Augustus had a serious heir problem
Augustus, like his adoptive father Julius Caesar, lacked a son of his own. Only males may inherit the family money in Roman society. The emperor spent a lot of time and energy attempting to choose a successor because he only had a daughter (a difficult one at that!). Augustus' first option was Marcellus, his nephew, to whom he married Julia off in 25 BCE. Marcellus, on the other hand, became ill quickly and died only a few years later, at the age of 21. Finally, Julia's marriage to Augustus' friend Marcus Agrippa (who was 25 years her senior) resulted in the birth of much-needed heirs. Augustus, unfortunately, could only stand by and watch as his adopted boys died one by one. Gaius, 23, died first, while on a campaign in Armenia, and was followed by Lucius, 19, who died of an illness contracted while in Gaul. Postumus Agrippa, Agrippa's third son, was the last viable claimant. The emperor, however, was obliged to banish the last representative of his dynasty due to the boy's vicious disposition.
Augustus was confronted with a difficult position. The 71-year-old emperor, who was nearing the end of his life, was in desperate need of a legal successor. If he fails, his budding Empire may crumble, plunging Rome into yet another civil war. Tiberius Claudius was Augustus' last hope, even though he was not Augustus' first choice. Tiberius, Livia's first husband's son, was a successful general. He scored a series of military successes on the Rhenian and Danubian frontiers with his similarly successful (but prematurely deceased) brother Drusus. The recluse Tiberius, on the other hand, was adamant about refusing the purple. He didn't have a choice, unfortunately. Augustus compelled Tiberius to divorce his loving wife and marry Julia instead before designating him his heir. The throne would prove to be a terrible burden for the new emperor, and the loveless marriage would not endure long. Augustus, on the other hand, was unconcerned. The first Roman emperor died in 14 CE, believing that his legacy would be safe.
