Claudius, 4th Emperor Of Rome
by Folger Shakespeare Library
Title
Claudius, 4th Emperor Of Rome
Artist
Folger Shakespeare Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Claudius (August 1, 10 BC - October 13, 54 AD) was Roman emperor from 41 to 54 AD. Because he was afflicted with a limp and slight deafness due to sickness at a young age, his family ostracized him. His infirmity probably saved him from the fate of many other nobles during the purges of Tiberius and Caligula's reigns; potential enemies did not see him as a serious threat. He was declared Emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination, at which point he was the last man of his family. Despite his lack of experience, Claudius proved to be an able and efficient administrator. He was also an ambitious builder, constructing many new roads, aqueducts, and canals across the Empire. During his reign the Empire began the conquest of Britain. He was seen as vulnerable throughout his reign, particularly by elements of the nobility. Claudius was constantly forced to shore up his position; this resulted in the deaths of many senators. These events damaged his reputation among the ancient writers, though more recent historians have revised this opinion. After his death in 54 AD (at age of 63), his grand-nephew and adopted son Nero succeeded him as Emperor. One of a set of twelve engravings of Roman emperors on horseback, Netherlands, 17th century.
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February 7th, 2017
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