In AD 41 Messalina accused the Stoic philosopher 01Annaeus Seneca (c.69; fl.41-65) of having an adulterous affair with Claudius’ niece 07Julia Livilla. Seneca was banished to Corsica where he lived for eight years until he was recalled by Claudius’ fourth wife 05Julia Agrippina, who appointed him tutor to her twelve-year-old son and future emperor Nero. Afranius Burrus (61; fl.51-62), a former military tribune, was made prefect of the praetorians, in which position he would act as an advisor to Nero.
01Junia Calvina (fl.46-68+) and her brother 17Junius Silanus (fl.48-49), whom Claudius had betrothed to his daughter 01Claudia Octavia (c.22; fl.48-62), as great-great grandchildren of Augustus, could both potential participants in the succession battle that was almost sure to occur when Claudius died. In 48 Agrippina induced Vitellius the Elder (58+; fl.34-51) to charge Silanus of ‘imprudent desire’ for his sister. Calvina was sent into exile and her brother committed suicide on the day Claudius married Agrippina, New Year’s Day 49.
When Agrippina entered the palace she worked quickly to gain the compliance of Claudius and all those who were friendly to him. Susceptible to her persuasion, Claudius adopted her son Nero (30; fl.50-68) in AD 50, gave him his daughter 01Claudia Octavia in marriage, and made him his heir instead of his own son 33Claudius Caesar Britannicus (15; 41-55).
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