537. Emperors of Rome: Claudius, Paranoia and Poison (Part 4)

319 snips

Feb 6, 2025

The chaos following Caligula's assassination leads to Claudius, once seen as a fool, unexpectedly becoming emperor. His reign is marked by military conquests, scandalous liaisons, and complex relationships with influential women. Amid Senate tensions and power struggles, Claudius pushes for political reforms and public works while navigating his tumultuous marriage to Messalina. Ultimately, themes of paranoia and betrayal come to the forefront as Claudius's intriguing rise unfolds against the backdrop of Rome's political landscape.

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ANECDOTE

Caligula's Daughter

Caligula's daughter, Drusilla, inherited his violent temper, scratching other children's faces.
She and her mother, Caesonia, were murdered after Caligula's assassination.

INSIGHT

Claudius the Puppet?

After Caligula's assassination, the Praetorians likely saw Claudius as a controllable puppet.
His lineage wasn't ideal, lacking direct Augustus descent, raising succession questions.

ANECDOTE

Claudius' Ailments

Claudius suffered from various ailments, including a limp, stammer, and twitching.
His mother called him a "monstrosity", and Livia barely communicated with him.

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Following the bloody assassination of the twenty-eight year old Emperor Caligula, Rome found herself without a leader. Who then should fill the enormous power vacuum left by the death of an emperor? Should Rome return to a Republic? Then, one overlooked candidate - a scion of the hallowed family of Augustus long lurking in the wings of imperial power - unexpectedly rose to the fore: Claudius, Caligula’s uncle. Famed as a drooling idiot all his life, Claudius’ apparent shortcomings had kept him safe from the ruthless ambitions of his family and enemies. But his life of anonymity would now be brought to an abrupt end, with a shocking coup led by the Praetorian Guard. The Praetorians, one of the most potent forces in Rome, feared the loss of the emperor’s patronage, and so pulled him out from the curtain behind which he had been hiding, carried him to their camp, and declared him emperor. The reign that ensued - described in gory, glistening, salacious detail by the Roman historian Suetonius - would see Claudius dismantle his mask of imbecility to reveal himself clever and studious, but easily duped by his advisors, freemen, and wives alike. It would see him claim the conquest of Britain, increase the strength of the Roman army, fall foul of the senate, play cuckold in one of the most famous sexual scandals of all time, and marry his niece. All the while, the shadows of Nero’s rise to supreme power were lengthening…

Join Tom and Dominic for the mighty conclusion of their journey through the lives of Rome’s first Caesars, as described in rich, technicolour by Suetonius, climaxing with the epic reign of Rome’s most unexpected emperor: Claudius.

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Pre-order Tom Holland's new translation of 'The Lives of the Caesars' here:

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/279727/the-lives-of-the-caesars-by-suetonius/9780241186893

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Producer: Theo Young-Smith

Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett + Aaliyah Akude

Editor: Jack Meek

Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor

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