Ionia. Ephesos. Augustus with Livia 27 BC-AD 14. Aristion, grammateus; Presbon, magistrate
Bronze Æ

20 mm, 6,61 g

Jugate heads of Augustus, laureate, and Livia, draped, right / ΓΡΑΜΜΑ[ΤΕ]ΥΣ / ΑΡΙΣΤΙΩ[Ν] / EΦ[E] / MENT[Ω]N, Stag standing right; quiver above.

Very Fine

RPC I 2599.

The story of Augustus and Livia Drusilla is marked by political strategy, familial ties, and the establishment of the Roman Empire. Their journey began in the aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. Livia, married to Augustus, emerging as a political force, found themselves at the center of Roman affairs. Their paths intersected in 38 BC at a social event, leading to Augustus divorcing his then-wife, Scribonia, to marry Livia. This union not only joined two individuals but also politically aligned Augustus with the influential Claudian family. Livia, pregnant with her son Tiberius from her previous marriage, entered into a partnership that would significantly impact the course of Roman history. Livia's unwavering support during the pivotal Battle of Actium in 31 BC solidified their bond. As Augustus's third wife, Livia bore him a son, Drusus, and became the mother of his designated successor, Tiberius. Her involvement in public affairs and her carefully cultivated image as a symbol of Roman virtue earned her the epithet "Augusta." Livia played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. As Augustus's heir, Tiberius was formally adopted in AD 4, ensuring the continuity of the imperial lineage. Augustus's death in AD 14 marked the transition to Tiberius's rule, with Livia witnessing the early years of his reign until her passing in AD 29. The legacy of Augustus and Livia extends beyond their individual roles; it symbolizes a pivotal era in Roman history, the dawn of the Roman Empire, and the nuanced interplay of personal relationships with the destiny of a burgeoning empire.