Julio-Claudian dynasty

2 posts tagged with this keyword.

Marble statue of Messalina holding her son Britannicus, Louvre Museum

The Heir's Last Supper

Feb 11, 2026 • By Andy Barca

On 11 February 55 AD, Britannicus — the biological son of Emperor Claudius — collapsed at a dinner party and died. He was thirteen years old, one day short of manhood. The poisoning that killed him was not an aberration. It was how the Julio-Claudian dynasty did business.

Bust of Emperor Claudius, proclaimed by the Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination in AD 41.

The Man Behind the Curtain

Jan 24, 2026 • By Andy Barca

On 24 January AD 41, the Praetorian Guard assassinated Caligula and proclaimed Claudius emperor. Rome expected a joke. It got thirteen years of competent government instead.