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Klavdiy DetsimRoman military leader, brother of Emperor Tiberius Claudius.
Country:
 Italy |
Content:
- Early Life and Family
- Marriage and Children
- Political Career
- Campaigns in Gaul and Germany
- Death and Legacy
Early Life and Family
Drusus was born on January 14, 38 BCE, to Livia Drusilla and Nero Claudius Drusus. His father was a supporter of the Republicans and fought against Octavian during the Philippi War. The family was forced to flee Rome in 40 BCE due to proscriptions and persecution by Octavian. After the amnesty declared by Octavian in 39 BCE, they were able to return to Rome.
Marriage and Children
In 16 BCE, Drusus married Antonia Minor, the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia Minor. Together, they had three children: Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus, Livia Julia, and Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus. Antonia remained a widow after Drusus' death and never remarried.
Political Career
Drusus and his brother Tiberius were close throughout their lives. In 19 BCE, they were granted permission by Augustus to hold magistracies five years ahead of the traditional age limit. Drusus began his political career as a quaestor in 15 BCE.
Campaigns in Gaul and Germany
In 13 BCE, Drusus was sent by Augustus to Gaul to quell a rebellion. He successfully pacified the province and repelled an invasion by the Germans. In 11 BCE, he returned to Rome and was granted the rank of urban praetor.
Drusus then returned to Gaul and led campaigns into Germania. He defeated several tribes and imposed annual tributes on the Frisii. In 10 BCE, he was acclaimed as emperor by his troops and remained in command of the army as proconsul.
Death and Legacy
In 9 BCE, Drusus suffered a fatal fall from his horse. His body was carried back to Rome by the most distinguished citizens. He was buried in the Mausoleum of Augustus and posthumously awarded the cognomen "Germanicus." A triumphal arch was erected in his honor on the Appian Way.
Augustus wrote a biography of Drusus, but it has not survived. Drusus' legacy lived on through his son, Germanicus, who became a renowned general and popular politician.
