Claudius was born at Lyons on August 1 10 BC, and was 50 years old by the time that he became emperor. He dribbled, had a speech impediment and jerky movements; these symtoms are believed to be caused by cerebral palsy. Because of these disabilities, he was kept from the public eye and was not well loved by his mother Antonia (daughter of Mark Antony).

Claudius came to power on January 24, 69, only hours after Caligula was assassinated. He was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard after he was found hiding behind a curtain, fearful of being killed by Caligula's assassins.

Through his rule, Claudius was fearful of being assassinated. He had all people in his presence searched for weapons and tried to gain popularity by ending the cruelness of Caligula's reign. Of course, several attempts were still made on his life and a rebellion almost overthrew him.

Unfortunately, Claudius was easily manipulated by those around him, including his wives. His third wife Messalina had many rivals killed and was often involved with other men. She was finally executed by the Praetorian Guard after she married Gaius Silius. Claudius's fourth wife, Agrippina and neice (Caligula's sister), killed his son Brittanicus so that her son Nero could come to power. She killed Claudius in 51, five years after they were married.