We may now primarily think of the English (Bulgarian born) actor George Baker (1931-2011) as the irascible but kindly Chief Inspector Wexford in the TV adaptations of the novels by Ruth Rendell, some of which he also wrote, but back in the 1970s, Baker had an entirely different TV persona - that of Tiberius in the TV series "I Claudius", adapted from the novels, "I, Claudius", and "Claudius the God", written in the mid 1930s by Robert Graves (1895-1985) an eminent classical scholar.

The historical Tiberius Caesar Augustus reigned from 14-37 CE. He was "assisted" on his way to the throne by his mother, Livia, who was an expert poisoner.

The TV series, which has been repeated many times, did not flinch from portraying the sex and violence of the times, and some scenes, such as a fetus being cut from a womb are considered controversial, even today.

Baker was part of a stellar cast including Derek Jacobi in the title role (a last minute replacement for Charlton Heston!), Brian Blessed as Augustus and Sian Philips as Livia.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org