Roman Emperor Nero: Does He Deserve His Bad Boy Reputation?.Locusta was her name, and she was most likely captured (sometime before 54 AD) and brought to Rome where her deadly skills would be utilized. And so it was that in the lands of their province of Gaul they discovered a skilled woman, well versed in the use of wild herbs, plants, and poisons. These were often the cooks as well.Īnd to find a proper herbalist and maker of poisons, Roman Emperors did not hesitate to look in all corners of their Empire. Fear of such an assassination became so widespread in Roman society, that many important individuals - mostly Emperors - hired special servants that would act as food tasters. There was no need for weapons or bloodshed, as an assassin could simply insert the poison into food or drink in a critical moment. Murder by poison gave less involvement and a better alibi. Emperors used them to depose unwanted pretenders and heirs to the throne, to eliminate staunch enemies, or to get rid of unwanted commanders. In ancient Rome poisons were a common weapon often used with cunning skill.

What influenced Locusta of Gaul’s actions? ( revealedtheninthwave ) The Earliest Historical Mention of Locusta of Gaul But is there more to her story? Revenge? Hate? Sorrow? We’re about to find out. Widely considered as one of the earliest documented serial killers, Locusta was certainly a deadly dame. From the wild woods of Gaul all the way to the marble courts of Rome, this woman’s story is a true deadly drama. The poisoner we are discussing today is one of the most infamous in classical history - Locusta of Gaul.Įmployed as the favorite poisoner of the Roman Emperor Nero, this woman ended many lives with her deadly poisons. Assassins were feared, and herbalists were employed to concoct the most deadly poisons possible - all with the aim to remove competitors, enemies, and usurpers. Throughout medieval and classical history, poison and those who knew how to prepare it played a huge role in the internal affairs of many a court. Kings and emperors fell prey to it as easily as an unsuspecting servant.

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