The mini-series follows the history of the Roman Empire, from apximately the death of Marcellus (24/23 BC) to Claudius' own death in 54 AD. As Claudius narrates his life, we witness Augustus' attempts to find an heir, often foiled by his wife Livia who wants her son Tiberius to bee emperor. We also see the nspiracy of Sejanus, the infamous reign of Caligula, and Claudius' own troubled period of rule.