Sempronia
Sempronia was a notable figure in late Roman Republic history, recognized primarily for her association with the conspiracy led by Catiline in 63 b.c.e. She was the wife of Decimus Junius Brutus, a consul in 77 b.c.e., and the mother of Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, who played a significant role in the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 b.c.e. The historian Sallust provides the most detailed account of her life, characterizing her as a woman who defied traditional gender roles, engaging in acts that were deemed scandalous for her time, such as fraud, perjury, and murder.
Sallust highlights her involvement with Catiline's conspiracy and depicts her as having strong ambitions and a desire for power, showcasing a blend of intelligence and a penchant for intrigue. Additionally, she is noted for her musical talents and a bold sexual appetite, which set her apart from the expectations of noblewomen in Roman society. Sempronia’s life reflects the complexities of women's roles during the Republic, as she navigated a world filled with political machinations and personal freedom, ultimately aligning herself with a contentious political plot.
Sempronia
Related civilization: Late Republican Rome
Major role/position: Participant in Catiline’s conspiracy
Life
Sempronia (sehm-PROH-nee-uh) was the wife of Decimus Junius Brutus, a consul in 77 b.c.e., and the mother of Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, one of the men who took part in the conspiracy against Julius Caesar in 44 b.c.e. The primary source of information about her is the Roman historian Sallust. In 63 b.c.e., after twice failing to win a consulship, Catiline organized a conspiracy to take power in Rome by killing many senators and the newly elected consuls. In describing the range of Roman society that had been drawn into Catiline’s plot, Sallust mentions Sempronia as one of Catiline’s companions. Sallust describes her as having committed many crimes, including fraud, perjury, and murder. She danced and played music too well for a noble woman. In addition, Sallust credits Sempronia with a voracious sexual appetite, so much so that she sought men out more often than the other way around.
Influence
Sempronia is one of many women in the late republic who rejected traditional gender roles in favor of a more exciting life of intrigue and sexual freedom. Despite the negative characteristics, Sempronia displayed intelligence, wit, and charm. Yet she chose to participate in Catiline’s conspiracy against the state.
Bibliography
Gardner, Jane F. Women in Roman Law and Society. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1991.
Kleiner, Diana E., and Susan B. Matheson, eds. I, Claudia: Women in Ancient Rome. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Art Gallery, 1996.
Sallust. “The Jugurthine War” and “The Conspiracy of Catiline.” Translated by S. A. Handford. Harmondsworth, England: Penguin Classics, 1963.