Claudius Messalinus

**Emperor Gaius Claudius Caesar Messalinus** was the victim in Triumphed Over (Case #25 of Graecita).

## Profile

Messalinus was the 56-years-old late emperor of Nova Roma. He had short gray hair pushed back by a golden laurel wreath and freckles. At the time of his death, he wore a white toga along with a red robe and a golden laurel crown on his head.

## Murder details

Norah, Kaleb and Marionette are locked in a cage, awaiting whatever punishment the Romans had for them. Suddenly, guards came to summon them to the emperor. The guards escorted the prisoners to the throne room, which was surprisingly small compared to others they’ve seen, but also way more regal. The guards went out the room, leaving the prisoners to wait for the emperor and Carolus to arrive. Marionette’s kleptomania started kicking in, and she found it very hard to resist stealing anything from the room, but she knew she had to control herself or else she’ll dig even more trouble for everyone else. Eventually, she found herself a distraction, when she and her friends found an old man sitting lifelessly on the emperor’s throne. After they found the body, Gaius Carolus entered the room, immediately spotting the dead man sitting on throne and recognizing him as his father, Emperor Claudius Messalinus.

## Killers and motive

The killer turned out to be Albertus Diodorus. Albertus felt offended by the murder accusations, and was angry at Kaleb and Marionette for “daring” to bring them up, but after they backed them up with evidence, he furiously admitted to murdering Messalinus to protect his niece. Albertus explained that he wanted for Audenzia a life of comfort and so he trusted Messalinus to get her a match with a rich and noble man who would treat her well. The emperor promised to help her and landed her an engagement with his nephew, Gaius Livius which would help connect her to the Caesar family. Albertus was pleased with this match and was excited for the marriage, but he started to notice how Audenzia’s outfits are becoming provocative which made her the talk of the court. Suddenly to Albertus’ surprise, Messalinus broke off the engagement which caused him great anger and he went to confront his brother-in-law. The two argued and eventually Messalinus revealed the reason why he broke the pair: He wanted Audenzia for himself. This horrified Albertus because even though he wanted Audenzia to marry rich, he wanted her to be with someone her age, not someone old enough to be her dad and this caused quarrel between him and the emperor which ended with Messalinus kicking Albertus out of the palace. Wanting to prevent the marriage from happening, Albertus sent the emperor an apology letter and they agreed to talk at the throne. Albertus brought a basket with him which an “early wedding gift” for the emperor, and when Messalinus opened the basket he was surprised with the cobra. The cobra bit Messalinus and Albertus left him to suffer a slow, painful death. After hearing the motive, Kaleb and Marionette brought Albertus to Carolus and Audenzia came out begging the commander for her uncle’s life. But Carolus ignored her begging, drew his sword and slashed Albertus’ throat.

## Gallery

Gaius Carolus, Messalinus’ adopted son.Claudilla, Messalinus’ daughter.Livius, Messalinus’ nephew.Audenzia Diodora, Messalinus’ possible daughter.Albertus Diodorus, Messalinus’ killer.