f an uncle and a niece. Because of her families’ reputation, Agrippina quickly seized the support of the Court. A popular demonstration in favor of Agrippina was staged and the Senate passed a decree exempting the Emperor from the law that prevented a marriage between uncle and niece. Claudius would receive a sizable amount of criticism for the marriage of himself to his niece. Even though Claudius is revered as one of the greatest Caesars, Franzero’s description of Claudius is less than ideal. He often overindulged in food and liquor. During a drinking binge, Claudius’ behavior became malicious and unpredictable. Fortunately for Agrippina and Nero, Claudius’ only heir to the throne, Britannicus, suffered from palsy, the disease of the Caesars. It was silently understood that Britannicus was would never be a viable or capable benefactor for his father’s throne. Through Agrippina’s constant insistence, Claudius adopted Nero. This act by Claudius inevitably guaranteed Nero the throne. Agrippina would not tolerate any sort of competition for what would become her son’s throne. During one of Claudius’ drinking binges, he voiced the possibility of making Britannicus his official successor. Upon hearing this news, Agrippina quickly planned Claudius’ demise. One night during dinner, She arranged for a lethal poison to be secretly administered to Claudius’ food. Claudius ate from the dish of poisoned mushrooms with no suspicion. He suddenly began to wretch and cough violently. After an examination by his doctor, Claudius retired to his private apartment. Two days later, he was dead. After the death of Claudius, the Praetorian Guards, under their prefect Burrus, proclaimed: “Long live Nero, Emperor and Caesar!” The first years of Nero’s rule was one of moderation and clemency. Nero was more interested in acting and singing than the tending of his em...
