The Antonella Ricci (Retic) was a Roman woman who became famous because of her stature. Born in Salon di Montalcino in the early 3rd century AD, she was already well known as mistress of Emperor Trajan. This is when she became Trajan’s lover. However, she was condemned to death by her husband, Flavius, because of her connection with the Roman general, Publius Valentinus.
Antonella’s stature caused her to be considered an older sister of the Emperor. In her role as mistress of the Emperor, Antony experienced various mood swings; sometimes sad and hopeless, and sometimes happy and jubilant. When Antony fell ill and died, leaving her husband behind, Flavius tried to force Antony’s daughter Marcia to marry him. She was only able to free herself from this marriage when her sister, Marullus, took Antony’s life.
It is therefore believed that Antony died from poison placed by Marcia. The scene in the play where Antony dies is dramatic and full of tragedy. The Antonella character was not only famous because of her short height and slim build; she was also remembered because of her unusual sense of humour and sharp intellect. As a result, Antony became a role model for women of her time; in particular, for those who had been widows and lost their husbands. However, even though she was widowed, Antony never hid her feelings for her daughter, Marcia, whom she had never married.