SETTING THE SCENE
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
I, Claudius
1976SERIES
The personal and governmental affairs of the Julio-Claudian dynasty at the beginning of the Roman Empire, as recalled by one of its rulers.
BiographyDramaHistory
THE STORY UNFOLDS
Episodes 12
EPISODE 01A Touch of Murder
Augustus Caesar is at the height of his power. He favors Marcellus but his wife Livia schemes to have her son Tiberius succeed him. Grandson Claudius, narrator and future Emperor and historian, is born.
Sep 20, 1976
EPISODE 02Waiting in the Wings
Livia enlists Claudius' sister Lucilla to discredit Postumus. Now a young adult, Claudius is advised to play up his foolish appearance to protect himself.
Sep 27, 1976
EPISODE 03What Shall We Do About Claudius?
Claudius' brother Germanicus returns to Rome a war hero. But he, tipped off by an exiled Postumus, tells an unsuspecting Augustus of the schemes against him. Augustus attempts to restore Postumus and protect himself from Livia's designs, and finds in Claudius an unexpected confidante.
Oct 4, 1976
EPISODE 04Poison Is Queen
Tiberius, aided by Sejanus and Germanicus, becomes Emperor. However, Germanicus dies under mysterious circumstances with Tiberius ally Piso accused of the crime. Claudius' young nephew Caligula already causes concern.
Oct 11, 1976
EPISODE 05Some Justice
Tiberius, aided by Sejanus, is proving to be a harsh ruler with only Germanicus able to keep him under control. However, whilst he is in Syria Germannicus is mysteriously poisoned.
Oct 18, 1976
EPISODE 06Queen of Heaven
As Tiberius's chief advisor, Sejanus rules Rome with an iron hand, moving himself toward the throne. Meanwhile, an aged Livia asks to meet with Claudius.
Oct 25, 1976
EPISODE 07Reign of Terror
Livilla's passion for Sejanus brings his Reign of Terror to a horrific climax.
Nov 1, 1976
EPISODE 08Zeus, By Jove!
Caligula takes over as Emperor. At first he is hailed as a savior. But eventually the monster is revealed.
Nov 8, 1976
EPISODE 09Hail Who?
Caligula's behavior becomes more and more erratic. Claudius works hard to control him but a conspiracy is growing among the soldiers. How can they rid themselves of their mad Emperor? And who will replace him?
Nov 15, 1976
EPISODE 10Fool's Luck
Claudius has been appointed Emperor by the Praetorian Guard. He quickly proves himself capable of handling the role. But danger lurks in his own household.
Nov 22, 1976
EPISODE 11A God in Colchester
Messalina's behaviour becomes ever more outrageous and it seems that Claudius is the only one who is unaware of this.
Nov 29, 1976
EPISODE 12Old King Log
Claudius remarries and makes his new step-son Nero his heir. His attempts to restore the Republic fail, but his scandalous written history survives.
Dec 6, 1976
