Livia manipulates Augustus into marrying his daughter Julia to Marcellus to solidify the succession.
Augustus maintains the illusion of a Republic while wielding absolute power. I, Claudius Season 1 - Episode 1
Claudius believes his survival is due to his perceived "idiocy," which makes him non-threatening to Livia. Livia manipulates Augustus into marrying his daughter Julia
The narrative shifts back to 24 BC during the reign of Augustus. The Emperor celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Actium, but tension simmers beneath the surface. Augustus favors his nephew Marcellus as his heir, much to the silent fury of Livia, Augustus’s wife. Livia is determined to see her own son, Tiberius, take the throne at any cost. Key Plot Points I, Claudius Season 1 - Episode 1