Marcus Agrippa
Birth: 63 BC?
Death: March 12 BC, Campania, Italy
Overview
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was a pivotal figure in the rise of the Roman Empire, serving as a powerful deputy to Augustus, Rome's first emperor. Known for his military prowess and administrative skill, Agrippa's efforts were instrumental in Augustus’ consolidation of power, especially following the decisive victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Despite his modest origins, Agrippa’s contributions earned him enduring recognition, though he faced disdain from the Roman aristocracy.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Little is known about Agrippa's early years until 44 BC, when he accompanied Octavian (later Augustus) to Italy after Julius Caesar’s assassination. Agrippa played a key role in helping Octavian secure his position as Caesar's heir. By 43 BC, he had become a tribune of the plebs and pursued Caesar’s assassins.
As Octavian's trusted commander, Agrippa distinguished himself during the Roman civil wars. He successfully led campaigns against Mark Antony’s brother, Lucius, in 41–40 BC and resisted the republican forces of Sextus Pompeius with naval victories at Mylae and Naulochus in 36 BC.
Key Achievements
- Battle of Actium (31 BC): Agrippa’s strategic command of Octavian's fleet resulted in the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra, securing Octavian’s supremacy.
- Public Works: As aedile in 33 BC, Agrippa improved Rome’s infrastructure, building aqueducts, cleaning sewers, and establishing public baths.
- Governance: Agrippa managed Rome during Octavian's absences, purged the Senate, and conducted a census in 28–27 BC.
- Military Campaigns: He subdued rebellions in Dalmatia, Cantabria, and Pannonia, securing peace for the empire.
- Cultural Patronage: Agrippa’s contributions included the completion of the Pantheon and establishing colonies in the East, such as Berytus and Heliopolis.
Relationship with Augustus
Agrippa maintained a subordinate yet vital role in Augustus’ administration. He married Augustus’ daughter, Julia, strengthening his ties to the emperor. Agrippa’s constitutional powers, including tribunician authority and imperium majus, highlighted his importance within the empire.
Legacy
Agrippa’s impact extended beyond his lifetime. He was remembered for his public benefactions, including aqueducts, baths, and the Pantheon. His descendants, notably Agrippina the Elder, played key roles in imperial history, as the ancestors of emperors Caligula and Nero. Agrippa’s lost writings influenced later works by Strabo and Pliny the Elder.
In death, Augustus delivered a eulogy for Agrippa, acknowledging the critical role he played in Rome’s transformation into an empire.
