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Livia Drusilla and Powerful Elite Women in Imperial Rome with Livia Galante

Livia Drusilla and Powerful Elite Women in Imperial Rome with Livia Galante


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Was Livia Drusilla a heartless serial killer, a ruthless stateswoman, or a rather brilliant diplomat, a woman who loved beauty and nature? The seminar will investigate her complex figure who, very likely, was poorly judged by jealous men of the Ancient Roman establishment.

Livia Drusilla (58 BCE - 29 CE) was the third wife of emperor Augustus of Rome, mother of emperor Tiberius, and grandmother of emperor Claudius. Like many great women in history, she lived in the shadow of a man, working quietly as both a confidant and an advisor. She served the empire as a devoted wife, standing by her husband’s side in regards to his reform policies, while at the same time turning a blind eye to his unfaithfulness. We’ll discuss how behind the scenes at the imperial court, she spent much of her adult life ensuring her son’s future as heir to Augustus’s throne whether he wanted it or not. For this reason, she was thought to have caused the deaths of many of his rivals, including Marcus Claudius Marcellus, Agrippa Postumus, Gaius and Lucius Caesar, and Germanicus.

The image of Livia as a heartless serial killer was possible due to the Roman idea of the evil step-mother figure. In reality, we’ll learn that despite her ambitions for Tiberius and the odd coincidental deaths of Augustus’ heirs, there is no proof to support the murders.

Led by an expert on Archaeology and Ancient Roman Topography, Livia Galante, this interactive seminar will focus on Livia, the first lady of the Empire. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased comprehension of the role played by aristocratic women in the ancient Roman society as well as following in the footsteps of the woman who paved the way for future Roman empresses.

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
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(6)
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L
L. (Phoenix, US)
Engaging and very interesting

Use of diverse historical sources was well done. The sculptures and renderings brought the history to life. We love Livia Galante’s presentations!

K
K.S. (London, GB)
Great talk

Livia brings the past, including the ancient past, alive - she presents her material, which is always well chosen, in an interesting and provocative way. She never disappoints! A wealth of knowledge enthusiastically and engagingly presented.

J
J. (Doylestown, US)
Well covered topic

I really enjoyed this seminar about Lucia Drusilla’ interesting life. Having watched the tv show “Domina”, I wanted to learn more about how she was able to wield so much power during that time in history. This was well presented with much visual info as well.

A
A. (New York, US)

The Livia Drusilla we learn about in history - if and when we even do - is quite different from the real woman. In this excellent talk on a fascinating subject, Livia Galante brings Drusilla to life and explores why her reputation is not deserved. She also provides good historical background on the position and role of women in Imperial Rome, and what constituted a "good" woman vs. a bad one, and how difficult it was to strike a balance between the two.

M
Megan Taylor (Seattle, US)
Finally - HERstory!

I loved and so appreciated this seminar. As with others by Livia Galante, this one was well and thoughtfully organized, with very helpful slides to illustrate people, places, timelines, maps. Most importantly, learning about Livia Drusilla and other powerful women sheds additional light on people and events of a critical time in Roman history. Livia Galante's knowledge of and insights into this era are profound; and she so delights in her subject matter, one can't help but enjoy the ride with her!

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
100%
(6)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Phoenix, US)
Engaging and very interesting

Use of diverse historical sources was well done. The sculptures and renderings brought the history to life. We love Livia Galante’s presentations!

K
K.S. (London, GB)
Great talk

Livia brings the past, including the ancient past, alive - she presents her material, which is always well chosen, in an interesting and provocative way. She never disappoints! A wealth of knowledge enthusiastically and engagingly presented.

J
J. (Doylestown, US)
Well covered topic

I really enjoyed this seminar about Lucia Drusilla’ interesting life. Having watched the tv show “Domina”, I wanted to learn more about how she was able to wield so much power during that time in history. This was well presented with much visual info as well.

A
A. (New York, US)

The Livia Drusilla we learn about in history - if and when we even do - is quite different from the real woman. In this excellent talk on a fascinating subject, Livia Galante brings Drusilla to life and explores why her reputation is not deserved. She also provides good historical background on the position and role of women in Imperial Rome, and what constituted a "good" woman vs. a bad one, and how difficult it was to strike a balance between the two.

M
Megan Taylor (Seattle, US)
Finally - HERstory!

I loved and so appreciated this seminar. As with others by Livia Galante, this one was well and thoughtfully organized, with very helpful slides to illustrate people, places, timelines, maps. Most importantly, learning about Livia Drusilla and other powerful women sheds additional light on people and events of a critical time in Roman history. Livia Galante's knowledge of and insights into this era are profound; and she so delights in her subject matter, one can't help but enjoy the ride with her!