Livia

Born into the powerful Claudian family of Rome. Her father, Marcus Livius Drusus Claudianus, was a senator. She married her cousin Tiberius Claudius Nero at about 15.

Octavian divorced his wife Scribonia and married Livia. She was still pregnant with her first husband's child. The marriage was a scandal. It lasted 51 years.

Octavian became Augustus, first Roman Emperor. Livia became the most powerful woman in the Roman world. She advised him on policy, received foreign ambassadors, and managed vast estates across the empire.

Augustus adopted Livia's son Tiberius as heir. Ancient sources accused her of poisoning other potential successors. Whether true or slander, her son ended up emperor. That was the result that mattered.

Augustus died. His will formally adopted Livia into the Julian family as Julia Augusta. She became the first woman in Roman history to hold the title Augusta. Tiberius became emperor.

Died at about 86. Tiberius, by then ruling from Capri, didn't attend her funeral. Her great-grandson Claudius finally deified her in 42 AD. The Roman Senate named her Diva Augusta.