Augustus Children    Natural - Julia the Elder    Adoptive - Gaius Caesar, Lucius Caesar, Agrippa Postumus, Tiberius Tiberius Children    Natural - Julius Caesar Drusus    Adoptive - Germanicus Caligula Children    Natural - Julia Drusilla    Adoptive - Tiberius Gemellus Claudius Children    Natural - Claudia Antonia, Claudia Octavia, Britannicus    Adoptive - Nero Nero Children    Natural - Claudia Augusta

Valeria Messalina^[1], sometimes spelled Messallina, (c. 17/20 – 48) was a Roman Empress as the third wife of Emperor Claudius. A powerful and influential woman with a slatternly reputation, she conspired against her husband and was executed when the plot was discovered. Template:Julio-Claudian Dynasty The Julio-Claudian Dynasty refers to the first five Roman Emperors: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. ... For other persons named Octavian, see Octavian (disambiguation). ... For other Roman women named Julia Caesaris, see Julia Caesaris. ... Gaius Julius Caesar Vipsanianus (20 BC - AD 4), most commonly known as Gaius Caesar, was the oldest son of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Julia the Elder. ... Lucius Julius Caesar (17 BC-2 AD), most commonly known as Lucius Caesar, was the second son of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Julia the Elder. ... Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa Postumus, (12 BC-14 AD) also known as Agrippa Postumus or Postumus Agrippa, was a son of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Julia the Elder. ... For other persons named Tiberius, see Tiberius (disambiguation). ... For other persons named Tiberius, see Tiberius (disambiguation). ... Nero Claudius Drusus, later Drusus Julius Caesar (his adoptive name) (13 BC-September 14, 23), was the only child of Roman Emperor Tiberius and his first wife, Vipsania Agrippina. ... Germanicus Julius Caesar Claudianus (24 May 15 BC–October 10, 19) was a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty of the early Roman Empire. ... This article is about the Roman emperor. ... For the identically named daughter of Germanicus, see Drusilla (sister of Caligula). ... Tiberius Gemellus, son of Drusus the Younger and Livilla Tiberius Julius Caesar Nero , known as Tiberius Gemellus, (10 October AD 19–AD 37 or 38) was the son of Drusus and Livilla, the grandson of Tiberius, and the cousin of Gaius Caligula. ... For other persons named Claudius, see Claudius (disambiguation). ... Antonia (30–66 AD) was Claudius only child from his second marriage to Aelia Paetina. ... Octavia was the name of three women of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty of ancient Rome: two were sisters of Augustus Caesar, and the younger was the daughter of Claudius and wife of Nero. ... Britannicus (41 - 55 A.D.) was the son of the Roman emperor Claudius and his third wife Messalina. ... For other uses, see Nero (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Nero (disambiguation). ... Claudia Augusta was the only daughter of the Roman Emperor Nero by his second wife Poppaea Sabina. ... For other uses, see number 17. ... Events Roman Empire Tiberias is built on the Sea of Galilee by Herod Antipas, in honour of Tiberius. ... Events Rome Roman Emperor Claudius invests Agrippa II with the office of superintendent of the Temple in Jerusalem. ... Ancient Rome was a civilization that grew from a small agricultural community founded on the Italian Peninsula circa the 9th century BC to a massive empire straddling the Mediterranean Sea. ... Ordinary Magistrates Extraordinary Magistrates Titles and Honors Emperor Politics and Law This article discusses the nature of the imperial dignity, and its dynastic development throughout the history of the Empire. ... For other persons named Claudius, see Claudius (disambiguation). ...

Family and Early Life

Messalina was the daughter of Domitia Lepida and Marcus Valerius Messalla Barbatus^[2][3]. Messalina's father was the son of Marcus Valerius Messala Barbatus Appianus ^[4], a Claudius Pulcher by birth (son of Appius Claudius Pulcher, cos. 38 BC) adopted by Marcus Valerius Messala, cos. suff. 32 BC^[5][6]. His mother was Claudia Marcella Minor. Her mother, Domitia Lepida, was the youngest child of consul Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus and Antonia Major. Messalina’s grandmothers were half sisters and nieces of Rome's first Emperor Augustus. Bust of Domitia Lepida (?), mother of Messalina Domitia Lepida (PIR2 D 180), sometimes known simply as Lepida (c. ... Marcus Valerius Messala Barbatus Messalinus (12 BC - AD 20/21) was a Senator of ancient Rome. ... Claudia Marcella was the name of both daughters of Octavia Minor (Octavia Thurina Minor), the sister of Caesar Augustus, from her first husband, the consul Gaius Claudius Marcellus Minor. ... Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus was the only child of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus (consul 32 BC) and Aemilia Lepida. ... Julia Antonia Cretica Major (Latin for “the elder”) (b. ... For other persons named Octavian, see Octavian (disambiguation). ...

Born no later than 12 BC and on the basis of his family distinction, Messalina's father could have expected a consulship by 23. Since he didn't become consul, it has been suggested that he must have died before that date.^[7] Her mother then married consul Faustus Cornelius Sulla Lucullus III, great-grandson of Roman Dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla. Faustus and Lepida had a son circa 22, Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix, Messalina's half brother. Messalina was most probably born and raised in Rome. Very little is known on her early life. Centuries: 2nd century BC - 1st century BC - 1st century Decades: 60s BC 50s BC 40s BC 30s BC 20s BC - 10s BC - 0s 10s 20s 30s 40s Years: 17 BC 16 BC 15 BC 14 BC 13 BC 12 BC 11 BC 10 BC 9 BC 8 BC 7 BC... Year 23 was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... Faustus Cornelius Sulla Lucullus III was a son of Lucius Cornelius Sulla Faustus, who was a descendant of the Roman dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Aemilia Lepida. ... Lucius Cornelius Sulla Felix (Latin: L•CORNELIVS•L•F•P•N•SVLLA•FELIX)[1] (ca. ... Faustus Cornelius Sulla Felix (22–62) was one of the lesser known figures of the Julio-Claudian dynasty of ancient Rome. ... For other uses, see Rome (disambiguation). ...

Marriage to Claudius

Either in 37 or 38, Messalina married her second cousin Claudius who was about 48 years old. During the reign of another second cousin of hers, the unstable Roman Emperor Caligula (reigned 37-41), Messalina was very wealthy, an influential figure and a regular at Caligula’s court. Claudius was Caligula’s paternal uncle and was becoming influential and popular. Claudius probably married her to strengthen ties within the imperial family. This article is about the year 37. ... For alternate uses, see Number 38. ... This article is about the Roman emperor. ... This article is about the year 37. ... Events January 24 - Roman Emperor Gaius Caesar (Caligula), known for his eccentricity and cruel despotism, is assassinated by his disgruntled Praetorian Guards. ...

Messalina bore Claudius two children, a daughter Claudia Octavia (born 39 or 40), who was a future empress and first wife to future emperor Nero, and a son, Britannicus (born 41). On 24 January 41, Caligula and his family were murdered and later that day the Praetorian Guard proclaimed Claudius the new emperor and Messalina became the new empress. Octavia was the name of three women of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty of ancient Rome: two were sisters of Augustus Caesar, and the younger was the daughter of Claudius and wife of Nero. ... Events Roman Empire Tigellinus, minister and favorite of the later Roman emperor Nero, is banished for adultery with Caligulas sisters. ... Events Roman Empire Caligula embarks on a campaign to conquer Britain, and fails miserably. ... For other uses, see Nero (disambiguation). ... Britannicus (41 - 55 A.D.) was the son of the Roman emperor Claudius and his third wife Messalina. ... is the 24th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events January 24 - Roman Emperor Gaius Caesar (Caligula), known for his eccentricity and cruel despotism, is assassinated by his disgruntled Praetorian Guards. ... The Praetorian Guard of Augustus - 1st century. ...

Roman Empress

Messalina holding her son Britannicus, Louvre

Messalina became the most powerful woman in the Roman Empire. Claudius bestowed various honors on her: her birthday was officially celebrated, statues of her were erected in public places and she was given the privilege of occupying the front seats at the theatre along with the Vestal Virgins. The Roman Senate wanted Messalina to have the title of "Augusta", however Claudius refused. This article is about the museum. ... For other uses, see Roman Empire (disambiguation). ... Image of a Roman Vestal Virgin In Ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins (sacerdos Vestalis), were the virgin holy priestesses of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth. ... The Roman Senate (Latin: Senatus) was the main governing council of both the Roman Republic, which started in 509 BC, and the Roman Empire. ...

In 43 Claudius held a triumphant military parade to celebrate the successful campaign in Britain. Messalina followed his chariot in a covered carriage and behind her marched the generals. Events Aulus Plautius, with 4 legions, landed on Britain. ...

Through her status, she became very influential, however in character was very insecure. Claudius, as an older man, could have died at any moment and Britannicus would have become the new emperor. To improve her own security and ensure the future of her children, Messalina sought to eliminate anyone who was a potential threat to her and her children.

Among those who were loyal to Messalina was consul Lucius Vitellius. He begged her as a tremendous privilege for him to remove Messalina’s shoes. Vitellius would nurse her right shoe between his toga and tunic and would sometimes take the shoe out and kiss it. Lucius Vitellius was the name of two politicians of the early Roman Empire, father and son. ...

Due to Claudius' devotion to her, Messalina was able to manipulate him into ordering the exile or execution of various people: Roman Historian Seneca the Younger; Claudius’ nieces Julia Livilla and Julia; Marcus Vinicius (husband of Julia Livilla); consul Gaius Asinius Pollio II (see Vipsania Agrippina), the elder Poppaea Sabina (mother of Empress Poppaea Sabina, second wife of Nero), consul Decimus Valerius Asiaticus and Polybius (freedman). Claudius had the reputation of being easily controlled by his wives and freedmen. Bust, traditionally thought to be Seneca, now identified by some as Hesiod. ... Julia Livilla, daughter of Germanicus Julia Livilla or Julia Germanici filia (Lesbos, early 18 AD-Pandateria (?) late 41 or early 42 AD) was the youngest child of Germanicus and Agrippina the Elder and one of Caligulas sisters. ... Julia (Classical Latin: IVLIA•DRVSI•CAESARIS•FILIA[1]) (c. ... Vipsania Agrippina, daughter of Agrippa and first wife of Tiberius Vipsania Agrippina (36 BC-20 AD) was the daughter of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa from his first wife Pomponia Caecilia Attica, granddaughter of Ciceros friend and knight Titus Pomponius Atticus. ... Poppaea Poppaea Sabina (died 65) was the second wife of the Roman Emperor Nero. ... Decimus Valerius Asiaticus (d. ... Tiberius Claudius Polybius (fl. ...

A well known example of Messalina trying to eliminate her rivals was when Agrippina the Younger returned from exile after January 41. Agrippina was a niece to Claudius, a daughter of Claudius’ late brother Germanicus. Messalina realised that Agrippina’s son Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (the future Nero) was a threat to her son’s position and sent assassins to strangle Nero during his siesta. When they approached his couch, they saw what appeared to be a snake near his pillow and fled in terror. The apparent snake was actually a sloughed-off snake skin. Julia Agrippina; known as Agrippina Minor (Latin for the ‘younger’, Classical Latin: IVLIA•AGRIPPINA; from the year 50, called IVLIA•AVGVSTA•AGRIPPINA[1], Greek: η Ιουλία Αγριππίνη, November 6, 15 - between 19 March-23 March 59), was a Roman Empress. ... Germanicus Julius Caesar Claudianus (24 May 15 BC–October 10, 19) was a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty of the early Roman Empire. ... For other uses, see Nero (disambiguation). ...

Reputation

The ancient Roman sources (particularly Tacitus and Suetonius), portray Messalina as insulting, disgraceful, cruel, avaricious, and a foolish nymphomaniac. Many women of her age and status enjoyed festivities and parties, but the two historians contended that Messalina unwisely combined her zest for meeting people with a sexual appetite. A widely reported tale was of Messalina’s challenge to a notorious Roman prostitute named Scylla of an all-night sex competition. Scylla gave up at dawn when each woman had taken 25 lovers, but Messalina saw no reason to stop copulating until well into the morning. It is said that she was exhausted, but not satisfied. For other uses, see Tacitus (disambiguation). ... Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus ( 69/75 - after 130), also known as Suetonius, was a prominent Roman historian and biographer. ... Satyriasis redirects here. ...

Roman sources claim that Messalina used sex to enforce her power and control politicians, that she had a brothel under an assumed name and organised orgies for upper class women and that she participated much in politics and sold her influence to Roman nobles or foreign notables.

Juvenal is also highly critical of her in his Satire VI (first translation by Peter Green and second translation from wikisource): Satire VI of Juvenal is often titled Against Women in English translation. ...

Then consider the God's rivals, hear what Claudius had to put up with. The minute she heard him snoring his wife - that whore-empress - who­ dared to prefer the mattress of a stews to her couch in the Palace, called for her hooded night-cloak and hastened forth, with a single attendant. Then, her black hair hidden under an ash-blonde wig, she'd make straight for her brothel, with its stale, warm coverlets, and her empty reserved cell. Here, naked, with gilded nipples, she plied her trade, under the name of 'The Wolf-Girl', parading the belly that once housed a prince of the blood. She would greet each client sweetly, demand cash payment, and absorb all their battering - without ever getting up. Too soon the brothel-keeper dismissed his girls: she stayed right till the end, always last to go, then trailed away sadly, still | with burning, rigid vulva, exhausted by men, yet a long way from satisfied, cheeks grimed with lamp-smoke, filthy, carrying home to her Imperial couch the stink of the whorehouse. Then look at those who rival the Gods, and hear what Claudius endured. As soon as his wife perceived that her husband was asleep, this august harlot was shameless enough to prefer a common mat to the imperial couch. Assuming night-cowl, and attended by a single maid, she issued forth; then, having concealed her raven locks under a light-coloured peruque, she took her place in a brothel reeking with long-used coverlets. Entering an empty cell reserved for herself, she there took her stand, under the feigned name of Lycisca, her nipples bare and gilded, and exposed to view the womb that bore thee, O nobly-born Britannicus! Here she graciously received all comers, asking from each his fee; and when at length the keeper dismissed his girls, she remained to the very last before closing her cell, and with passion still raging hot within her went sorrowfully away. Then exhausted by men but unsatisfied, with soiled cheeks, and begrimed with the smoke of lamps, she took back to the imperial pillow all the odours of the stews.

According to Satire VI, Messalina worked in a brothel under the assumed name Lycisca, 'The Wolf-Girl'. Etching by Agostino Carracci, late 16th century.

Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (650x867, 213 KB) Nominally Messalina, serving as a prostitute under the pseudonym of Lisisca (literally, Messalina in Lisicas booth), deriving from accounts such as this one of Juvenals: Then look at those who rival the Gods, and hear what... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (650x867, 213 KB) Nominally Messalina, serving as a prostitute under the pseudonym of Lisisca (literally, Messalina in Lisicas booth), deriving from accounts such as this one of Juvenals: Then look at those who rival the Gods, and hear what... Satire VI of Juvenal is often titled Against Women in English translation. ... Head of a Faun (c. ...

Downfall, Death and Aftermath

Valeria Messalina and her children Britannicus and Claudia Octavia

During the Secular Games in 47, at the performance of the Troy Pageant, Messalina attended the event with her son Britannicus. Also present was Agrippina the Younger with her son Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus (Nero). Agrippina and Nero received a greater acclamation from the audience than Messalina and Britannicus did. Many people began to show pity and sympathy to Agrippina, due to unfortunate circumstances that occurred in her life. This is probably a first sign of Messalina's declining popularity. Secular games (Lodi Sæculares, originally Terentini). ... This article is about the year 47. ... For other uses, see Nero (disambiguation). ...

Later that year, Messalina became interested in the attractive Roman Senator Gaius Silius who was happily married to the aristocratic woman Junia Silana (sister of Caligula’s first wife). Messalina and Silius became lovers and Messalina forced Silius to divorce his wife. Gaius Silius was the name of two consuls of the Roman Empire, during the 1st century. ...

Silius realised the danger that he put himself in. Messalina and Silius plotted to kill the weak emperor and Messalina would make him the new emperor. Silius was childless and wanted to adopt Britannicus. They had committed bigamy: Messalina and Silius married in a full ceremony, in front of witnesses and had signed marriage contracts while Messalina was still legally married to Claudius.

While Claudius was in Ostia, inspecting construction work done on the harbour, his freedman Narcissus, advised him of Messalina’s and Silius’ plot to kill him. Messalina travelled to Ostia with her children hoping to speak to Claudius; however the emperor left Ostia before she was able to do so. Narcissus delayed Messalina, preventing her from seeing Claudius. Tiberius Claudius Narcissus ( 1st century AD) was one of the freedmen who formed the core of the civil service under the Roman emperor Claudius. ...

Claudius ordered the deaths of Messalina and Silius in 48. In Messalina’s final hours, she was in the Gardens of Lucullus. Messalina and her mother were preparing a petition for Claudius. At the height of Messalina’s influence and prosperity, Lepida and Messalina had argued and became estranged. Apparently overcome by pity, Lepida stayed with her daughter. Lepida's last words to her were ‘Your life is finished. All that remains is to make a decent end’. Messalina was reputedly weeping and moaning. She finally realised the situation in which she had put herself. Events Rome Roman Emperor Claudius invests Agrippa II with the office of superintendent of the Temple in Jerusalem. ...

An officer and a former slave arrived together to witness Messalina’s death. The former slave verbally insulted her while the officer stood by in silence. Messalina was offered the choice of killing herself, but was too afraid to do so, so the officer stabbed Messalina with a dagger. Her dead body was left with her mother. At the time of Messalina's death, Claudius was attending a dinner. When Messalina's death was announced to him, Claudius showed no emotion but asked for more wine.

In the days after her death, Claudius gave no sign of hatred, anger, distress, satisfaction or any other human passion. The only ones who mourned for Messalina were her children. The Roman Senate ordered Messalina’s name removed from all public or private places and all statues of her were removed.

On New Year’s Day in 49, Claudius married as his fourth wife Agrippina the Younger, who went on to remove from the imperial court anyone she considered loyal to the memory of Messalina. Agrippina’s son Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus was adopted by Claudius as his son and heir. He became known as Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus and succeeded Claudius as emperor instead of Messalina's son Britannicus. Nero married Messalina’s daughter. Messalina’s name is now often used as a synonym for sexual promiscuity, manipulativeness, and treachery. Events Rome Emperor Claudius marries his niece Agrippina the younger (approximate date). ... Julia Agrippina; known as Agrippina Minor (Latin for the ‘younger’, Classical Latin: IVLIA•AGRIPPINA; from the year 50, called IVLIA•AVGVSTA•AGRIPPINA[1], Greek: η Ιουλία Αγριππίνη, November 6, 15 - between 19 March-23 March 59), was a Roman Empress. ... For other uses, see Nero (disambiguation). ...

In Fiction

Carlo Pallavicino's Venetian opera Messalina of 1680 deals with Valeria Messalina. For other uses, see Venice (disambiguation). ...

Messalina was featured prominently in Robert Graves' novels I, Claudius and Claudius the God. In keeping with the historical views at the time the novels were written (1934-35), Messalina is portrayed as a young teenager at the time of her marriage. She is also credited with all the actions mentioned in the ancient sources. This character was played by Sheila White in the 1976 BBC television adaptation of the two books, and was to have been played by Merle Oberon in Josef von Sternberg's 1937 film of I, Claudius. This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... I, Claudius is a novel by Robert Graves, (ISBN 067972477X) first published in 1934, dealing sympathetically with the life of the Roman Emperor Claudius and the history of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty and Roman Empire, from Julius Caesars assassination in 44 BC to Caligulas assassination in 41 AD... Sheila White (born October 18, 1950) is an actress. ... For other uses, see BBC (disambiguation). ... I, Claudius, 1976 was a BBC Television adaptation of Robert Gravess I Claudius and Claudius the God. ... Merle Oberon (February 19, 1911 – November 23, 1979), born Estelle Merle OBrien Thompson, was an Academy Award-nominated Anglo-Indian film actress. ... Josef von Sternberg (29 May 1894 – 22 December 1969) was an Austrian-American film director. ... I, Claudius was the proposed 1937 film of the book I, Claudius. ...

Besides the adaptation of Graves' work, the character of Messalina has been portrayed many times elsewhere in movies and television films or miniseries. Here are some of the other actresses who have played Messalina:

• Maria Caserini in the 1910 Italian silent film Messalina, directed by Enrico Guazzoni.
• Rina De Liguoro in the 1922 Italian silent film Messalina, directed by Enrico Guazzoni.
• Maria Felix in the 1951 Italian film Messalina, directed by Carmine Gallone.
• Susan Hayward in the 1954 Biblical Epic Demetrius and the Gladiators.
• Belinda Lee in the 1960 film Messalina, Venere imperatrice.
• Anneka Di Lorenzo in the 1979 film Caligula.
• Jennifer O'Neill in the 1985 TV series A.D. Anno Domini.
• Sonia Aquino in the 2004 TV movie Imperium: Nero.

The French writer Alfred Jarry based his novel Messalina (or The Garden of Priapus in Louis Colman's English translation) on the myths surrounding the subject. She is referred to in his book Le Surmâle (in English the Supermale); these two books are offered as diametrically opposed entities in his 'pataphysical œuvre. The Messalinas of these books are highly fictionalized and subject to Jarry's fanciful and extravagant imagination. María Félix (April 8, 1914 – April 8, 2002) was a Mexican actress. ... Carmine Gallone ( 18 September 1886 - 4 April 1973 ) was an early acclaimed Italian film director, screenwriter and film producer . ... For other persons named Hayward, see Hayward (disambiguation). ... Demetrius and the Gladiators was a 1954 drama film that was a sequel to The Robe. ... Belinda Lee Belinda Lee (June 15, 1935 – March 12, 1961) was a British actress. ... This article is about the Roman emperor. ... Jennifer ONeill Jennifer ONeill (born February 20, 1948) is an American actress and author. ... A.D. (Anno Domini) is a British/Italian miniseries from 1985 in 6 parts which tells the Acts of the Apostles. ... Sonia Aquino is an Italian actress, who has most notably appeared in the movie The Life and Death of Peter Sellers as Sophia Loren. ... Alfred Jarry Alfred Jarry (September 8, 1873 – November 1, 1907) was a French writer born in Laval, Mayenne, France, not far from the border of Brittany; he was of Breton descent on his mothers side. ... Pataphysics, a term coined by the French writer Alfred Jarry, is a philosophy dedicated to studying what lies beyond the realm of metaphysics. ...

In Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time, the Forsaken Mesaana is named after Messalina. In Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita, Messalina is a guest at Satan's ball. In Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, Mr. Rochester refers to his first wife as his Indian Messalina. In Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's Venus in Furs, the protagonist's aunt, who 'first aroused [his] desire for women' is referred to as a Messalina. Mario Puzo's The Last Don revolves around a film called "Messalina" based on the notorious all night exploits of the empress. For other persons named Robert Jordan, see Robert Jordan (disambiguation). ... This article is about a fantasy series. ... In the fictional world of Robert Jordans Wheel of Time fantasy series, the Forsaken (or Chosen, as they would prefer to be called) are thirteen of the most powerful servants of the Dark One. ... Mesaana is one of the primary antagonists of the Wheel of Time fantasy series by Robert Jordan. ... Mikhail Afanasievich Bulgakov (Russian: Михаил Афанасьевич Булгаков; May 15 [O.S. May 3] 1891, Kiev – March 10, 1940, Moscow) was a Russian novelist and playwright of the first half of the 20th century. ... The Master and Margarita (Russian: ) is a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov, woven about the premise of a visit by the Devil to the fervently atheistic Soviet Union. ... Charlotte Brontë (IPA: ) (April 21, 1816 – March 31, 1855) was an English novelist and the eldest of the three Brontë sisters whose novels have become enduring classics of English literature. ... This article is about the Victorian novel. ... Leopold von Sacher-Masoch Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch (January 27, 1836 – March 9, 1895), writer and journalist, was born in Lemberg, Austrian Empire (now Lviv, Ukraine). ... Book cover for Venus in Furs Leopold Ritter von Sacher-Masoch (January 27, 1836 - March 9, 1895), writer and journalist, was born in Lemberg, Austria-Hungary (now Lviv, Ukraine). ... Mario Gianluigi Puzo (October 15, 1920 – July 2, 1999) was an American author known for his novels about the Mafia, especially The Godfather (1969). ... The Last Don is a novel by Mario Puzo, best known as the auther of The Godfather. ...

Sources

• Cassius Dio, Roman History, LX. 14-18, 27-31
• Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews XX. 8; The Wars of the Jews II. 12
• Juvenal, Satires 6, 10, 14
• Pliny the Elder, Natural History 10
• Plutarch, Lives
• Seneca the Younger, Apocolocyntosis divi Claudii; Octavia, 257-261
• Suetonius, Lives of the Twelve Caesars: Claudius 17, 26, 27, 29, 36, 37, 39; Nero 6; Vitellius 2
• Tacitus, Annals, XI. 1, 2, 12, 26-38
• Sextus Aurelius Victor, epitome of Book of Caesars, 4

Cassius Dio Cocceianus (ca. ... A fanciful representation of Flavius Josephus, in an engraving in William Whistons translation of his works Josephus (37 – sometime after 100 CE),[1] who became known, in his capacity as a Roman citizen, as Titus Flavius Josephus,[2] was a 1st-century Jewish historian and apologist of priestly and... Antiquities of the Jews (Antiquitates Judaicae in Latin) was a work published by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus about 93-94 (cf. ... The Wars of the Jews (or the history of the destruction of Jerusalem) is a book written by the historian Josephus as a description of Jewish history up to the events of the Destruction of Jerusalem. ... Woodcut of Juvenal from the Nuremberg Chronicle Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis, Anglicized as Juvenal, was a Roman satiric poet of the late 1st century and early 2nd century. ... Frontispiece depicting Juvenal and Persius, from a volume translated by John Dryden in 1711. ... Satire VI of Juvenal is often titled Against Women in English translation. ... Frontispiece depicting Juvenal and Persius, from a volume translated by John Dryden in 1711. ... Frontispiece depicting Juvenal and Persius, from a volume translated by John Dryden in 1711. ... Pliny the Elder: an imaginative 19th Century portrait. ... Mestrius Plutarchus (Greek: Πλούταρχος; 46 - 127), better known in English as Plutarch, was a Greek historian, biographer, essayist, and Middle Platonist. ... Bust, traditionally thought to be Seneca, now identified by some as Hesiod. ... The Twelve Caesars is a set of twelve biographies of Julius Caesar and the first 11 emperors of the Roman Empire. ... For other uses, see Tacitus (disambiguation). ... The Annals, or, in Latin, Annales, is a history book by Tacitus covering the reign of the 4 Roman Emperors succeeding to Caesar Augustus. ... Sextus Aurelius Victor (ca. ...

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Messalina

• Barrett, Anthony A. (1996). Agrippina: Sex, Power and Politics in the Early Roman Empire. Yale University Press. 
• Klebs, E.; H. Dessau, P. Von Rohden (ed.) (1897-1898). Prosopographia Imperii Romani. 
• Levick, Barbara (1990). Claudius. New Haven: Yale University Press. 
• http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Parthenon/7094/claudius.html

Notes