Rome, 24-9 BCE. Nearing the end of his life and surrounded by spies, Claudius, emperor of Rome, writes his family history. His tale begins during the reign of Augustus, with his treacherous grandmother, Livia, scheming to advance the career of her son, Tiberius. Her machinations prove deadly for many family members, but Tiberius’s brother, Drusus, threatens her plans.

Rome, 3-5 CE. With Tiberius in exile, it seems that Livia has lost—but everyone Augustus chooses to succeed him dies inexplicably. Livia forces the emperor to face the truth about his wanton daughter. An omen hints that Claudius—a dull, awkward child with a stutter and a limp—might be more than he appears to be.

Rome, 9 CE. When Livia hears that Tiberius has a new rival, Julia’s son Postumus, she quickly moves against him. Before he is banished, Postumus tells Claudius all he knows about Livia. Claudius is advised to keep playing the fool to ensure his safety; he weds in a marriage arranged by Livia.

Rome, 13-14 CE. After decades of deception, Augustus learns of Livia’s plots and writes a new will naming Postumus his heir. Soon after Livia visits the temple of the Vestal Virgins, keepers of the emperor’s will, Augustus suffers severe stomach pains. With Livia’s hopes finally realized, she sends Sejanus to tie up loose ends.

Rome, 19-20 CE. Tiberius rules Rome with help from Sejanus. When Claudius’s popular brother, Germanicus, dies under mysterious circumstances, the Roman people protest. A trial in the Senate is rigged to clear the emperor’s name. Witnesses disappear, and Caligula, son of Germanicus, sets fire to the family villa.

Rome, 30-31 CE. The ambitious Sejanus, commander of the guard, has destroyed nearly all of his enemies. Even Tiberius, now living on Capri, is in danger. When he receives a smuggled warning letter, he wonders how to stop Sejanus, who has the guard’s loyalty. Caligula makes a suggestion, and the streets of Rome run red with blood.