence, I thought- day dreamed rather- about what life might be like if we were married. It's not that I don't like my husband now because I do, but being married to him would be like a dream come true.
Sorry, my dreaming is going overboard. Sometimes, I just have to get my thoughts down on paper so that I can remember them. OH! By the way, the wine at the palace was really good. I wonder what they put in that stuff!?
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
PS I am pregnant!
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Author's Note:
Livia actually did formally meet Octavian in 39 BC. Legend says that he fell instantly in love with her, even though he was still married to Scribonia. Whether or not she actually ate with him or spent a long time with him at the first meeting, I do not know. This is just my imagination filling in the gaps. During the time while she was pregnant, Octavian persuaded (more like forced) Tiberius Claudius Nero to divorce Livia.
Guess who I met today?? No, come on, really guess. I got to meet Octavian!! He was pretty good looking, and I could tell that he really liked me. Every time I looked up, he seemed to be staring at me. I was feeling a little uncomfortable about the whole situation, but he told me not to worry (I don't really know that's supposed to mean). Anyway, while I was in his presence, I thought- day dreamed rather- about what life might be like if we were married. It's not that I don't like my husband now because I do, but being married to him would be like a dream come true.
Sorry, my dreaming is going overboard. Sometimes, I just have to get my thoughts down on paper so that I can remember them. OH! By the way, the wine at the palace was really good. I wonder what they put in that stuff!?
Dum cras,
Livia Drusilla
PS I am pregnant!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
Livia actually did formally meet Octavian in 39 BC. Legend says that he fell instantly in love with her, even though he was still married to Scribonia. Whether or not she actually ate with him or spent a long time with him at the first meeting, I do not know. This is just my imagination filling in the gaps. During the time while she was pregnant, Octavian persuaded (more like forced) Tiberius Claudius Nero to divorce Livia.
Escape from Italy!
May 3, 40 BC-
My family and I are getting ready to leave our home here in Italy. Tiberius Claudius Nero (my husband) says that we need to leave so that we can escape Octavian's proscriptions (condemnation of enemies of the state). When we get to Sicily, Tiberius says that we need to join Sextus Pompeius. If we're lucky, we'll get there without too much trouble. May the gods help us!
Dum cras (until tomorrow),
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia and her family escaped Italy in 40 BC to get away from Ocativian's (yes, the Octavian she would later marry) proscriptions. Later, they moved onto Greece and eventually returned to Rome in 39 BC.
My family and I are getting ready to leave our home here in Italy. Tiberius Claudius Nero (my husband) says that we need to leave so that we can escape Octavian's proscriptions (condemnation of enemies of the state). When we get to Sicily, Tiberius says that we need to join Sextus Pompeius. If we're lucky, we'll get there without too much trouble. May the gods help us!
Dum cras (until tomorrow),
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia and her family escaped Italy in 40 BC to get away from Ocativian's (yes, the Octavian she would later marry) proscriptions. Later, they moved onto Greece and eventually returned to Rome in 39 BC.
Tuesday
Naming the Baby
November 22, 42 BC-
Today we had a naming ceremony for our son. There were many people present at the ceremony many metal trinkets were placed around the baby's neck! He loved all the people and the noise that the metal made when it clanked together! Tiberius Claudius Nero named his son after himself. It's been a happy day here at the house.
Salve amici!
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
In the Roman culture, the naming of the baby was more important to the actual birth of the child! On dies lustricus, or the day when the baby was to be named, many people gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. The custom of handing down names to their children and families was of great importance.
The praenomen was the first name given to the child. The second name given to the child referred to the gens, or clan of the family. The third name, cognomen, referred to the branch of the family.
The metal trinkets, crepundia, placed around a baby's neck, given to the baby from the guests, amused the baby. Also, on the naming day, the baby, female or male, was given a bulla. For wealthy parents, the bulla was an elaborate locket made of gold. For the poor, the bulla was made of leather. When grown, the male did not remove his bulla until he received his toga virilis, or the day when he received his Roman citizenship. For the female, she did not take it off until marriage.
Today we had a naming ceremony for our son. There were many people present at the ceremony many metal trinkets were placed around the baby's neck! He loved all the people and the noise that the metal made when it clanked together! Tiberius Claudius Nero named his son after himself. It's been a happy day here at the house.
Salve amici!
Livia Drusilla
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Author's Note:
In the Roman culture, the naming of the baby was more important to the actual birth of the child! On dies lustricus, or the day when the baby was to be named, many people gathered to celebrate the joyous occasion. The custom of handing down names to their children and families was of great importance.
The praenomen was the first name given to the child. The second name given to the child referred to the gens, or clan of the family. The third name, cognomen, referred to the branch of the family.
The metal trinkets, crepundia, placed around a baby's neck, given to the baby from the guests, amused the baby. Also, on the naming day, the baby, female or male, was given a bulla. For wealthy parents, the bulla was an elaborate locket made of gold. For the poor, the bulla was made of leather. When grown, the male did not remove his bulla until he received his toga virilis, or the day when he received his Roman citizenship. For the female, she did not take it off until marriage.
A Baby is Born!
November 16, 42 BC-
Salve! I am sorry that I have not written in a long time, but I bring great news. I have given birth to a son! He is a healthy and strong looking boy, and I give thanks to the gods for giving me such a beautiful son.
Until tomorrow (or in week, or a year, or whenever I have time next),
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia Drusilla gave birth to Tiberius (more on his naming later), the future emperor who reigned from AD 14-37, on November 16, 42 BC (this is a true date). She was 16.
Tiberius- Roman emperor and son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla
Salve! I am sorry that I have not written in a long time, but I bring great news. I have given birth to a son! He is a healthy and strong looking boy, and I give thanks to the gods for giving me such a beautiful son.
Until tomorrow (or in week, or a year, or whenever I have time next),
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia Drusilla gave birth to Tiberius (more on his naming later), the future emperor who reigned from AD 14-37, on November 16, 42 BC (this is a true date). She was 16.
Tiberius- Roman emperor and son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla
Wedding Day #1
January 17, 42 BC-
Today was my wedding. As tradition, my father chose my husband, which happens to be my cousin, Tiberius Claudius Nero. The major reason, I think, that my father chose him, is because they were fighting together against Octavian.
Anyway, the wedding went fairly well...nothing really significant. I can't see this marriage lasting long, but I am too afraid to tell my father. Who knows what he would do to me if he discovered my doubts. I pray to the gods that they bless me with sons to please my husband.
Until tomorrow,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia Drusilla did marry Tiberius Claudius Nero on January 17, 42 BC. As you will later find out, Liva's marriage with T. Claudius Nero did not last long.
Anyway, the wedding went fairly well...nothing really significant. I can't see this marriage lasting long, but I am too afraid to tell my father. Who knows what he would do to me if he discovered my doubts. I pray to the gods that they bless me with sons to please my husband.
Until tomorrow,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Livia Drusilla did marry Tiberius Claudius Nero on January 17, 42 BC. As you will later find out, Liva's marriage with T. Claudius Nero did not last long.
statue of a Roman marriage ceremony
a painting of a Roman feast by Roberto Bompiani
a painting of a Roman feast by Roberto Bompiani
Monday
Greetings from Rome
Salve! As it is my first entry, I just want to give a little background of myself. I was born on January 30, 58 BC to my parents, M. Livius Drusus Claudianus and Alfidia (Mom and Dad, hope I spelled that right!!). My first husband was Ti. Claudius Nero, to whom I bore two sons. My first son, Tiberius was named after his father (my husband). However, my marriage to Ti. Claudius Nero did not last long and I married Julius Caesar Octavius (Augustus) when I was 6 months pregnant with my second son, Nero Claudius Drusus. My new husband, Julius Caesar Octavius divorced his first wife, Scribonia, to be with me. She had just given birth to Julia, a daughter. After Nero died, my two sons came and lived with my husband and I.
Well, I know that was a lot of information and I am ready to soak in the tub. A long day calls for a long bath!
Until tomorrow,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Please note that Livia Drusilla is no longer alive. I, as a student, am recreating her thoughts, feelings and actions with lots of fact and a little of imagination. After each entry, I will give you some more background information relevant to the current topic. After this first post, I will start from the beginning of Livia's life. The above post ("Greetings from Rome") outlines her life broadly.
Well, I know that was a lot of information and I am ready to soak in the tub. A long day calls for a long bath!
Until tomorrow,
Livia Drusilla
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Author's Note:
Please note that Livia Drusilla is no longer alive. I, as a student, am recreating her thoughts, feelings and actions with lots of fact and a little of imagination. After each entry, I will give you some more background information relevant to the current topic. After this first post, I will start from the beginning of Livia's life. The above post ("Greetings from Rome") outlines her life broadly.
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