I, Claudius

Claudius

Derek Jacobi's iconic portrayal - the wise fool who survives

Germanicus

David Robb's noble hero, too good for the corrupt court

Agrippina the Elder

Fiona Walker's fierce widow challenging tyranny

Lucius Petronius Longus

Antonia Minor

Margaret Tyzack's dignified matron

Octavian (Augustus)

Brian Blessed's Augustus - genial emperor blind to Livia's schemes

Octavian (Augustus)

Pliny the Elder

Livia Drusilla

Agrippina the Younger

Tiberius

Publius Cornelius Tacitus

Lucius Apuleius

Petronius Arbiter

Caligula

John Hurt's terrifying performance - insane god-emperor

Caligula

Nero

Christopher Biggins as young Nero, showing early cruelty

Lucius Aelius Sejanus

Patrick Stewart's Sejanus - ambitious manipulator

Poppaea Sabina

Gaius Caesar

Messalina (Valeria Messalina)

Drusus the Younger

Agrippa Postumus

Lucius Caesar