A noblewoman of unknown lineage, she was considered to have great power and influence,[2] having accompanied Nero and his third wife Statilia Messalina to Greece in 66.
Tacitus called Calvia Crispinilla a "tutor in vice" (magistrate libidinum) of Nero.
[3] By 68–69, after changing her political associations, Crispinilla was said to have been the instigator of the unsuccessful revolt of Lucius Clodius Macer in Africa.
In after days she enjoyed great influence as a wealthy woman who had no heirs - for, whether times are good or bad, such qualities retain their power.Calvia Crispinilla was also active within commerce, and enjoyed success with her investments in the lucrative wine trade.
[4] Several olive oil amphorae have been recovered from Poetovio in the Adriatic region, bearing stamps with her name or Calvia and Traulus Montanus together.