Claudius, Agrippina, and Nero: A Tale of Murder, Intrigue, and a Mother’s Love

Sculpture of Agrippina crowning her 16-year-old son Nero as emperor of Rome, in the Aphrodisias Museum in Turkey. SinanDogan34/Shutterstock

Commentary

Pity the poor Emperor Claudius (10 BC–54 AD). Lame and deaf, bullied by his family, humiliated by his predecessor, manipulated by his advisers, betrayed by his first wife, forced to divorce his second wife, and betrayed by his third wife. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown.