Hello,
Really need guidance to respond to this question: Describe Agrippina’s relationship with Nero.
Should I compare her relations before he ecame princeps and after (deteriorated relationship)?
Hey, Welcome to the forums!!
Because it’s a describe question it just needs to be in a narrative style setting out what their relationship was like. I think you could possibly split it into two different paragraphs: the initial very positive relationship and the deterioration of their relationship.
Some things you could talk about are:
Positive relationship:- This could include prior to him becoming Princeps and the initial years of his reign.
- She was very influential in his ascension as Princeps: he was groomed for success since birth through her marriage to Claudius, the adoption of Nero by Claudius, & by placing Burrus/Seneca as advisors. Even going as far as murdering Claudius to place Nero on the throne (instead of Brittanicus).
- The password ‘Optima Mater’ (‘the best of mothers’) that he used with the Praetorian guards.
- Initially acted as a co-ruler: attended a senate meeting and had a say in some political affairs/imperial business.
- She is viewed with Nero on coinage in equal power. In one coin, she is pictured side-by-side with Nero and equal in height. Another coin in 54AD presents Agrippina as a co-ruler alongside Nero. Similarly, the Sabasteion relief in Aphrodisias depicts Agrippina crowning Nero.
Decline in relationship:- Nero wished to be free from her control over him both politically and personally.
- Seneca and Burrus gradually replaced Agrippina as chief advisors & took control of administration & affairs.
- She saw Poppea Sabina as a threat to her power. Agrippina attempted to seduce Nero to gain control.
- He began to decrease her power by banishing her from the palace & removing her guards. He made attempts on her life and eventually murdered her.
- “Agrippina was gradually losing control over Nero … her opposition was fruitless”-Tacitus
- “He terminated her great receptions by giving her a separate residence”-Tacitus
- “Nero himself was interested in exercising his power unrestricted by his mothers control”-Alston
Hope this helps!!