Agrippina three marriages to Ahenobarbus, Crispus and Claudius were very important in her rise to power. Each of the marriages were stepping stones to becoming almost as powerful and influential as an emperor. Her first marriage was to Ahenobarbus and provided her status, a child and protection. The next marriage was to Crispus provided further protection and riches. The final marriage was to Claudius, and can be considered the most significant of the three as she become the most powerful woman in Rome, received many honours and helped promote Nero’s claim to the throne. We see the incredible significance of the marriages through historians such as Tacitus, Lawless, Leadbetter and many others as well as archaeological sources such as coins. …show more content…
This man, Ahenobarbus, was said to be a ‘man utterly detestable’ by Tacitus. We see that Tiberius disliked Agrippina and decided to give Agrippina an unhappy marriage choice as it is believed that Tiberius organised this marriage. Even though, Ahenobarbus was a horrible man, Agrippina used him to gain status as a married woman. Another thing that was provided was protection from her enemies. This was significant in her rise to prominence as she knew she was being targeted for her bloodline. She was protected from Sejanus who had disposed of her mother and elder brother’s due to the attack on the Germanicus family. The most significant thing Agrippina obtained from this marriage in her rise to prominence was a child-a son. “gave Agrippina what she needed to be a force in roman politics… it gave her a son….to ensure her future exercise of power”. Stated by Leadbetter, this source shows just how important and vital Nero’s life was to Agrippina to maintain and solidify power. “Capacity to wait for the opportune moment rather than act on impulse.” Leadbetter tell us through this source that Agrippina was cunning on her rise to power as she gave birth 9 months after Tiberius death and highlights how she keeps a low profile from the enemies who wish to destroy