Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus or better known as Claudius was one of the best Roman emperors of all time. Although thought of in his time as being ignorant and malicious, modern day scholars think of him as shrewd and able. Claudiusą reign was that of a worthy administrator, both in civil and military affairs.
Claudius was born in Lugdunum which is present day Lyon, France. He did not hold any important public office until the age of forty seven, when he became a consul during the reign of his nephew, Emperor Caligula. When Caligula was assassinated in forty one ad, Claudius was proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard, who found him hiding in the palace. The first acts of his reign gave him control over the government, but in forty two, when a conspiracy against his life was uncovered, he went into semi-retirement. This caused his wife, Messalina, who lived from ad twenty two to forty eight ad to become largely responsible for the ruling of the government for a short time.
Claudius had a successful military. In the time of his reign he took over Mauretania which is present day northern Morocco and made it Roman territory. The conquest of Britain had begun and the Roman armies fought successfully against the Germans. Judea and Thrace also became Roman provinces during Claudiusą rule.
Claudius expended enormous sums in building, especially in the construction of the famous Claudian aqueduct. One of Claudiusą problems was granting responsibility and wealth to the personal followers. This led to his administrations decline in power and nobility.
In forty eight Claudius ordered the execution of his wife Messalina. He did this because she had another lover. To show how much she hated him she even publicly staged a marriage with her lover just to mock him. Claudius, having no wife, then married his niece, Agrippina. The Roman subjects disapproved of this. Then, under Agrippinas influence, he deceived his real son Britannicus by giving Agrippinasą son, Nero, the throne upon his death. Shortly thereafter, Claudius was poisoned, presumably by Agrippina.
Claudius is thought of by ancient historians as being neglected, sickly, and ridiculed before coming to power. His character during his reign is described as oblivious and spiteful. Despite being crippled and having a stuttering problem, modern scholars think of him as being sensible and qualified.