Historical Figure
Claudius
10–54
Roman emperor from AD 41 to 54
Talk to Claudius
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, or Claudius, was a Roman emperor, ruling from AD 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, Claudius was born to Drusus and Antonia Minor at Lugdunum in Roman Gaul, where his father was stationed as a military legate. He was the first Roman emperor to be born outside Italy.
Timeline
The story of Claudius, told in moments.
Born Tiberius Claudius Drusus in Lugdunum, Gaul. First Roman emperor born outside Italy. He limps, stammers, and trembles. His own mother Antonia calls him "a monster of a man, not finished by Nature." His family hides him.
His nephew Caligula becomes emperor and makes Claudius his co-consul, mostly as a joke. The court humiliates him at banquets. He plays the fool. He studies Etruscan history, writes 20 volumes, and survives. Every other male in his family has been murdered by now.
Caligula is assassinated. The Praetorian Guard finds Claudius hiding behind a curtain in the palace. They declare him emperor. He's 50 years old. The Senate wants to restore the Republic. The Guard wants a paycheck. Claudius pays.
Invades Britain. Four legions cross the Channel. Claudius personally travels to watch elephants and siege engines breach the walls of Camulodunum. He stays 16 days. It takes Rome 350 years to leave.
His wife Messalina, while he's away, publicly marries another man in a bigamous ceremony. Claudius has her executed. He then marries his niece Agrippina the Younger, who convinces him to adopt her son Nero as his heir over his own biological son Britannicus.
Dies at 63 after eating mushrooms. Almost certainly poisoned by Agrippina. Nero becomes emperor the same day. Claudius built roads, aqueducts, and canals across the empire. Expanded the bureaucracy. Conquered Britain. The fool turned out to be competent. His reward was a plate of mushrooms.
Artifacts (15)
Aureus (Coin) Portraying Nero Claudius Drusus
Ancient Roman
Coin Portraying Emperor Claudius
Ancient Egyptian
Denarius (Coin) Portraying Marcus Claudius Marcellus
Ancient Roman
Aureus: Bust of Claudius I (obverse); Triumphal Arch with Equestrian Statue and Trophies (reverse)
what he really liked was Redding's hairstyle.
ed Hendrix. Another important criterion for Hendrix was fashion—according to author Keith Shadwick, "what he really liked was Redding's hairstyle." Chandler asked Redding if he wanted to play bass...
There's nothing but physical training and harassment here for two weeks, then wh...
rne Division and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He arrived on November 8, and soon afterward he wrote to his father: "There's nothing but physical training and harassment here for two weeks,...
He has no interest whatsoever in the Army ... It is my opinion that Private Hend...
ort for bed checks. On May 24, Hendrix's platoon sergeant, James C. Spears, filed a report in which he stated: "He has no interest whatsoever in the Army ... It is my opinion that Private Hendrix will...
More from the Classical
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Claudius's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.