Servilia and Her Family: A Study of Women in Roman Politics and Society

Servilia: A Woman of Influence

Servilia, a prominent woman in the turbulent world of Roman politics, lived during the late Roman Republic. She was born in 96 BC to Livia Drusa and Marcus Livius Drusus, a powerful politician and orator. As a member of the gens Livia Drusa, Servilia belonged to one of the most influential aristocratic families in Rome. Her life, marked by both privilege and adversity, offers a fascinating window into the roles and experiences of women in Roman society.

Servilia and her Family

by Susan Treggiari

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Language	:	German
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Print length	:	80 pages

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Servilia's family played a significant role in shaping her political awareness and ambition. Her father, Marcus Livius Drusus, was a leading figure in the populares faction, advocating for the interests of the common people against the optimates, the conservative aristocracy. Servilia's exposure to these political debates from a young age undoubtedly influenced her own political views and aspirations.

Relationships and Alliances

Servilia's family provided her with both support and challenges throughout her life. She had two brothers, Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus and Livius Drusus, who were also involved in politics. Her relationship with her brothers was complex, geprägt by both sibling rivalry and mutual support. Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus, the elder brother, became a successful general and politician, while Livius Drusus emerged as a prominent leader of the populares.

Servilia married Marcus Junius Brutus the Elder in 81 BC, forging a significant political alliance. Brutus, a consul and general, belonged to another influential aristocratic family, the gens Junia. The marriage between Servilia and Brutus was not only a personal union but also a strategic move to consolidate their families' political power.

Sons and Ambition

Servilia's three sons, Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, and Gaius Cassius Longinus, played pivotal roles in Roman politics. Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, known as Brutus, became famous as one of the leading assassins of Julius Caesar. Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, also a politician, served as a general during the civil war following Caesar's assassination.

Servilia's ambitious nature and political aspirations were undoubtedly reflected in the careers of her sons. She played an active role in their education and political development, encouraging them to pursue positions of power and influence. Her sons' achievements, in turn, brought both pride and heartache to Servilia, as they became embroiled in the tumultuous events of the late Republic.

Challenges and Resilience

Servilia's life was not without its challenges. As a woman in Roman society, she faced limitations and societal expectations. Her political influence was often exerted indirectly, through her relationships with male family members. Yet, she navigated these limitations with skill and determination, carving out a significant sphere of influence for herself.

Servilia witnessed firsthand the brutality and volatility of Roman politics. Her family members were often targets of political persecution and violence. She endured the loss of her husband and sons during the civil wars, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. Her story highlights the complex and often perilous lives of women in ancient Rome.

Susan Treggiari and Servilia's Legacy

The life and family of Servilia have been extensively studied by scholars, including Susan Treggiari, a renowned historian specializing in ancient Roman women. Treggiari's work on Servilia has shed new light on the dynamics of family and power in Roman society. Through a meticulous examination of historical sources, Treggiari has painted a vivid portrait of Servilia, revealing her political acumen, ambition, and resilience.

Treggiari's research has contributed to a deeper understanding of the roles and experiences of women in ancient Rome. Servilia's story serves as a reminder that women, despite facing limitations, could exert significant influence and actively participate in the political and social spheres of Roman society.

Servilia and her family offer a captivating glimpse into the complexities of women's lives in ancient Rome. As a woman of privilege and ambition, Servilia navigated the challenges and opportunities of her time, leaving an enduring legacy on Roman politics and society. Through her relationships with her brothers, sons, and husband, Servilia played a pivotal role in shaping the course of Roman history.

The study of Servilia and her family, as exemplified by the work of Susan Treggiari, continues to provide valuable insights into the dynamics of power, politics, and gender in ancient Rome. By exploring the lives and experiences of extraordinary women like Servilia, we gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions and the multifaceted nature of Roman society.