Nero with Locusta, Ancient Roman Poisoner
Locusta testing poison made for Britannicus on a slave while Nero watches. Locusta (or Lucusta) was notorious in Ancient Rome for her skill in concocting poisons. She poisoned for pleasure and for gain, eventually becoming one of the most preeminent poison masters in Rome. According to ancient historians, in 54 AD Locusta was hired by Agrippina the Younger to supply a poisoned dish of mushrooms for the murder of Emperor Claudius. In 55 AD, she was convicted of poisoning another victim, but Nero rescued her from execution and in return called upon her to supply poison to murder Britannicus. Nero rewarded her with a vast estate and sent pupils to her. When Nero fled Rome, he acquired poison from Locusta for his own use, but ultimately died by other means. After Nero's suicide, Locusta was condemned to die by the emperor Galba during his brief reign. According to ancient texts she was "led in chains through the whole city and then to be executed". Artwork by Joseph-NoÌÇl Sylvestre.
Size: 4500px × 2972px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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