Valeria Messalina, an onomastic investigation

Abstract

The empress Valeria Messalina is known as the only name Messalina, synonymous with debauchery. This paper concerns the analysis of the uses of the empress' onomastics, as we can discern them in the epigraphical and numismatical sources, as well as in the ancient authors' works. These uses never are neutral because they reflect the significance of this character in the Princeps and in ancient authors’ discourse: for the first, Messalina's character strengthens his own position; for the others, she is simply used as a tool to criticize this same princeps. Eventually, Messalina's onomastics reflects altogether her celebration then her prosecution.