Family and Childhood
Claudius was the son of Drusus the Elder, younger son of Livia Drusilla wife of August from her first marriage, and his wife, Antonia Minor, daughter of Mark Antony from the sister of Augustus, Octavia. By birth belonged to the patrician class, one of the oldest families - Claudia. At birth, is named in honor of his uncle Tiberius - Tiberius Claudius and kognomen branch of his father - Friends.
Claudius was the youngest child, was born in Lugdune (now Lyon, France), during a meeting between Augustus, Tiberius and Friends in August 10 BC. Oe. Ibid at that time was the wife of Drusus, Antonia, which gave birth to a boy there. The boy was born weak and sickly. After his father died, he lived and was educated under the supervision of Anthony, who did not love him, and spoke of him very unflattering:
"Man, that nature is only beginning to create, but not finished"
In the 2 year in August adopted an uncle Claudius, Tiberius, and ordered that, in turn, adopt his brother Claudius Germanicus. In fact, Claudius became the head of the family branches Druze. By the time the boy took a great interest in history and began to write scholarly works under the guidance of their mentors, Libya, Sulpice, Flavio and Afinodora.
By the end of his rule in August is fully convinced that Claudius can not be viewed as a political figure, although it was noted that periodically appear in it the makings of a good orator and scholar, had written several letters to Libya:
"The life of me, I'm amazed myself, my dear Livia, that the recitation of your grandson, Tiberius, I liked. I can not understand how he could recite, say everything you need, and so connected, when usually speaks so incoherently "