Locusta of Gaul, born in the first century AD. Born on the outside of rome she learned about plants and herbs when she was young. Later she moved to Rome and became a professional poisoner. People who wanted to rid themselves of relatives or rivals but wanted the death to look natural would go to her and she would provide them with the poison to do the job. She was famously summoned by the Empress of Rome who wanted her husband dead so that her son from a previous marriage would be Emperor. Locusta poisoned the mushrooms and soon the Emperor was dead and Nero became emperor. Locusta was sent to jail and was sentenced to death, however Nero pardoned her and she was released. She helped him later poison his half brother and continued her work as a poisoner for hire. After Nero's death, she no longer had support, was imprisoned and executed.
Source: Leon, Vicki. Outrageous Women of Ancient Times .
New York : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998...