Claudius I was one of the most unlikely emperors in Roman history. Born with physical disabilities and scorned by his family, he rose to power after the assassination of his nephew Caligula and proved to be a capable and successful ruler who expanded the empire and reformed the administration.

Claudius was born on August 1, 10 BCE in Lugdunum (modern Lyon) in Gaul, where his father Drusus was a military commander. His mother was Antonia Minor, the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia, the sister of Augustus. He was thus a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, but he was also an outsider. He suffered from a limp, a stammer, and other ailments that made him appear weak and clumsy. His family treated him with contempt and neglect, and he was excluded from public life. He devoted himself to scholarly pursuits, writing histories of Rome, Etruria, and Carthage in Greek, as well as works on grammar, law, and dice playing.

When his uncle Tiberius became emperor in 14 CE, Claudius hoped for some recognition, but he was disappointed. Tiberius ignored him and even mocked him in public. Claudius married twice during this period, first to Plautia Urgulanilla, who bore him a son named Drusus (who died young) and a daughter named Claudia (who was disowned), and then to Aelia Paetina, who gave him another daughter named Antonia. Both marriages ended in divorce.

Claudius’s fortunes changed dramatically in 41 CE, when his grand-nephew Caligula, who had succeeded Tiberius in 37 CE, was murdered by the Praetorian Guard along with his wife and daughter. Claudius was hiding behind a curtain in the palace when he was discovered by a soldier named Gratus, who hailed him as emperor. The Guard declared their loyalty to Claudius, who bribed them with a large donative. The Senate reluctantly accepted him as emperor after some hesitation.

Claudius surprised many by proving to be an able and active ruler. He reformed the administration of the empire, appointing freedmen and equestrians to important positions instead of relying on the aristocratic senators, who resented his authority. He improved the judicial system, the finances, the public works, and the grain supply. He granted citizenship to many provincials and promoted their integration into Roman culture. He also embarked on an ambitious foreign policy, annexing Mauretania, Thrace, Lycia, and most notably Britain to the empire. He personally led the invasion of Britain in 43 CE and received a triumph for his victory.

Claudius’s private life was less successful than his public one. He married four times, each time unhappily. His third wife was Valeria Messalina, who bore him a son named Britannicus and a daughter named Octavia. Messalina was notorious for her promiscuity and her plots against Claudius. In 48 CE, she married her lover Gaius Silius in a public ceremony while Claudius was away from Rome. When Claudius learned of this treasonous act, he ordered their execution.

Claudius then married his niece Agrippina the Younger, who had a son named Nero from a previous marriage. Agrippina was ambitious and ruthless, and she persuaded Claudius to adopt Nero as his heir instead of Britannicus. She also eliminated many of Claudius’s friends and supporters who opposed her influence. In 54 CE, she poisoned Claudius with a plate of mushrooms, his favorite dish. Nero became emperor at the age of 17.

Claudius’s death was mourned by many people who appreciated his achievements and his clemency. He was deified by the Senate and given a splendid funeral. His memory was later revived by his grandson Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus (better known as Nero), who erected a statue of him in Rome and coins bearing his image.

Claudius I was one of the most remarkable emperors in Roman history. Despite his physical infirmities and his low expectations from his family and society, he rose to power and ruled with intelligence and diligence. He expanded the empire to new lands and cultures, reformed the administration and the law, and patronized literature and art. He left behind a lasting legacy that shaped the destiny of Rome and its

(Bust of Augustus, Rome 2023, Picture by Juan Carlos Oviedo)