Julia Agrippina known as Agrippina the Younger (born November 6, 15 AD and assassinated on the orders of her son in March 59) was the daughter of the Roman general Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder. A direct descendant of Emperor Augustus, she will be the emperor's sister, wife and mother.
Birth of Nero
Agrippina was born in Germany. When she was two years old, her family returned to Rome and her father was triumphantly welcomed, a success that provoked the jealousy and rivalry of Emperor Tiberius. Germanicus died in 19, probably on the orders of Tiberius, and his family paid the price for the emperor's jealousy. Agrippina's two brothers are imprisoned and their mother is exiled; all three die without having regained their freedom.
In 28, Tiberius chose Cneius Domitius Ahenobarbus as husband for Agrippina, who was then thirteen or fourteen years old. On December 15, 37, Agrippina gave birth to her only child, the future Nero. In the same year, Agrippina's brother Caligula succeeded Tiberius to the throne. in 39, accused of adultery and complicity in a plot against the emperor, Agrippina was exiled to the Pontine Islands, an exile which lasted until the fall of Caligula and the accession of Claudius, uncle of Agrippina, in 41 .
Wife of Emperor Claudius
In 48, the wife of the Emperor Claudius dies and he seeks to marry again. Agrippina wins over her competitors and the marriage is formalized in 49. Through her maneuvers and her influence on the emperor, Agrippina seizes the wealth of several notables and manages to push Claude to adopt Nero, her son. Nero then becomes the rival of Britannicus, son of Claudius and Messalina.
In 54, Claudius dies opportunely and historians suggest that he could have been assassinated on the orders of Agrippina feeling in danger. Agrippina then manages to keep Britannicus and her sisters with her while Nero will be recognized by the Praetorian Guard. Her son, who had become emperor, Agrippina sought to retain power, notably through numerous supporters in the army; feeling threatened by her influence, five years after becoming emperor, Nero had her assassinated.