Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the Roman Emperor from 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, he was the son of Drusus and Antonia Minor. He was born at Lugdunum in Gaul and the first Roman Emperor to be born outside Italy. Cue to the fact that he was afflicted with a limp and slight deafness due to sickness at a young age, his family ostracized him and excluded him from public office until his consulship, shared with his nephew Caligula in 37. Claudius' infirmity probably saved him from the fate of many other nobles during the purges of Tiberius and Caligula's reigns as potential enemies did not see him as a serious threat. His survival led to his being declared Emperor by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination, at which he was the last adult male of his family. Despite his lack of experience, Claudius proved to be an able and efficient administrator. He was also an ambitious builder, constructing many new roads, aqueducts, and canals across the Empire. During his reign he conquered Thrace, Noricum, Pamphylia, Lycia and Judaea. He also began the conquest of Britain. He took a personal interest in law, presided at public trials, and issued up to twenty edicts a day. However, he was perceived as vulnerable throughout his reign, particularly by the nobility. Claudius was constantly forced to shore up his position which resulted in the deaths of many senators. These events damaged his reputation among the ancient writers. After his death in 54, his grand-nephew and adopted son Nero succeeded him as Emperor.
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