Julio-Claudian imperial women

This chapter takes into consideration six women, chosen because they represent the continuity of the Julio-Claudian family: Julia the Elder, Agrippina the Elder, Claudia Livia Julia, Valeria Messalina, and Agrippina the Younger. These women represent the most direct link with the charismatic blood of the founder of the empire, especially after his divinization. These women had the task of transmitting the blood of the god Augustus to their successors.These ties, necessary for the succession of the emperor and functional to the role of these women at court, are highlighted by their marriages. Until Nero’s death in 68 CE, the emperor always belonged to the same Julio-Claudian family and the women examined in this chapter were the mothers of aspiring, designated, or actual successors.