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The great Roman historian Livy was appointed his tutor and Claudius was to prove a capable historian, who later wrote many histories which are now sadly lost. His intellectual abilities did not lead him to become a public figure despite being a member of the Imperial family. However, his disabilities probably saved him from execution and exile unlike so many other members of his family during Tiberius’ reign. However, the accession of Caligula meant that Claudius was thrust into public life as a consul.
However, Caligula had contempt for Claudius, and he openly mocked and ridiculed him. The brutality and erratic behavior of Caligula led to his assassination by the Praetorian Guard. After they had killed the Caligula, they did not know how to proceed and in desperation appointed Claudius as the successor of Caligula because he was one of the last living members of the Julian-Claudian dynasty. Suetonius called his assumption of the Imperial dignity a freak of fortune’ fortune.’<ref> Suetonius, <i>Life of Claudius</i>, 17</ref>.
Claudius pardoned all the killers of his predecessor and secured the grudging support of the Senate, who appeared to have been cowed by the Praetorian Guard. To the surprise of many, he proved to be an energetic ruler and was not the puppet of the Imperial guard. In 44 AD, Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain, and he visited the battlefront.
Claudius was a complex man who despite his intellectual labors, loved gambling and the games and under his reign. The games became even more lavish and spectacular. Claudius was the subject of several plots which led to the execution of several senators, despite his wish to be on good terms with the senatorial class. Claudius married his first cousin Valeria Messalina, but she proved unfaithful, according to the ancient sources and even bigamously married one of her many lovers. The couple conspired against Claudius, and he had them executed.
He later married his niece Agrippina the Younger .<ref> Tacitus, book vii, 45</ref>. She had an enormous influence over Claudius and even persuaded him to appoint her son Nero, to the position of co-Emperor with his son, Britannicus. Agrippina the Younger most likely had Claudius poisoned. According to Tacitus, Claudius was succeeded by his step-son Nero who then murdered Claudius' son Britannicus. <ref> Tacitus, book vii, 15</ref>.
==== Expansion of the Empire====
