How To Empress: First Imperial Women Of Rome
Although the Julian Dynasty of ancient Rome has delivered many examples of powerful and ambitious imperial women, not all of them were meant to become an empress. The reign of Emperor Augustus alone offered three potential empresses of Rome, four if one includes his daughter Julia. In the end Livia Drusilla was the lucky one to assume the coveted title and was recognized as the first empress of the Julian Dynasty, but the other women in Augustus’ life were no less interesting.
In his 40-year rule, Augustus consolidated control in the provinces. He also annexed new lands in Europe and Asia Minor and forged alliances that effectively extended his realm's control. Although this took him away from Rome for a significant amount of time, he also managed to establish a system of censuses and taxes that covered the entire empire, build a new forum, establish the Praetorian Guard, and found the Roman postal service. He also improved the Roman road system and installed departments for police and fire protection.
Fresco paintings inside the House of Augustus, his residence during his reign as emperor (Cassius Ahenobarbus / CC BY-SA 3.0)
