Tacitus - Annals 14.2

Tacitus - Annals 14.2: Sources on Agrippina's Alleged Incest

tradit Cluvius ardore retinendae Agrippinam potentiae eo usque provectam ut medio diei , cum id temporis Nero per vinum et epulas incalesceret , offerret se saepius temulento comptam et incesto paratam ; iamque lasciva oscula et praenuntias flagitii blanditias adnotantibus proximis , Senecam contra muliebres inlecebras subsidium a femina petivisse , immissam que Acten libertam quae simul suo periculo et infamia Neronis anxia deferret pervulgatum esse incestum gloriante matre , nec toleraturos milites profani principis imperium . Fabius Rusticus non Agrippinae sed Neroni cupitum id memorat eiusdem que libertae astu disiectum . sed quae Cluvius eadem ceteri quoque auctores prodidere , et fama huc inclinat , seu concepit animo tantum immanitatis Agrippina , seu credibilior novae libidinis meditatio in ea visa est quae puellaribus annis stuprum cum Lepido spe dominationis admiserat , pari cupidine usque ad libita Pallantis provoluta et exercita ad omne flagitium patrui nuptiis .

Section 14.2 Translation: Cluvius records that in her eagerness to keep power, Agrippina went as far as to offer herself quite often, adorned and ready for incest to the drunken Nero in the middle of the day, since at that point of time he was becoming heated because of wine and the banquet; and soon, as those closest to her noticed the wanton kisses and caresses that presage scandal, Seneca sought help from a woman against the feminine enticements and Acte, a freedwoman, was sent in (to Nero), who, worried because of her own danger as well as Nero's ill repute, reported that their incest was common knowledge because the mother was boasting about it, and that the soldiers would not put up with the rule of a profane emperor. Fabius Rusticus relates that (the incest) was not desired by Agrippina, but by Nero, and that it was ruined by the cleverness of this same freedwoman. But the rest of the authors also have handed down the same things as Cluvius (relates), and rumour tends in this direction, whether Agrippina envisaged so much abomination in her mind, or the contemplation of a new lust seemed more believable in that person who in the years of her girlhood had committed adultery with Lepidus in the hope of sovereignty, had prostituted herself with equal desire even to the whims of Pallas and was practised in every kind of disgrace by marriage to her uncle.

Passage Analysis

What Happens

Tacitus presents conflicting historical accounts of alleged incest between Agrippina and Nero. According to Cluvius (Tacitus's main source), Agrippina initiated the seduction, appearing "adorned and ready for incest" when Nero was drunk at midday banquets. When courtiers noticed "wanton kisses and caresses," Seneca intervened by sending Acte, Nero's former lover and a freedwoman, to warn him that rumours were spreading and soldiers might revolt. Fabius Rusticus offers an alternative version where Nero initiated the incest, though Acte still prevented it. Tacitus then catalogues Agrippina's sexual history as evidence for her guilt: affairs with Lepidus and Pallas for political gain, and marriage to her uncle Claudius.

Key Themes & Ideas

Historical Method: Tacitus presents multiple sources (Cluvius, Fabius Rusticus, "other authors") but clearly favours Cluvius's version, showing his historiographical approach of weighing evidence.
Power Through Sex: Every sexual relationship mentioned is transactional - Agrippina uses her body as political currency, from youthful affairs to incestuous advances.
Gender and Counter-Strategy: Seneca fights "feminine enticements" with a woman (Acte), suggesting only women can combat women's sexual manipulation.
Military Legitimacy: The ultimate threat isn't moral outrage but military revolt - the soldiers' tolerance determines imperial survival.
Character Assassination: The passage systematically destroys Agrippina's reputation through accumulated sexual scandals, each worse than the last.

Tacitean Technique

Source Citation: "Tradit Cluvius" opens with historiographical authority, but Tacitus's bias shows in how he presents the alternatives.
Escalating Depravity: The structure moves from attempted incest to past affairs, each revelation worse: Lepidus (adultery), Pallas (with a slave), Claudius (uncle).
Loaded Language: Words like "stuprum," "flagitium," "immanitatis" carry moral condemnation - Tacitus judges while pretending to report.
Temporal Markers: "Medio diei" (midday) emphasises shamelessness - not even waiting for night's cover.
Physical Details: "Comptam et incesto paratam" (adorned and ready for incest) creates a visceral image of deliberate, prepared corruption.

Historical Context

The incest allegation represents the ultimate Roman taboo, making it perfect propaganda. Cluvius Rufus was a contemporary historian who likely knew the imperial family personally. Fabius Rusticus was Seneca's friend, explaining his version that exonerates Seneca's intervention. Acte was a real freedwoman who had been Nero's mistress before Poppaea. The references to Agrippina's past are historically attested: Marcus Lepidus was her brother-in-law with whom she allegedly conspired; Pallas was Claudius's powerful freedman secretary; her marriage to uncle Claudius required special senatorial dispensation as it violated Roman incest laws. Tacitus writes decades later, when vilifying the Julio-Claudians was politically safe and expected.

Questions to Consider

Why does Tacitus present conflicting sources but clearly favour one version? What does this reveal about his historical method?
How does the timing ("medio diei") and condition ("temulento") add to the scandal's shock value?
Why is military revolt the ultimate threat rather than moral condemnation?
How does Agrippina's sexual history serve as "evidence" for the incest charge? Is this logical?
What role does gender play in both the seduction and its prevention (woman vs woman)?
How does Tacitus use gradation in listing Agrippina's affairs (Lepidus → Pallas → Claudius)?