Locusta: The World’s First Serial Killer? (Video)

Locusta, often referred to as the world’s first serial killer, is a figure shrouded in mystery and controversy, her life intertwined with the dark intrigues of ancient Rome’s Imperial Court. Her notoriety stems from her alleged involvement in numerous high-profile deaths during the reigns of Emperors Claudius and Nero, where she utilized her profound knowledge of botany and toxicology. Locusta’s expertise in poison made her a valuable yet dangerous asset in a society rife with political betrayal and power struggles.

Born in the Roman province of Gaul, her early life remains largely unknown. However, she is believed to have honed her deadly skills in the harsh realities of the time, which eventually brought her to the heart of the Roman Empire.

Once in Rome, she became closely associated with the Imperial family, particularly under the influence of Agrippina the Younger. Her poisons reportedly played a pivotal role in the deaths of Claudius, enabling Nero’s rise to power, and later, Nero’s rival Britannicus.

Under Nero’s reign, Locusta’s position solidified, with her services extending beyond political assassinations to toxicological experiments. However, her fate was sealed following Nero’s downfall, when she was executed as part of a broader effort to cleanse Rome of his sinister legacy.

Top image: ‘Locusta Testing Poison on a Slave’ (1870-1880) by Joseph-Noël Sylvestre.  Source: Public Domain

By Robbie Mitchell