Claudius (; Latin: Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus; 1 August 10 BC - 13 October 54 AD) was Roman emperor from 41 to 54. A member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, he was the son of Drusus and Antonia Minor. He was born at Lugdunum in Gaul, the first (and until Trajan, the only) Roman Emperor to be born outside Italy. Because he was afflicted with a limp and slight deafness due to sickness at a young age, his family ostracized him and excluded him from public office until his consulship, shared with his nephew Caligula in 37.
On 24 January 41, Caligula was assassinated in a broad-based conspiracy involving the Praetorian commander Cassius Chaerea and several senators. There is no evidence that Claudius had a direct hand in the assassination, although it has been argued that he knew about the plot -- particularly since he left the scene of the crime shortly before his nephew was murdered. However, after the deaths of Caligula's wife and daughter, it became apparent that Cassius intended to go beyond the terms of the conspiracy and wipe out the Imperial family. In the chaos following the murder, Claudius witnessed the German guard cut down several uninvolved noblemen, including many of his friends. He fled to the palace to hide. According to tradition, a Praetorian named Gratus found him hiding behind a curtain and suddenly declared him princeps. A section of the guard may have planned in advance to seek out Claudius, perhaps with his approval. They reassured him that they were not one of the battalions looking for revenge. He was spirited away to the Praetorian camp and put under their protection. The Senate quickly met and began debating a change of government, but this eventually devolved into an argument over which of them would be the new princeps. When they heard of the Praetorians' claim, they demanded that Claudius be delivered to them for approval, but he refused, sensing the danger that would come with complying. Some historians, particularly Josephus, claim that Claudius was directed in his actions by the Judaean King Herod Agrippa. However, an earlier version of events by the same ancient author downplays Agrippa's role so it remains uncertain. Eventually the Senate was forced to give in and, in return, Claudius pardoned nearly all the assassins.

Q: Did Claudius assassinate Caligula?
A: Caligula was assassinated in a broad-based conspiracy involving the Praetorian commander Cassius Chaerea and several senators.

Q: How was Claudius involved?
A: Caligula was assassinated in a broad-based conspiracy involving the Praetorian commander Cassius Chaerea and several senators.

Q: What happened after the murder?
A: The Senate quickly met and began debating a change of government, but this eventually devolved into an argument over which of them would be the new princeps.

Q: Did Claudius do anything to stop the German guard?
A: He fled to the palace to hide.

Q: What happened after he hid?
A: According to tradition, a Praetorian named Gratus found him hiding behind a curtain and suddenly declared him princeps.
Did he rule Rome?
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