Livia Drusilla (born 59 BCE, died 29 CE)
Rome’s first Empress, wife and close advisor of Augustus, Livia had unprecedented power in the Empire. She supported her husband as he transitioned Rome from a Republic to an Empire, but was careful not to overshadow him. Despite this, she freely offered her opinions about governmental matters. Her role as Empress came with certain advantages; she got front row at arenas and theaters, she had fiscal independence, and owned prime real estate on the Palatine Hill.
Behind the scenes, she secured the role of Emperor for one of her sons, Tiberius, over Augustus’s three grandsons. Despite her elevated status, Livia was plagued by rumors. She was suspected of killing Augustus’s grandsons to make way for her son’s ascent, and accused of causing Augustus’s death in 14 CE.
