Report on Roman Society

Report-

Female members of the Imperial family held more influence and power in Ancient Roman society during the imperial period then ever previously. Through the investigation of Imperial women as a whole, and specifically Livia Augusta, the contribution Female members of the Imperial family had on Roman Politics, religion, culture and society is illustrated, and the two differing perspectives held of Livia from Tacitus and Augustus allow an understanding of the attitudes surrounding this contribution.

The ideal female member of Roman society was noted for her beauty, fertility and faithfulness to her husband, as well as her ability to run the household. Women were expected to conform to the accepted social construct of their gender, the “Roman Matron”- their role was predominantly in the household. However, imperial women such as Livia were born into a society that demanded they took part in activities outside the household in order to fulfil family responsibilities. Thus, Imperial women were involved in conducting family business. this included influencing decisions made by the patriarchal figure of the family concerning issues about the household- and for Imperial women, this, as modern scholar Susan Fischler states and is correct in ascertaining- meant that as the head of the family was the emperor, and the family was Rome, imperial women began to hold influence over decisions made about the empire. A number of factors contributed to this fact- as Rome was now dominated by a one man rule, it became far easier for those not holding any recognised political power or office to hold influence. The female members of the imperial family were extremely close to the head of the state- thus, powers of influence in state affairs became plausible.

With this factor in mind, another area in which female members of the imperial family made some contribution, though more limited, was in the military- with the devotion of the praetorian guard to the imperial family being so strong, it was possible that the female members of the family had access too, and could hold influence over, the major military power in the city.

As illustrated throughout the life of Livia, Women excercised their power via the use of patronage- either they acted directly themselves or were involved in the patronage of male family members- either way, imperial woman once again could make a great contribution to roman society and politics as they had such a close link to the emperor and access to wealth- they were able to contribute greatly to their clients needs. Livia was wealthy in her own right and had her own circle of clients whom she rewarded. For example, She launched the career of M. Salvius Otho, the grandfather of the Otho who would be emperor briefly in  AD 69.

The influence Livia had on Roman society was immense- in Augustus’s absence, Livia controlled the running of the state. She assisted his clients, and built her own imperial state buildings. While in the eastern regions of the empire, Livia was instrumental in collecting privliges for both communities and individuals. As Cassius Dio stated, “…she occupied a very exalted station, far above all women of former days”. Historian Sirago assigns Livia, ‘a juridicio-political position which aimed at putting her on the same level as Augustus’. Livia excercised power not as the emperors wife alone- she held the most influence and made the greatest contribution during the reign of her son Tiberius following the death of Augustus- and thus it can be seen that she held power in her own right.

In terms of religion, Livia in particular made a great contribution. In general however, the contribution of imperial women to religion is depicted in relief sculptures throughout the city- on altars dedicated to the worship of the gods of the crossroads (the lares) and the spirit (genius) of Augustus. Here they appear in an almost priestly capacity. Helping their husbands perform rituals frequently associated with family events such as worship of the deified emperor or appointment of a young prince as priest. Livia was appointed a priestess in Augustus' established cult and, like a vestal, the right to a lictor when she performed her duties. She was deified in 42 AD by Claudius, years after her death.

She held most power following the death of Augustus, and during the reign of her son Tiberius. As the widow of Augustus, and mother of the emperor, Livia was honoured with statues associating her with Ceres- goddess of fertility and abundance. Her image began appearing on coins at this time- an indication that both her and her power were becoming far more visible. For a time, letters were addressed to both her and Tiberius as though she were co-regent, and her name was on the letters that he sent. As historian Barrett states “When Tiberius became emperor, we suddenly see another side of Livia- assertive , in control, with a strong sense of her own importance”. Livia began to exert authority as if she was co-ruling the Roman Empire- and thus the area’s in which she made a contribution during Augustus’s reign felt her influence even more, and this continued until her death in 29 Ad at the age of 86, and even after wards through her deification in 42 AD.