Julia Agrippina The Younger Research Paper

(Pg. 11) Julia Agrippina, also known as Agrippina the Younger was born in AD 15 to Germanicus and Vipsania Agrippina, also known as Agrippina the Elder. Julia Agrippina’s name was designed to emphasize her ties to Marcus Agrippa, her maternal grandfather and one of Augustus’ favorite soldiers, and Julia the Elder, his wife and Emperor Augustus’ only biological child. Much of Agrippina’s early life was spent on the northern border of Rome as Germanicus was on campaign there. Agrippina was born into a high status as the great-granddaughter of Emperor Augustus, who was considered the first Emperor of Rome. Equally as powerful was her descent from Germanicus. Germanicus was arguably one of the greatest Roman generals at that time. Emperor Augustus had even claimed him as one of his two heir’s. Unfortunately, he died in AD 19 a mystery death. He was seen as the ideal leader Rome could have had and with his absence the people turned their admiration to the remaining members of his family.
However, Emperor Tiberius, who succeeded Emperor Augustus’ in AD 14, despised the man’s family. Roman …show more content…
The two had their only child, Lucius in AD 37, however, when congratulated on his son’s birth, Gnaeus remarked that “whatever sprung from him and Agrippina could only bring ruin to the state.” (Pg. 41 NCA) When Agrippina was banished to the Pontine Islands, Lucius was left in the care of Gnaeus. However, Gnaeus’ health was failing and that next year, AD 40, he died of dropsy and Lucius was sent to live with his paternal Aunt, Domitia Lepida the Younger. (Pg. 38) Suetonius described the younger Gnaeus as cruel as well. He was also dishonest, cheated his creditors and stole the charioteer’s prize money. He was “a man of ‘wholly despicable’ character”. Tacitus, a senator and another Roman historian, remarked that Gnaeus only avoided prosecution for treason towards Emperor Tiberius with Emperor Tiberius’