He was known for his power, wealth, influence and was married twice. He was consul in 27 and 44. His first marriage was to Roman Emperor Augustus’ great niece Domitia in 33. In February/March 41, he was asked by the Emperor Claudius, to divorce his cousin and marry his niece Agrippina the Younger. Agrippina had recently lost her husband to illness, had returned from exile and had a young son to care for.
Passienus agreed and married later that year to Agrippina the Younger. His stepson was Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, who would later become the Roman Emperor Nero. Passienus died in 47, possibly from poisoning by his wife.
Passienus was an intelligent, humble and witty person, famous for his epigram that there had never been a better slave or a worse master, referring to the Emperor Tiberius and his heir, Caligula. His words survive in the works of Tacitus.
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Last updated on Friday April 04, 2008 at 10:31:26 PDT (GMT -0700)
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