the Emperor’s Assassin

myeagermind:

Fascinating history

Originally posted on History Witch:

Locusta was probably the first recorded serial killer and/or hired hit-woman. It is believed she knew a great deal about herbs and plants- and when she moved to city of Rome, this knowledge was sought out for evil purposes.

Agrippina the Younger hired her in 54 AD to serve up poisoned mushrooms to murder Emperor Claudius (so that Agrippina���s son, Nero could become Emperor). It worked.

Nero became emperor and, with good reason,...