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10 BCE
Birth
Born in Lugdunum -
37
Became Co-Consul
When Caligula became emperor, he appointed Claudius as a co-consul but ridiculed and demeaned him in the Senate due to his limp and deafness due to a sickness he had at a young age. -
41
Execution of Cassius Chaerea
Cassius Chaerea assassinated the previous emperor Caligula on the 24th of January 41AD in response to Caligula's mocking of Cassius' supposed effeminacy. Caligula would make rude gestures when Cassius would kiss his ring. Claudius then executed him a couple of days later as a result but allowed him to die by his own sword. -
Period: 41 to 54
Reign
-
43
Sent troops and then himself into Britain
This was because of an allied tribe of Rome had requested assistance. Originally sent in 4 legions, then backed them up himself with reinforcements and elephants. Britain also had large numbers of potential slaves and mines. The result of the complaint was that 11 tribes of the South-East surrendered. -
47
800th Anniversary of Rome's Foundation
For the 800th Anniversary of Rome, Claudius put on a very extravagant version of the Secular Games, which were held every 100 to 110 years to celebrate the supposed longest that a human could live for. It included several sacrifices of animals and then a theatre performance. The games were revived by Augustus in 17BC, and Claudius broke the 100-110 year tradition because of the 800th anniversary. -
49
Adoption of Nero
Claudius adopted Nero, the son of his wife Agrippina the Younger, at age 12, thus allowing him to take the role of emperor. This was why many people and historians believed that Agrippina was responsible for Claudius death, as it allowed Nero to ascend to the title of Emperor at age 16. -
52
Continued building several public structures
Continued working on aqueducts, mainly the Aqua Claudia, which was begun by Caligula, and the Anio Novus. He also rebuilt the Aqua Virgo. At other undisclosed times during his reign, he also built many roads and canals, a port on the River Tiber and began draining the Fucine Lake -
54
Death
Died in on the 13th of October in Rome, possibly due to poisoning by Agrippina