Chapter 5 Summary

This chapter details events occurring primarily in 6 BC. Claudius is a sickly child beset by many physical shortcomings. In his childhood, Claudius suffers from several contagious diseases. Had his family not returned to Rome from the wilderness when he was an infant, he most likely would have died. His mother, Antonia, is distant and unloving—she considers him a half-wit idiot and does not care to invest any maternal effort on his behalf. His older sister, Livilla, is cruel and conniving. His older brother, Germanicus, however, is his friend and benefactor. As Claudius grows into a child, Augustus takes a particular dislike to him, being uncomfortable around his drooling and constantly running nose. Augustus, however, does allow a tutor named Athenodorus to replace Antonia's selected tutor who is abusive and mean. Athenodorus is kind and attends to Claudius. Athenodorus remains supportive, understanding...