181 Claudius Caesar

Museum Description: Claudius Marble Head

Room: 70/Case: None/Number: GR 1870.3-20.200

Scripture: Acts 18:2

Claudius Caesar was the fourth to be emperor of Rome.  He was the nephew of Tiberius and uncle of the notorious Caligula, who actually reigned before him.  He was supported by Herod Agrippa I, and in return gave him Judea and Samaria to be part of his kingdom.  He is the last of three Caesars, along with Augustus and Tiberius, to be mentioned by name in the Bible.  His name occurs twice, the first in Acts 11, in connection with the famine foretold by the prophet Agabus, which came true during his reign.  He also ordered all the Jews to leave Rome, which resulted in Aquila and Priscilla leaving for Corinth where they met the apostle Paul.  The secular Roman historian Suetonius recorded that Claudius did indeed issue such an order.  After ruling for nearly 14 years, he was apparently murdered by being poisoned by his wife, allowing Nero to come to the throne.