Chapter 3 Summary

This chapter details events beginning in 23 BC and extending until 12 BC. Marcellus is Augustus' nephew. He becomes Augustus' son-in-law through his marriage to Julia, and Augustus adopts him as his legal son. Agrippa is Augustus' long-term friend, advisor, defender, and military general who enjoys enormous popular support. Naturally, as Augustus' secession and heir are considered, Marcellus and Agrippa are noted and the two men become the focus of two power centers that fosters political intrigue. To avoid smearing Augustus' reputation through association, the honorable Agrippa enters a voluntary exile, signaling his abandonment of designs to become Augustus' heir. Shortly thereafter, Marcellus dies under peculiar circumstances—Claudius affirms that Livia had poisoned him. Political unrest occurs in the city and Agrippa is recalled to lend his popular appeal to Augustus. Agrippa marries Julia and begins to receive public honors but then he, too...