Claudius

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Claudius (/ˈklɔːdiəs/; Latin: Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus; 1 August 10 BC – 13 October 54 AD) was Roman Emperor from 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, he was son of Drusus and Antonia Minor. Born at Lugdunum in Gaul, he was first (and until Trajan, only) Roman Emperor born outside Italy. Because he suffered from a limp and slight deafness due to sickness at young age, his family ostracized him and excluded him from public office until his consulship, shared with nephew Caligula in 37. Claudius' infirmity probably saved him from fate of many other nobles during purges of Tiberius's and Caligula's reigns; potential enemies did not see him as serious threat. His survival led to his being declared Emperor by Praetorian Guard after Caligula's assassination, at which point he was last man of his family. Despite lack of experience, Claudius proved to be able and efficient administrator. He was also ambitious builder, constructing many new roads, aqueducts, and canals across Empire. During reign the Empire began conquest of Britain (if earlier invasions of Britain by Caesar and Caligula's aborted attempts are not counted). Having personal interest in law, he presided at public trials, and issued up to twenty edicts a day. He was seen as vulnerable throughout his reign, particularly by elements of nobility. Claudius was constantly forced to shore up his position; this resulted in deaths of many senators. These events damaged his reputation among ancient writers, though more recent historians have revised this opinion. Many authors contend that he was murdered by own wife. After death in 54 AD (at age of 63), his grand-nephew and adopted son Nero succeeded him as Emperor. His 13-year reign (slightly longer than Nero's) would not be surpassed by any successors until that of Domitian. This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across globe for public to access for free. Scan the World is open source community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.