Briefly seen as a child, already being mocked for his stammer and physical limp. Notable Themes
The narrative shifts back to 24 BC during the reign of Augustus. The Emperor celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Actium, but tension simmers beneath the surface. Augustus favors his nephew Marcellus as his heir, much to the silent fury of Livia, Augustus’s wife. Livia is determined to see her own son, Tiberius, take the throne at any cost. Key Plot Points I, Claudius Season 1 - Episode 1
Claudius believes his survival is due to his perceived "idiocy," which makes him non-threatening to Livia. Briefly seen as a child, already being mocked
Powerful but easily manipulated by Livia’s domestic "advice." Augustus favors his nephew Marcellus as his heir,
The deadliest threats to the Roman elite come from within their own dining rooms.
Livia manipulates Augustus into marrying his daughter Julia to Marcellus to solidify the succession.
Marcus Agrippa, Augustus’s loyal general, resents the young and arrogant Marcellus.