Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

myminifactory

Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa led a storied life as Roman statesman, general, and architect from 64/63 BC until his death in 12 BC. A trusted friend, son-in-law, and right-hand man to Augustus, he spearheaded the construction of Rome's most breathtaking buildings and secured crucial military victories, including the pivotal Battle of Actium against Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Agrippa's triumphant campaigns propelled Octavian into power as the first Roman Emperor, adopting the title of Augustus in recognition of his victory. As a result of these efforts, Agrippa helped shape Rome into a city of unparalleled beauty by renovating aqueducts to provide high-quality public services for every social class. He also founded numerous baths, porticoes, and gardens, with some historians crediting him with commissioning the iconic Pantheon. Furthermore, Agrippa's lineage connected him to several notable Roman leaders: he was the father-in-law of Emperor Tiberius, maternal grandfather of Caligula, and great-grandfather of Emperor Nero.