This website is dedicated to exploring two novels: *I, Claudius* and *Claudius the God*. Central to Claudius's life story is the character of Livia, his maternal grandmother, who emerges as a significant antagonist. However, it raises the question: Can Livia truly be considered a villain in the absolute sense?
Livia is often labeled as a villain due to her numerous assassinations within the Roman Imperial family—her own relatives. This naturally frames her as a formidable antagonist. Yet, it's crucial not to overlook her underlying motive, prominently revealed in *I, Claudius*. Livia justifies her actions as a means to stabilize the precarious process of imperial succession, which was far from straightforward and often incited fierce rivalries that could escalate into widespread violence among the Roman populace. By eliminating those obstructing her son Tiberius's path to the throne, she aimed to ensure a clear and unchallenged succession, arguably to prevent further bloodshed among the empire's common people.