Britannicus (41-55 CE) was the second child and only son born to the Roman emperor Claudius (r. 41-54 CE) and Valeria Messalina (c. 20-48 CE). Seen as a threat by Claudius' fourth wife, Agrippina the Younger (15-59 CE), and her son, the future Nero (r. 54-68 CE), Britannicus was poisoned the night before his 14th birthday.
More about: Britannicus17th Anniversary Fundraiser
Celebrate our 17th anniversary with an anniversary gift to support free history education around the world!
$2104 / $5000
Definition
Timeline
-
12 Feb 41 CEBirth of Britannicus, son of Messalina and Emperor Claudius.
-
48 CEDeath of Valeria Messalina, wife of Emperor Claudius.
-
49 CERoman emperor Claudius marries his niece, Agrippina the Younger.
-
50 CEAdoption of Nero by Roman emperor Claudius.
-
11 Feb 55 CEBritannicus is poisoned.
-
11 Feb 55 CEThe murder of Tiberius Claudius Caesar Britannicus by poison at a banquet in Rome one day before his 14th birthday, orchestrated by his stepbrother, Nero, to remove him as a rival for the seat of power. Britannicus' death secured Nero's ascension as Roman Emperor.
