Claudius

After Caligula's assassination, Claudius was found hiding and proclaimed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. The Senate reluctantly accepted him, marking the first time the Guard directly chose an emperor.

Claudius initiated the construction of a new harbor at Ostia to improve Rome's grain supply. The project included a large artificial basin and a lighthouse, facilitating trade and food imports.

Claudius ordered the invasion of Britain, sending four legions under Aulus Plautius. He later visited the island to accept the surrender of the British tribes, incorporating southern Britain into the Roman Empire.

Claudius extended Roman citizenship to certain provincial communities, particularly in Gaul. He also admitted Gauls into the Senate, promoting integration of the empire's elites.

Claudius married his niece Agrippina the Younger, who then maneuvered to have her son Nero adopted as Claudius's heir. This marriage led to Claudius's eventual poisoning and Nero's succession.