Opinions have varied over the centuries, but Claudius has mostly been caricatured as a reluctant emperor, hampered by a speech impediment, who preferred reading to ruling. Barbara Levick''s authoritative study reassesses the reign of Claudius, examining his political objectives and activities within the constitutional, political, social and economic development of Rome. This critical scrutiny of the literary, archaeological and epigraphic sources presents a different Claudius - an intelligent politician, ruthlessly determined to secure his position as ruler. Updated to take account of recent scholarship, Claudius remains essential reading for students and historians of the early Roman Empire.
