Agrippina

The Most Extraordinary Woman of the Roman World

By: Emma Southon

Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt

The story of Agrippina, at the center of imperial power for three generations, is the story of the Julio-Claudia dynasty - and of Rome itself, at its bloody, extravagant, chaotic, ruthless, and political zenith.

In her own time, she was recognized as a woman of unparalleled power. Beautiful and intelligent, she was portrayed as alternately a ruthless murderer and helpless victim, the most loving mother and the most powerful woman of the Roman empire, using sex, motherhood, manipulation, and violence to get her way and single-minded in her pursuit of power for herself and her son, Nero.

This book follows Agrippina as a daughter, born in Cologne, to the expected heir to Augustus’ throne; as a sister to Caligula, who raped his sisters and showered them with honors until they attempted rebellion against him and were exiled; as a seductive niece and then wife to Claudius, who gave her access to near unlimited power; and then as a mother to Nero - who adored her until he had her assassinated. Through senatorial political intrigue, assassination attempts, and exile to a small island and to the heights of imperial power, thrones, and golden cloaks and games and adoration, Agrippina scaled the absolute limits of female power in Rome. Her biography is also the story of the first Roman imperial family - the Julio-Claudians - and of the glory and corruption of the empire itself.

©2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Great book, Not great narration.

Amazing book. I love Dr Southon and this book is no exception. However the narration was incredibly hard to get through. Maybe just the wrong narrator for the wrong story.

All history books wish they were this good

Loved the surprising anecdotes. Loved the language. The most powerful woman in Rome gets her due.

Amazing read!

The narrator is amazing and the way she tells the story just sucks you in. This is such a tragic story, the erasure of her in the Roman empire did them a disservice, what would her statues look like if Nero didn't destroy them? Would she still be in power if Nero didn't resent her for reasons unknown. Again this is an amazing read and I absolutely enjoyed every bit of this. Definitely gives this a read if you haven't!

Narrator has a terrible voice, I could not even listen past Chapter 3

The tone of her voice, had to turn it off. Looking forward to reading it though, I love her story.

fresh feminist history, Loved it!!!

I was pleasantly surprised by how awesome this book is! I am now going to find everything Emma Southon has done! It's like listening to a friend tell an amazing historical story. Even though a lot of this history I knew her perspective was fresh and funny and insightful! Highly recommend if you're not easily offended