2020-01-17 Fri

Livia Drusilla also recognized as Julia Augusta after her formal adoption into the Julian family, was the devoted and influential wife of the Roman emperor Augustus as well as his adviser. In 42 BC, her father married her to Tiberius Claudius Nero. She bore him the first child, the future Emperor Tiberius.

Her father committed suicide in the Battle of Philippi, but her husband continued fighting against Augustus, on behalf of Mark Antony and his brother. In 40 BC, the family was forced to flee Italy.

A general amnesty was announced, and Livia returned to Rome, where she was personally introduced to Augustus in 39 BC. At this time, Livia already had a son, the future emperor Tiberius, and was pregnant with Drusus the Elder. Octavian fell in love with her, despite the fact that he was still married to Scribonia. Octavian divorced Scribonia in 39 BC and Tiberius Claudius Nero was forced to divorce Livia. Octavian and Livia married on 17th January. Her second child was born three days later.

Livia's image appears in ancient visual media such as coins and portraits. She was the first woman to appear on provincial coins in 16 BC. The above-shown coin is Dupondius issued under the reign of Tiberius. The obverse of a coin depicts Draped bust right of Livia in the guise of Salus, hair in a tight bun at the nape of the neck. The reverse of a coin engraved TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVG P M TR POT XXIIII around large S C.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions