The First Ladies of the Roman Empire, Part 1: Livia and Octavia

Season 2, Episode 26. Let's trace the paths of some of ancient Rome's first imperial superstars: the wives, sisters, and daughters who rose with Octavian (later Augustus) to become Rome's first family: Livia, Octavia, Julia, Messalina, both Agrippinas. In a time of great change, these women had to navigate both public love and hate. They had access to power in ways that few women had before them, but to grasp it was a delicate and dangerous game. For a transcript, images, and more, check out my website. To become a patron, head over to my Patreon page. Listen to Dr. Evans on the Emperors of Rome podcast. Music courtesy of Kevin MacLeod, Damiano Baldoni, and Michael Levy.