Novels about Ancient Rome had become a staple of popular literature by the time I, Claudius was written. The success of Edward Bulwer-Lytton's potboiler The Last Days of Pompeii in 1834 inspired many imitations. Bulwer -Lytton's novel features an entirely fanciful religious cult and a sensationally decadent society. I, Claudius follows the pattern by featuring superstition and a corrupt society, but defies convention by emphasizing realistic portrayals of Ancient Rome.