Livia

Attribution: Volphoebe

58 - 29 BC

Relationship	People
Parents	Tiberius I
Partners	Octavian Augustus, Tiberius I

Livia Drusilla, known later in her life as Julia Augusta, was the wife of Augustus. She served as her husband's faithful advisor and is generally regarded as having had a real, though unofficial, power over the Empire throughout her lifetime.

Livia counseled her husband in ways previously unprecedented for an Emperor's wife. She was also an ambitious and attentive mother and was positively regarded by the Empire. When Augustus died, he left 1/3 of his estate to Livia and also bequeathed to her the title Augusta.

Though her son Tiberius succeeded the throne, she famously continued to wield a large influence on policy after the death of Augustus. This vexed Tiberius, who retreated to Capri until her death in 29 AD.

Many historians debate Livia's actual character; though the sheen of history has portrayed her favourably as a dignified woman, faithful husband, and attentive mother, many argue that she was difficult and haughty, particularly after the death of her husband.