Page "Claudius" Paragraph 9

On 24 January 41, Caligula was assassinated in a broad-based conspiracy involving the Praetorian commander Cassius Chaerea and several senators.

There is no evidence that Claudius had a direct hand in the assassination, although it has been argued that he knew about the plot — particularly since he left the scene of the crime shortly before his nephew was murdered.

However, after the deaths of Caligula's wife and daughter, it became apparent that Cassius intended to go beyond the terms of the conspiracy and wipe out the Imperial family.

In the chaos following the murder, Claudius witnessed the German guard cut down several uninvolved noblemen, including many of his friends.

He fled to the palace to hide.

According to tradition, a Praetorian named Gratus found him hiding behind a curtain and suddenly declared him princeps.

A section of the guard may have planned in advance to seek out Claudius, perhaps with his approval.

They reassured him that they were not one of the battalions looking for revenge.

He was spirited away to the Praetorian camp and put under their protection.