On January, 25, 41 CE, Claudius, was crowned king of the Roman Empire.
Background:
Claudius, originally, Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus was born of August 1, 10 BC in Lyon. He was the son of a notable general, Nero Claudius Drusus. He was the nephew of the emperor Tiberius and grandson of Livia Drusilla, the kings wife.
The family of Claudius considered him to be an embarrassment, he was unattractive, clumsy and had ill health.
Contribution to History:
The historian Livy recognized him and encouraged and hearten his inclination towards studying history. Claudius wrote a pamphlet defending Cicero, who was a republican politician who was executed by the triumvirs. After finding out about that it was highly strenuous to speak or write on the civil wars towards the end of the Roman Republic, he began a history of Rome with the principate of Augustus. Claudius wrote 20 books of Etruscan and 8 of Carthaginian history.
The Rule of Claudius:
Claudius became emperor unanticipatedly after the Gaius (Caligula) was assassinated January 24, 41. By the next morning the Praetorian guards made him the new Roman emperor. Via his family connections, historical influences and inclinations he had gained the respect and sympathy of the aristocracy. In the 42, the doomed rebellion of the Governor of Dalmatia had been supported by many senators. In the succeeding years of Claudius’s 13 year reign there were a few attempts made on the emperor’s life.
Important events across the rule of Claudius-
- In the year 43, Claudius had successfully invaded Britain, showcasing the power and prestige of the empire under him.
- He expanded the bureaucracy and helped life the finances of the empire after the reign of Gaius.
- Claudius had brought improvements across the judicial system of the empire.
- He had improved and built aqueducts, roads, ports and canals across Rome.
Death of Claudius-
Claudius had died age 64, on October 13, 54. Though details of the demise of Claudius differ, it is largely regarded that Agrippina the Younger the wife and niece of Claudius (fourth wife) had poisoned him, by mushrooms. After his death he was worshiped and deified. Claudius was succeeded by Nero, his great nephew and adopted son, son of Agrippina, with the support of the Praetorian Guard and the Senate.
