When Marcellus falls ill, Livia pretends to care for him while secretly ensuring his "medicine" hastens his death. Character Dynamics
Livia begins a cold, calculated campaign to eliminate anyone standing in Tiberius’s way. I, Claudius Season 1 - Episode 1
I, Claudius (1976) – Episode 1: "A Touch of Murder" The series opens in 54 AD with an elderly, frail Emperor Claudius. He is writing his secret history, fearing his wife Agrippina intends to poison him. He reflects on his family’s past to explain how he became the unlikely survivor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. When Marcellus falls ill, Livia pretends to care
The deadliest threats to the Roman elite come from within their own dining rooms. He is writing his secret history, fearing his
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
Powerful but easily manipulated by Livia’s domestic "advice."
Livia manipulates Augustus into marrying his daughter Julia to Marcellus to solidify the succession.