Livia (lived 59/58 BC–AD 29)

Livia married Octavian in 38 BC. According to Dio she was then six months pregnant with Drusus, and Octavian asked the college of pontiffs whether he was allowed to marry. She already had a son, Tiberius, and remained Augustus’s wife for over 50 years.

Gossip had it that she poisoned Augustus with figs. Tacitus writes of a “rumor,” Dio of a “suspicion,” and scholars consider it highly improbable. In the sources her image is dominated by the senatorial perspective.

She received the title Julia Augusta in Augustus’s will. She died in AD 29; Tiberius did not come to the funeral.