Augustus and Livia: The First Imperial Marriage

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the marriage of Augustus and Livia Drusilla — one of history's most strategic partnerships. They delve into Livia's aristocratic background, her forced divorce from Tiberius Claudius Nero, and the political reasons behind her union with Octavian in 38 BCE. The conversation covers Livia's role as advisor, her patronage of building projects like the Porticus Liviae, and her careful navigation of succession politics within the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Lucas touches on the scandalous rumors about Livia's involvement in imperial deaths, including those of Marcellus, Gaius, and Lucius Caesar, and how ancient sources like Tacitus and Cassius Dio portray her. The episode also examines Livia's religious roles as a priestess of the Divine Augustus and her deification under Claudius. Throughout, Lucas and Luna consider how Livia's political acumen shaped Augustus's reign and the early Roman Empire, offering a nuanced view of power behind the throne. #Augustus #LiviaDrusilla #RomanEmpire #JulioClaudian #RomanPolitics #ImperialMarriage #PorticusLiviae #Tacitus #CassiusDio #DivineAugustus #Deification #RomanWomen #PaxRomana #Princeps #AncientHistory #FexingoHistory #History #Mediterranean Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo