Ahenobarbi

The Ahenobarbi were a prominent plebeian family in ancient Rome. The cognomen Ahenobarbus, meaning "bronze-beard," was allegedly given to an ancestor by an oracle or a god, though Roman sources often attribute it to a literal bronze-colored beard. The family's origins are uncertain, but they rose to prominence during the Roman Republic. Several members achieved consulship and other high offices.

The most famous member of the Ahenobarbi was Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, a consul in 122 BC. He was a prominent figure in Roman politics and military affairs. His descendants continued to hold important positions throughout the late Republic and early Empire. Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, a supporter of Pompey, was a consul in 54 BC and famously opposed Julius Caesar. His son, also named Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, was a staunch opponent of Caesar and later became a supporter of Mark Antony. He married Antonia, a niece of Augustus. Their son, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, was the father of the emperor Nero. The Domitii Ahenobarbi were known for their proud lineage and, at times, their fierce independence and opposition to prevailing political winds.