Account for changing interpretations of Agrippina the Younger over time.
The overriding values of any context will influence its reading and writing of historical figures. Responses to the life and impact of Agrippina the Younger have evolved considerably over time, though they vary widely, patterns do emerge. An evaluation of ancient, twentieth century and twenty-first century sources informs that the Empress’ changing face may be attributed, above all, to the following: evolving perceptions of women’s place in society; shifting political landscapes; to a degree, the rise of post-modernist theory. It is useful to discuss the differences between interpretations with regard to the various aspects of Agrippina’s life and character, including her Imperial position, her behaviour in and out of wedlock and her alleged depravity. In these respects, the younger the sources, generally the more understanding they are of Agrippina’s behaviour, and the less convinced they are by a hostile literary tradition. Though limited, material evidence is a highly useful point of referral, as it offers further insight into Agrippina’s historical context, and ensures the validity of written record does not go un-checked. Conscious, critical interpreting and re interpreting of sources is important if the truth of Agrippina is to be, at least as far as it can be, uncovered.
The rise of feminist ideologies has led to dramatic transformations in Agrippina’s depictions in literary sources. Given the strict patriarchal values that governed the Roman Empire, ancient sources were bound to have had trouble with a powerful and ambitious female Imperial. By contrast, contemporary writers deem Agrippina’s dissent bold, especially given the perils associated with the Julio-Claudian political scene (Barrett). In spite of novel personal freedoms granted to women after the rise of Augustus, their political power remained very limited. Ancient and modern sources agree that Agrippina rejected...