Gaius Sallustius Crispus Passienus

Who was Gaius Sallustius Crispus Passienus?

Gaius Sallustius Passienus Crispus was a prominent figure in the Roman Empire during the 1st century. He was the adopted grandson and biological great, great nephew of the historian Sallust.

He was known for his power, wealth, influence and was married twice. He was consul in 27 and 44. His first marriage was to Roman Emperor Augustus’ great niece Domitia in 33. In February/March 41, he was asked by the Emperor Claudius to divorce his cousin and marry his niece Agrippina the Younger. Agrippina had recently lost her husband to illness, had returned from exile and had a young son to care for.

Passienus agreed and married later that year to Agrippina the Younger. His stepson was Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, who later became the Roman Emperor Nero. Passienus died in 47, possibly from poisoning by his wife.

Passienus was an intelligent, humble and witty person, famous for his epigram that there had never been a better slave or a worse master, referring to the Emperor Tiberius and his heir, Caligula. His words survive in the works of Tacitus.