Background
Nero Claudius Drusus was born in 38 b. c. in Italy. He was the son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother was divorced just before his birth and married Octavian, the triumvir who was to become Emperor Augustus.
Nero Claudius Drusus was born in 38 b. c. in Italy. He was the son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother was divorced just before his birth and married Octavian, the triumvir who was to become Emperor Augustus.
Drusus' official career was marked by receipt of the customary offices at early ages, culminating in the consulship in 9 b. c. , the year of his death. Although younger than his brother Tiberius (later emperor), Drusus, because of his amiable personality, was more favored by the boys' stepfather, Augustus. During the last six years of his life, Drusus was for the most part in command of armies along the Danube and in Germany, where the most important campaigns of the time were being waged. A bold strategist, he struck deeply into the heart of German territory, but did not gain any lasting success. Livy concluded his great history of Rome with Drusus' death, and Drusus' German exploits are celebrated in the fourth book of Horace's Odes.
Drusus married Antonia Minor and gained a reputation of being completely faithful to her.
