Livia

by Anthony A. Barrett · 2002

Livia, the wife of Augustus and mother of Tiberius, was the first Roman empress to wield power behind the throne. In this groundbreaking biography, Anthony A. Barrett, professor of classics at the University of British Columbia, reexamines the ancient sources to present Livia as a shrewd political actor rather than a scheming villain. Drawing on literary and archaeological evidence, Barrett traces her life from elite birth, early exile, marriage to Augustus, and her role in shaping the imperial household. The book highlights her influence on succession, her management of family alliances, and her lasting impact on Roman governance, offering both scholarly depth and readability for general audiences.