Claudius AD 41-54. Rome
As Æ

30 mm, 9,61 g

TI CLAVDIVS CAESAR AVG P M TR P IMP P P, bare head left / LIBERTAS AVGVSTA S - C, Libertas, draped, standing front, head right, holding pileus in right hand and extending left.

Very Fine

RIC I 113; BMC 202; BNC II 30; Cohen 47.

Claudius, full name Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the fourth Roman Emperor, reigning from 41 to 54 AD. Born in 10 BC, he belonged to the Julio-Claudian dynasty, being the nephew of Emperor Tiberius and the grandson of Mark Antony and Octavia, sister of Augustus. Claudius faced physical disabilities, and his family often underestimated him. However, he proved himself as a capable administrator, historian, and builder during his rule. Despite being a respected figure, he was largely excluded from public office by his family until his unexpected accession. In 41 AD, after the assassination of his nephew Caligula, the Praetorian Guard proclaimed Claudius emperor. Despite doubts about his capabilities, Claudius proved to be an effective and efficient ruler. He expanded the empire by annexing Mauretania, Thrace, Lycia, and Judaea. He also initiated important public works projects, such as the construction of the Aqua Claudia aqueduct and the expansion of the port at Ostia. Claudius had a particular interest in legal reforms, including the extension of Roman citizenship to various provinces. He also focused on the imperial bureaucracy and freedmen, influencing the governance of the Roman Empire. His personal life was marked by marital troubles, with three marriages, including his infamous marriage to Agrippina the Younger. His death in 54 AD, widely suspected to be the result of poisoning orchestrated by Agrippina, paved the way for Nero's ascension to the throne. Despite the controversies surrounding his family life, Claudius left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire through his administrative reforms and infrastructure projects.