Vipsania Agrippina facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vipsania Agrippina
Bust of Vipsania (found near Khoms, Libya)
Born	36 BC
Died	20 AD (aged 55-56)
Spouse	Tiberius Gaius Asinius Gallus
Issue	Drusus Julius Caesar Gaius Asinius Pollio Marcus Asinius Agrippa Asinius Saloninus Servius Asinius Celer Lucius Asinius Gallus
Dynasty	Julio-Claudian
Father	Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa
Mother	Pomponia Caecilia Attica

Vipsania Agrippina (born 36 BC, died 20 AD) was the first wife of the Emperor Tiberius. She was the daughter of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa and Pomponia Caecilia Attica. Her grandfather was Titus Pomponius Atticus, a close friend of the famous speaker Cicero.

Early Life and First Marriage

Vipsania Agrippina was promised in marriage to Tiberius even before her first birthday. This arrangement was made by Augustus, who was Tiberius's stepfather, and Vipsania's father. They got married around 19 BC. Their son, Drusus Julius Caesar, was born in 14 BC.

Vipsania and Tiberius had a happy marriage. However, Emperor Augustus ordered them to divorce. This happened after Vipsania's father passed away. Augustus wanted Tiberius to marry his own daughter, Julia the Elder.

Tiberius did not want to divorce Vipsania. He was also not happy with Julia. But he had to follow Augustus's orders. Augustus wanted to connect Tiberius's growing power to his own family. At the time of their divorce, Vipsania was expecting another child, but the baby did not survive.

Divorce and Second Marriage

Tiberius divorced Vipsania in 11 BC. It was a very difficult decision for him. The historian Suetonius wrote that Tiberius felt "great mental anguish." Tiberius never stopped regretting this action.

One time, Tiberius saw Vipsania after their divorce. He followed her with a sad and tearful look. After this, steps were taken to prevent them from meeting again. This was to avoid any more difficult moments.

In 11 BC, Vipsania married Gaius Asinius Gallus. He was a Roman Senator and the son of a famous speaker. Vipsania and Gallus had at least five sons together. Vipsania Agrippina passed away in AD 20. This was just a few days after her son Drusus was honored in a public ceremony.

Vipsania's Children

Vipsania Agrippina had one son with Tiberius and at least five sons with Gaius Asinius Gallus. She also likely had at least one daughter.

Children with Tiberius

• Drusus Julius Caesar (born 14 BC): He was Vipsania's only son with Tiberius. Drusus was honored with statues and coins after Vipsania's death.

Children with Gaius Asinius Gallus

• Gaius Asinius Pollio: He became a Consul in 23 AD.
• Marcus Asinius Agrippa: He was also a Consul in 25 AD. The historian Tacitus said he was a worthy person.
• Asinius Saloninus: He passed away in 22 AD. Tacitus described him as an important person. He was planned to marry one of Emperor Tiberius's granddaughters.
• Servius Asinius Celer: He was a consul in 38 AD.
• Asinius Gallus (possibly Lucius Asinius Gallus): He became a Consul in 62 AD.
• Gnaeus Asinius: Not much is known about him, but he was a patron of the town of Puteoli.

Vipsania was the only one of her father Agrippa's children who died a natural death. She was considered one of the most important women of her time.

Vipsania in Culture

Vipsania Agrippina has been shown in books and TV shows.

• The novel I, Claudius by Robert Graves mentions Tiberius following Vipsania after their divorce. This part comes from the writings of Suetonius.
• The television series based on the book included a scene between Tiberius and Vipsania. This scene showed Tiberius being sad about their divorce. The actress Sheila Ruskin played Vipsania.
• Vipsania will also be shown in the second season of the TV series Domina. The actress Joelle will play her.

See also

In Spanish: Vipsania para niños