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{{short description|Mother of Roman empress Messalina}}
{{Julio-Claudian dynasty
{{Infobox person
| name = Domitia Lepida
| image = Mort de Messaline --- MBALyon 2018 01.jpg
| caption = Domitia Lepida depicted trying to shield her daughter Messalina. ''[[The Death of Messalina]]'' by [[Fernand Lematte]], 1870
| spouse = [[Marcus Valerius Messalla Barbatus|Valerius Messalla Barbatus]]<br>[[Faustus Cornelius Sulla (consul 31)|Faustus Cornelius Sulla]]<br>[[Appius Junius Silanus]]
| partner =
| children = [[Valeria Messalina]]<br>[[Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix]]<br>Marcus Junius Silanus<ref>Ginsburg, "Nero's Consular Policy", ''American Journal of Ancient History'' 6 (1981), p. 52</ref>
| mother = [[Antonia Major]]
| father = [[Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 16 BC)|Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus]]
| relatives =
| family =
}}
}}
{{Julio-Claudian dynasty}}
'''Domitia Lepida''' (c. 5 BC – AD 54) was a Roman aristocrat, related to the imperial family. She was mother of [[Valeria Messalina]], wife of the Emperor [[Claudius]]. Lepida was a beautiful and influential figure.<ref>Tacitus, ''Annals'', 12.64.</ref> Like her sister, she was also very wealthy. She had holdings in [[Calabria]] and owned the ''praedia Lepidiana''.<ref>Raepsaet-Charlier M.-Th., ''Prosopographie des femmes de l'ordre sénatorial (Ier-IIe siècles),'' 2 vol., Louvain, 1987, 285 ff [286].</ref>


==Biography==
'''Domitia Lepida''',<ref>{{Aut|E. Groag, A. Stein, L. Petersen - e.a.}} (edd.), ''Prosopographia Imperii Romani saeculi I, II et III'', Berlin, 1933 -. ('''''PIR<sup>2</sup>''''') D 180</ref> also known as '''Domitia Lepida the Younger''', or '''Domitia Lepida Minor'''{{ref|a|a}}, (c. 5 BC - 54 AD); was the younger daughter of [[Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 16 BC)|consul, Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus]] and [[Antonia Major]]. Her elder sister was [[Domitia Lepida the Elder]] and her younger brother was [[Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 32)|Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus]], father of the Emperor [[Nero]]. She was the great niece of Emperor [[Augustus]], granddaughter of [[Octavia the Younger]] and Triumvir [[Mark Antony]], second cousin to the Emperor [[Caligula]], first cousin and mother-in-law to the Emperor [[Claudius]] and paternal aunt of the Emperor [[Nero]]. Lepida was a beautiful and influential figure.<ref>Tacitus, ''Annals'', 12.64</ref> Like her sister, she was also very wealthy. She had holdings in [[Calabria]] and owned the ''praedia Lepidiana''.<ref>Raepsaet-Charlier M.-Th., ''Prosopographie des femmes de l'ordre sénatorial (Ier-IIe siècles),'' 2 vol., Louvain, 1987, 285 ff; p.286</ref>
Lepida was the daughter of [[Antonia Major]] and [[Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 16 BC)|Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus]], and granddaughter to triumvir [[Mark Antony]] by [[Octavia Minor]], a great-niece of the [[Roman Emperor]] [[Augustus]]. She had two siblings: [[Domitia (aunt of Messalina)|Domitia]] and [[Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 32)|Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus]] (consul AD 32).


Lepida was married three times. Her first husband was her cousin, [[Marcus Valerius Messalla Barbatus]].<ref>{{Aut|E. Klebs, H. Dessau, P. Von Rohden}} (ed.), ''Prosopographia Imperii Romani'', 3 vol., Berlin, 1897-1898. ('''''PIR<sup>1</sup>''''') V 88</ref><ref>Suetonius, ''Vita Claudii'', 26.29</ref> Lepida married Barbatus probably around 15 AD, suggesting that she was born in approximately 4 BC. It was standard for princesses in the imperial family to marry before their 18th birthday.<ref>Barrett, Anthony A., ''Agrippina: Sex, Power and Politics in the Early Roman Empire.'' Yale University Press, New Haven, 1996; p. 287 n. 154. See also Gaius Stern, "Women, Children, and Senators on the Ara Pacis Augustae, Chapter 6 (Berk. Diss. 2006).</ref> They had a daughter, Valeria [[Messalina]] (c. 17/20-48 AD), who became Empress and third wife to the Emperor [[Claudius]]. Barbatus most likely died around 20 or 21 AD, shortly after Messalina was born. It is extremely unlikely that [[Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus (consul 58)|Marcus Valerius Messala Corvinus]] was their son, since Lepida's son by her second husband reached the consulship earlier than Messala. Lepida's second husband was [[Faustus Cornelius Sulla Lucullus]],<ref>''PIR<sup>2</sup>'' C 1459</ref> ''[[Roman consul#Consul suffectus|consul suffectus]]'' in 31 AD, a descendant of the dictator Lucius Cornelius [[Sulla]]. Their son, [[Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix]] was born c. 22 AD and married [[Claudia Antonia]], the daughter of Claudius through his second marriage to [[Aelia Paetina]].<ref>''PIR<sup>2</sup>'' C 1464</ref><ref>Dio 60.30.6a</ref> Faustus Cornelius Sulla died in 62.
Lepida was married three times. Her first husband was her cousin, [[Marcus Valerius Messalla Barbatus (consul 20)|Marcus Valerius Messalla Barbatus]].<ref>{{Aut|E. Klebs, H. Dessau, P. Von Rohden}} (ed.), ''Prosopographia Imperii Romani'', 3 vol., Berlin, 1897-1898. ('''''PIR<sup>1</sup>''''') V 88.</ref><ref>Suetonius, ''Vita Claudii'', 26.29.</ref> Lepida married Barbatus probably around AD 15, suggesting that she was born in approximately 4 BC. It was standard for princesses in the imperial family to marry before their 18th birthday.<ref>Barrett, Anthony A., ''Agrippina: Sex, Power and Politics in the Early Roman Empire.'' Yale University Press, New Haven, 1996; p. 287 n. 154. See also Gaius Stern, "Women, Children, and Senators on the Ara Pacis Augustae, Chapter 6 (Berk. Diss. 2006).</ref> They had a daughter, [[Valeria Messalina]] (c. AD 17/20-48), who became Empress and third wife to the Emperor Claudius. Barbatus most likely died around AD 20 or 21, shortly after Messalina was born. It is extremely unlikely that [[Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus (consul 58)|Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus]] was their son, since Lepida's son by her second husband reached the consulship earlier than Messalla. Lepida's second husband was [[Faustus Cornelius Sulla (consul 31)|Faustus Cornelius Sulla]],<ref>''PIR<sup>2</sup>'' C 1459.</ref> [[Roman consul|consul]] in AD 31, a descendant of the dictator Lucius Cornelius [[Sulla]]. Their son, [[Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix]] was born c. AD 22 and married [[Claudia Antonia]], the daughter of Claudius through his second marriage to [[Aelia Paetina]].<ref>''PIR<sup>2</sup>'' C 1464.</ref><ref>Dio 60.30.6a.</ref> Faustus Cornelius Sulla died in 62.


At the beginning of the reign of her son-in-law, Claudius, Lepida, now a widow, married [[Appius Junius Silanus]], (cos. AD 28). In the following year (42 AD), Silanus was put to death by Claudius, allegedly because he had plotted to assassinate Claudius, but the rumor circulated that Messalina had framed him after he resisted her advances.
At the beginning of the reign of her son-in-law, Claudius, Lepida, now a widow, married [[Appius Junius Silanus]], (cos. AD 28). In the following year (AD 42), Silanus was put to death by Claudius, allegedly because he had plotted to assassinate Claudius, but the rumor circulated that Messalina had framed him after he resisted her advances.


Lepida was the maternal grandmother to Messalina's children [[Claudia Octavia]] (step-sister and first wife of [[Nero]]) and [[Britannicus]]. In 48 AD, Messalina was executed on the orders of Claudius, due to Messalina's mock marriage with her lover Gaius Silius which swiftly evolved into a failed [[coup d'état]]. During Messalina's heyday, Lepida argued with Messalina and they became estranged (this likely followed Appius Silanus' execution). In Messalina's last hour in the Gardens of Lucullus, Lepida was at her side and encouraged her to end her own life.<ref>Tacitus, ''Annals'' 11.37</ref> After Messalina was stabbed with a dagger by an officer, her body was given up to Lepida.
Lepida was the maternal grandmother to Messalina's children [[Claudia Octavia]] (step-sister and first wife of Nero) and [[Britannicus]]. In AD 48, Messalina was executed on the orders of Claudius, due to Messalina's mock marriage with her lover Gaius Silius which swiftly evolved into a failed [[coup d'état]]. During Messalina's heyday, Lepida argued with Messalina and they became estranged (this likely followed Appius Silanus' execution). In Messalina's last hour in the Gardens of Lucullus, Lepida was at her side and encouraged her to end her own life.<ref>Tacitus, ''Annals'' 11.37.</ref> After Messalina was stabbed with a dagger by an officer, her body was given up to Lepida.


Lepida's former sister-in-law, [[Agrippina the Younger]], became Claudius' new wife in 49 AD. Out of jealousy, Agrippina arranged the execution of Lepida sometime before the poisoning of Claudius, after which Nero became the new emperor. Agrippina charged Lepida with attempting to take her life by magic, disturbing Roman peace, and failing to control her [[Calabria]]n slave-gangs. Agrippina thought that Lepida would use her 'kind' influence on Nero to turn him against his mother.
Lepida's former sister-in-law, [[Agrippina the Younger]], became Claudius' new wife in AD 49. Out of jealousy, Agrippina arranged the execution of Lepida sometime before the poisoning of Claudius, after which Nero became the new emperor. Agrippina charged Lepida with attempting to take her life by magic, disturbing Roman peace, and failing to control her [[Calabria]]n slave-gangs. Agrippina thought that Lepida would use her 'kind' influence on Nero to turn him against his mother.


==Cultural depictions==
She was played by [[Moira Redmond]] in the 1976 BBC TV series ''[[I, Claudius (TV series)|I, Claudius]]''.
She was played by [[Moira Redmond]] in the 1976 BBC TV series ''[[I, Claudius (TV series)|I, Claudius]]''.


==Notes==
==See also==
* [[List of Roman women]]
:a.{{note|a}}''Minor'' being Latin for "the younger"
* [[Women in ancient Rome]]


==References==
==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin}}
{{refbegin}}
* Levick, Barbara, ''Claudius''. Yale University Press, New Haven, 1990
* Levick, Barbara, ''Claudius''. Yale University Press, New Haven, 1990
{{refend}}
{{refend}}

{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Lepida, Domitia}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lepida, Domitia}}
[[Category:0s BC births]]
[[Category:54 deaths]]
[[Category:54 deaths]]
[[Category:Julio-Claudian dynasty]]
[[Category:1st-century BC Roman women]]
[[Category:Ancient Roman women]]
[[Category:Domitii]]
[[Category:1st-century BC Romans]]
[[Category:1st-century BC Romans]]
[[Category:1st-century Roman women]]
[[Category:1st-century Romans]]
[[Category:1st-century Romans]]
[[Category:Executed ancient Roman women]]
[[Category:Domitii Ahenobarbi|Lepida]]
[[Category:Julio-Claudian dynasty]]
[[Category:People executed by the Roman Empire]]
[[Category:Year of birth unknown]]
[[Category:Year of birth unknown]]

Latest revision as of 17:21, 16 June 2024

Domitia Lepida
Domitia Lepida depicted trying to shield her daughter Messalina. The Death of Messalina by Fernand Lematte, 1870
Spouse(s)Valerius Messalla Barbatus
Faustus Cornelius Sulla
Appius Junius Silanus
ChildrenValeria Messalina
Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix
Marcus Junius Silanus[1]
Parents

Domitia Lepida (c. 5 BC – AD 54) was a Roman aristocrat, related to the imperial family. She was mother of Valeria Messalina, wife of the Emperor Claudius. Lepida was a beautiful and influential figure.[2] Like her sister, she was also very wealthy. She had holdings in Calabria and owned the praedia Lepidiana.[3]

Biography

[edit]

Lepida was the daughter of Antonia Major and Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, and granddaughter to triumvir Mark Antony by Octavia Minor, a great-niece of the Roman Emperor Augustus. She had two siblings: Domitia and Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul AD 32).

Lepida was married three times. Her first husband was her cousin, Marcus Valerius Messalla Barbatus.[4][5] Lepida married Barbatus probably around AD 15, suggesting that she was born in approximately 4 BC. It was standard for princesses in the imperial family to marry before their 18th birthday.[6] They had a daughter, Valeria Messalina (c. AD 17/20-48), who became Empress and third wife to the Emperor Claudius. Barbatus most likely died around AD 20 or 21, shortly after Messalina was born. It is extremely unlikely that Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus was their son, since Lepida's son by her second husband reached the consulship earlier than Messalla. Lepida's second husband was Faustus Cornelius Sulla,[7] consul in AD 31, a descendant of the dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Their son, Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix was born c. AD 22 and married Claudia Antonia, the daughter of Claudius through his second marriage to Aelia Paetina.[8][9] Faustus Cornelius Sulla died in 62.

At the beginning of the reign of her son-in-law, Claudius, Lepida, now a widow, married Appius Junius Silanus, (cos. AD 28). In the following year (AD 42), Silanus was put to death by Claudius, allegedly because he had plotted to assassinate Claudius, but the rumor circulated that Messalina had framed him after he resisted her advances.

Lepida was the maternal grandmother to Messalina's children Claudia Octavia (step-sister and first wife of Nero) and Britannicus. In AD 48, Messalina was executed on the orders of Claudius, due to Messalina's mock marriage with her lover Gaius Silius which swiftly evolved into a failed coup d'état. During Messalina's heyday, Lepida argued with Messalina and they became estranged (this likely followed Appius Silanus' execution). In Messalina's last hour in the Gardens of Lucullus, Lepida was at her side and encouraged her to end her own life.[10] After Messalina was stabbed with a dagger by an officer, her body was given up to Lepida.

Lepida's former sister-in-law, Agrippina the Younger, became Claudius' new wife in AD 49. Out of jealousy, Agrippina arranged the execution of Lepida sometime before the poisoning of Claudius, after which Nero became the new emperor. Agrippina charged Lepida with attempting to take her life by magic, disturbing Roman peace, and failing to control her Calabrian slave-gangs. Agrippina thought that Lepida would use her 'kind' influence on Nero to turn him against his mother.

Cultural depictions

[edit]

She was played by Moira Redmond in the 1976 BBC TV series I, Claudius.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
  1. ^ Ginsburg, "Nero's Consular Policy", American Journal of Ancient History 6 (1981), p. 52
  2. ^ Tacitus, Annals, 12.64.
  3. ^ Raepsaet-Charlier M.-Th., Prosopographie des femmes de l'ordre sénatorial (Ier-IIe siècles), 2 vol., Louvain, 1987, 285 ff [286].
  4. ^ E. Klebs, H. Dessau, P. Von Rohden (ed.), Prosopographia Imperii Romani, 3 vol., Berlin, 1897-1898. (PIR1) V 88.
  5. ^ Suetonius, Vita Claudii, 26.29.
  6. ^ Barrett, Anthony A., Agrippina: Sex, Power and Politics in the Early Roman Empire. Yale University Press, New Haven, 1996; p. 287 n. 154. See also Gaius Stern, "Women, Children, and Senators on the Ara Pacis Augustae, Chapter 6 (Berk. Diss. 2006).
  7. ^ PIR2 C 1459.
  8. ^ PIR2 C 1464.
  9. ^ Dio 60.30.6a.
  10. ^ Tacitus, Annals 11.37.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Levick, Barbara, Claudius. Yale University Press, New Haven, 1990