1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Women's History

Augusta

By Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com

Definition:

Augusta was a title given to some women -- usually females related to the emperor -- in the Roman empire.

Augusta is the female form of the title Augustus which was first given to Octavianus, founder of the Roman empire. In his will, Octavianus gave the title Julia Augusta to his wife Livia, thus adopting her into his family and giving her a continuing status. Their son, Tiberius, later forbid the use of her title.

The emperor Caligula gave the title Augusta to his grandmother, Antonia.

Agrippina, the third wife of Claudius, took the title Augusta while her husband was emperor.

Later, the title Augusta was given more frequently, usually initiated by the Roman senate and approved by the emperor. It could be given to the emperor's consort, daughter, or to other female relatives.

Constantine bestowed the title Augusta on his mother, Helena.

Women's history biographies, by name:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P/Q | R | S | T | U/V | W | X/Y/Z

Explore Women's History

About.com Special Features

A Smarter Future

Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >

How to Ace the GRE

Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Women's History
  4. Women's History Basics
  5. Glossary
  6. Augusta - Roman Title>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.