Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus Emperor of Rome between 41 and 54 AD. He was born to Drusus and Antonia on August 1st, 10 BC. As a child Claudius suffered from a chronic illness and the common opinion was that he wasn't suited for public office. That is why he never served in an official position during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius. In his youth he studied Roman History under Livius and wrote several historical essays in Latin and Greek. None of his essays survived.
In 37 he was appointed co-consul by his nephew Caligula. Caligula insulted and offended Claudius often, and it may be that Claudius' life was spared only because he was considered unfitting to rule. In 39 Claudius married his third wife, Messalina, who bore him his daughter Octavia and his son Britannicus. When Caligula was murdered on January 24th, 41 AD the Senate was considering the restoration of the Republican regime. However, the Praetorians found Claudius hiding and declared him imperator. This marked the beginning of a series of misunderstandings and conflicts between Claudius and the Senate. Claudius awarded the Praetorians with a gift, and from that day on it was customary to offer gifts to the Praetorians with the accession of a new emperor. The Roman army's loyalty to Claudius was demonstrated in 42, when Scribonianus. Governor of Dalmatia, revolted and was killed by some of his troops who were loyal to the emperor. Claudius served four times as a consul (in 42, 43, 47 and 51) and in 47 he served as a censor. He was involved with the army and in 43 he participated in the invasion to Britannia. During his reign four provinces were added to the empire: the two provinces of Mauretania, Britannia and Thrace. |
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