Was Emperor Augustus Assassinated with Poison by His Wife?

This article delves into a long-standing rumor, examining whether the last emperor of the Roman Republic, Augustus, was indeed poisoned by his wife, Livia, to ensure the succession of her son, Tiberius.

Augustus and the Medieval Label of "Emperor"

It is important to note that Augustus was never truly an emperor, as the label was a medieval one. However, he was, undoubtedly, one of the most influential figures in Roman history. At the time of his death, Augustus was 75 years old, and many of his potential successors had been eliminated, making a natural death more likely.

Augustus’ Name and Title

Ancient sources often misunderstand the title "Imperator," as originally it referred to a military salute. Augustus officially became "Imperator Augustus Caesar" following his notable victory against the Romano-Egyptian threat posed by Antony and Cleopatra. This title was the result of a military salute, not a dual role managing both Rome and its military conquests.

Rumors of Poisoning: Tacitus and Cassius Dio

Some reporters, most notably Tacitus and Cassius Dio, have accused Livia of poisoning Augustus. Tacitus was known for his love of scandal, while Dio had a dim view of Roman leadership. Their accounts suggest Livia poisoned Augustus to expedite the succession of her son, Tiberius, or with mercy to end her husband's suffering. However, modern scholarship tends to reject these claims, as there is no concrete evidence to support the allegation.

The Alleged Scene at Nola

According to Tacitus and Cassius Dio, Augustus fell ill and died in August 14. The accounts state that Livia might have poisoned him with figs. This is set against the backdrop of Augustus' trip to the island of Capri to reconcile with his grandson, Agrippa Postumus, who had been disgraced. Dio suggests that Livia maimed some figs and offered them to Augustus, hoping he would consume them. Nevertheless, modern historians believe these stories are more likely to be Roman gossip rather than historical fact.

Scholarly Rejection of the Poisoning Theory

Modern scholars largely reject the poisoning theory. Tiberius had already been co-regent for a decade and held significant powers. Agrippa Postumus, at 26 and disgraced, lacked the experience and power to succeed. The idea that Livia poisoned Augustus is part of a hostile tradition aimed at tarnishing the legacy of Tiberius. Similar allegations about Claudius and his wife Agrippina indicate a common narrative structure.

Livia's Scientific Interest and the Figs Theory

Livia was known for her interest in horticulture, and the specific mention of figs could be seen as a misinterpretation or a culmination of Livia's intellectual pursuits. The Liviana fig variety was named after her, further highlighting her involvement in horticulture. The choice of figs might have been seen as suspicious since they were a favorite of Augustus. However, the theory of Livia's intelligence being questionable suggests a lack of planning and foresight in her alleged act.

Conclusion

In all likelihood, Caesar Augustus died a natural death at the age of 75 in Nola, Campania, in the same room where his father had died. While there are intriguing theories about his demise, modern scholarship does not support the idea of poisoning by Livia. The historical narrative surrounding Augustus and his successors is complex, with various anecdotes and convictions shaping our understanding of Roman history.

Keywords: Augustus, Livia, Poisoning