No one is more miserable than the person who wills

everything and can do nothing.

Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus

10 BC –AD 54By: Caroline Benson

Who is Tiberius Claudius?

Son of Drusus Claudius Nero and Antonia Minor and was born in Lugdnum, Gaul.

His mother referred to him as a ‘monster’

The 4th Roman Emperor (1st Roman Emperor to be appointed by the army's men and not the senate)

He was an embarrassment to his family due to his stutter, limp, and drooling but this worked to his advantage because many emperors and such considered him weak

He was smart and composed works on all subjects in liberal arts and especially history. These skills helped him a lot when he came to power in reforming the government

Caligula as Emperor:Claudius granted a consulship to Claudius

Treated badly by Caligula…..Claudius was Caligula’s nephew

Coming into PowerCaligula Caesar (emperor from 37-41 AD) was assassinated on 41 AD due to a conspiracy

Planned by three men (officers in the Praetorian Guard led by Cassius Chaerea) but many people in the senate were aware of plot

Questionable if Claudius was involved in conspiracy

After the death of Caligula's wife and daughter Cassius wanted to wipe out entire imperial family

Like many Claudius fled to the palace to hide

A praetorian named Gratus, found him hiding behind curtain

He was informed that he was not part of the people that was under Cassius’s watch

Taken to Praetorian camp where put under protection

The senate first considered the restoration of the republic, but faced with the praetorians' decision, the senators fell in line and bestowed imperial power upon Claudius.

Senate had many discussions considering the restoration of the republicHad to agree with the Praetorian's decision for Claudius to be emperor

Expansion of empireFirst expansion since Augustus

Most significant: Invasion and Annexation of Britannia

Senate was appeased with his efforts

Created Census: (48) ADIncrease of a million Roman citizens since Census created after Augustus death

Legislative and Judicial Reform

Extended summer court and winter term session with shortening traditional break.

Created law: required plaintiffs to remain the in the city while cases were pending like defenders have also been required to do

Menuhin age of jurors raised to 25 to ensure experience jurors

Abolished treason trials

Edicts issued concerning medical advice and moral judgments etc.

2 famous ones:1. promoting Yew juice which cures a snake bite

2. slaves who recovered after treatment from being sick were freed

Contributions to the Community

Finished the Aqua Claudia which was started by Caligula and Anio Novus

Focused on transportation (built roads and canals)Canal: Rhine River to the sea

Road: Italy to Germany

Canal on the Tiber leading to Portus (reduced flooding in Rome)

Wanted to increase the amount of land that was used for agriculture growing in Italy

Actions with the Senate

Wanted to reform the Government into a more representative group of legislators

47 AD became Censor with Lucius Vitellius

The senate did not like Claudius and many people attempted to kill him, because of this had to reduce senate power

42 AD: Revolt led by Marcus Furius, quickly stopped (showed that they had connection with nobility in Rome)

None of revolts against Claudius were successful

Religious Reforms

Liked tradition Revived old religious ceremonies

Participated in the Secular Games in 47 AD

Personal Relationships Only had relationships with woman

Plautia UrgulanillaMarried 4 times

Aelia Paetina

Agrippina the Younger more about herWas his niece (which was contradictory to the Roman law)….so he changed it

Granted title of Augusta (first imperial woman to hold this title since Livia)

Her son later become emperor Nero (marked as Claudius’s successor)

Agrippina wanted to him to take the place of Britannicus as imperial heir

And so…..Claudius adopted as son

Literary Works

Wrote about new empires and obscure antiquarian subjects

Wrote about the Etruscan history

Eight Volumes of the Carthaginian history

Introduced 3 new letters

Death

It is said that he died due to murder by poison by mushrooms

It is concluded that the person behind his murder was his wife Agrippina

Her motive was to ensure the successions of Nero before Britannicus could gain power

Reputation and Legacy

“The Pumpkinification of the Divine Claudius”Mockery of the death and life of Claudius by Seneca, showing that he is judged by Gods and is sent to Hades

He was looked at as vulnerable to many other leaders which hurt him at times.

Claudius Proved that he could be a good emperor despite the odds and stereotypes many placed upon him

He was looked at as a good creator of public works and was a good administrator

Say not always what you know, but always know what you

say.