The Life of Claudius

THE LIFE OF CLAUDIUS is one of the most important ancient sources of history for the early Imperial period, as well as the life of Roman Emperor Claudius. Claudius (10 BC - 54 AD) was the fourth emperor of Rome. Crippled and partially deaf, Claudius survived the rule of his nephew Caligula as a butt of jokes. Following Caligula's assassination, Claudius was proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. He proved able and efficient, expanding the empire and beginning the conquest of Britain. He was succeeded by Nero.