A Mother-Daughter Power Team: How Did Two Faustinas Transform Roman Society?

If you think that girl power is a modern idea from songs created in the 90s, you should read the story of a mother and daughter whose bright minds and dose of independence had a remarkable impact on ancient Rome. While their husbands ruled as emperors, the two women were changing the world they knew into a better one. Moreover, the eternal fame they gained placed them in the pantheon of goddesses.

Let’s be honest, being an empress in Rome wasn’t an easy task. Apart from the pressure to provide a heir, the ruler’s wife had to fight against countless dangers. Two women who lived during the 2nd century AD proved that being the wife of the most powerful man in the empire is not only a dangerous task, but also a generous gift – which could bring many benefits.

The 2nd century AD was one of the glorious times in the history of the Roman Empire. The reigns of Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius affected the future of the world, but two of the most significant people of their lives were women known by the same name – Faustina. These two extraordinary women created an enclave of intelligence and open minded discussions that affected the entire Empire.

Faustina the Elder, The Mother Goddess

Annia Galeria Faustina, in history known as Faustina the Elder (or Faustina I) was born on February 16, 100 AD as a daughter of the Consul and prefect Marcus Annius Verus and the noblewoman Rupilia Faustina. Her family was related to the famous emperor Trajan.