Claudius

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Claudius ruled Rome from AD 41 to 54 as a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Born in Gaul, he was the first Roman emperor born outside Italy and remained so until Trajan took power. A lifelong affliction left Claudius with a limp and slight deafness due to an early illness that earned him family exclusion from public office until his 37 consulship shared with Caligula. His condition likely saved him from Tiberius's purges, making potential enemies underestimate him as a threat. After Caligula's assassination, the last man standing in his family was declared emperor. Despite lacking experience, Claudius proved to be an effective and capable administrator who initiated numerous construction projects across the Empire, including new roads, aqueducts, and canals. During his reign, Rome also began conquering Britain.