(Tiberius Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus) (10 BC-AD 54)
Nephew of Tiberius, made Roman emperor by his troops AD 41, after the murder of his nephew Caligula. Claudius was a scholar, historian, and able administrator. During his reign the Roman empire was considerably extended, and in 43 he took part in the invasion of Britain.
His rule was marked by the increased political power enjoyed by his private secretaries who exercised ministerial functions. Claudius was dominated by his third wife, Messalina, whom he ultimately had executed, and is thought to have been poisoned by his fourth wife, Agrippina the Younger.