Disturbing Facts About The Tragic Life Of Roman Empress Lucilla
Roman Empress Lucilla grew up surrounded by royalty and privilege. But even with all her fortune, tragedy would follow her throughout her life. Lucilla’s time as Empress was fleeting; it is what happened after her reign that was truly shocking—and it would leave her life in ruins.
1. She Had Greatness In Her Blood
Annia Aurelia Galeria Lucilla was born in Rome during the year 150 AD. As one of the eldest daughters of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Empress Faustina the Younger, her family was as prestigious as it gets.
Not only were her parents the rulers of Rome, but Lucilla’s maternal grandparents also ruled as the previous Roman Emperor and Empress.
But Lucilla was far from alone in her prestigious upbringing.
2. Her Family Was Huge
Lucilla was living a life of privilege and luxury, but she wasn’t the only one.
While she was one of the eldest daughters of the Emperor and Empress, throughout their 30 years of marriage, Lucilla’s parents actually had about 14 children in total—including two or possibly even three sets of twins!
Her parents clearly had hopes of having a large family, but fate would not be so kind.
3. Her Family Didn’t Turn Out As Planned
Sadly, many of Lucilla’s siblings didn’t make it past birth or their first year. Those that did often succumbed to illness or perished through other unfortunate circumstances before reaching their teens. Even surviving her first year made Lucilla one of the fortunate ones. But her birth wasn’t all prestige and luck; she was part of an awful family trauma.
4. She Had A Tragic Twin
Although Lucilla was born safely into a comfortable life of prestige and status, she had a twin that wasn’t so lucky. Just a baby, Lucilla was too young to realize yet that the life of her twin brother tragically ended not long after birth.
He would never know the joys of love and life—but he would also never know the sorrow and danger that Lucilla would soon face.
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