This acclaimed BBC series, based on the novels by Robert Graves, follows the history of the Roman Empire from approximately 24 B.C. to 54 A.D. The assassination of Caligula in "Hail Who?" leads to imperial rule by Claudius. Claudius governs bette r than expected in "Fool’s Luck", but his naive trust of his manipulative wife Messalina endangers his rule and his life. Campaigning in Britain Claudius becomes "A God in Colchester" but later must order the execution of Messalina. Series director Herbert Wise; stars Derek Jacobi, Siân Phillips, Brian Blessed, Patrick Stewart, John Hurt.