Because Livia's prominence was based largely upon the same factors--family and property--that brought any woman of the Roman elite class prestige and influence, she serves as a paradigm of the increasing social and economic aggrandizement possible for women in the late republic and early empire. Nevertheless, Livia's wealth and influence surpassed that of women before her largely because of the unique circumstances in which she found herself as wife of the first emperor and mother of the second. Furthermore, Livia occupies an important position in Roman history as a foundational figure in the Julio-Claudian dynasty and as the first woman to attain the title Augusta, a title that she received as an honor but which she effectively defined as a position for subsequent imperial women.
This study examines the sources of Livia's prestige and influence, appraising the major phases of her life to illustrate how many of the same factors contributed to the unprecedented position that she held at her death. Beginning with a review of her family background and early life, this thesis explores her status during the triumviral years, her position during the principate of Augustus, her accumulation of wealth and exercise of patronage, and finally her role during the reign of her son Tiberius--all of which lead to the conclusion that her greatest historical significance was not in being the wife of the first emperor but rather in being the first Augusta, a title that came to represent the cumulative prestige and honors that Livia had attained at the end of her life. This final position, both because of its novelty and Livia's own longevity, was difficult for subsequent imperial women to surpass, and few equaled or exceeded her in standing or influence.
