Claudius

1. Claudius By: Grace Alcaraz, Tenzin Chimi, and Holly Taylor

2. Introduction • Born on August 1, 10 B.C in Gaul • Ruled from January 24, 41 to October 13, 54 AD • Family Clan- Julio- Claudian • 4th Roman emperor

3. Early and Family Life • His parents were Nero Claudius Drusus and Antonia Minor • Suffered from a serious disease at birth which left him deformed and with a speech problem • Was the family “black sheep” • His uncle was the emperor Tiberius

4. Strengths and Weaknesses • Strengths • Showed unusual respect • Encouraged people to express their opinions • Hard work led to many accomplishments • Surprised many since he was the black sheep of his family • Weaknesses • Disfigured, awkward, and clumsy • Awful taste in women • Rocky relationship with the Senate • Handled judicial matters poorly

5. Effects on Roman Empire • Made major improvements to Rome’s judicial system. • Passed laws protecting sick slaves • Extended citizenship and gave women more liberties and privileges • Preserved Roman culture • Extended Rome’s control to North Africa, the Balkan peninsula, and Asia Minor

6. Political Life • Rose to power after the assassination of the previous emperor, Caligula, his nephew • As emperor, he undid many of Caligula’s injustices • He led many successful military campaigns and conquered many lands into the Roman Empire • Achievements gained him respect and soon made Rome the most powerful empire of all time

7. Achievements • Civil administration saw detailed improvements in the judiciary • Creation of a cabinet of freedom • Extended the rights of Roman citizenship to many Galic leaders • Enlarged the Senate • Port was built at Ostia • Grain supply was stream lined

8. Achievements Continued • Games and public ceremonies were staged. Old religious traditions revived • Improved Rome’s water supply • Added Mauretania and Thrace to the Roman Empire • Introduced internal reforms, reorganized trade, and extended civic rights to communities outside of Italy

9. Ruling Etiquette • Claudius ruled the empire well and repaired most of Caligula’s damage • He believed that the best way to rule was to treat the people as equals • Abolished all ridiculous laws that Caligula created such as outrageous taxes and exiles • Showed no favoritism amongst the people and tried to keep peace in the empire

10. Love Life • After Silius was killed and after the scandal of Messalina, Claudius decided to marry again in the next year • Last wife was Agrippina, his own niece • Agrippina persuaded Claudius to disown his own son, Britannicus, so that her son, Nero, would be the next emperor • Agrippina poisoned Claudius with mushrooms, although another dose of poison was taken to finally kill him • Claudius died in Rome in 54 A.D (October 13 54 A.D

11. Fun Facts • Claudius’ full name was Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus Cesar • He was married 4 times • He hired a prostitute, Calpurnia, to be his companion for most of his days • The word claudication originated with Claudius due to his paralysis and diseases he dealt with through his life. Claudication- to limp; limping • He reigned in the time of Christ, though that did not stop his persecution of the earliest Christians