The Roman army, under the command of Claudius' brother Germanicus, returns to Rome in triumph. Claudius tells him of Livia's role in his Posthmous' banishment. Germanicus is somewhat doubtful of Posthumous' tale of Livia systematically poisoning anyone standing in the way of Tiberius succeeding Augustus. Germanicus tells him to keep his counsel but Livia knows something is up when Augustus goes on a mysterious trip. In fact, the Emperor is off to visit Posthumous, in exile for four years now, to make amends. Livia has her own plans and schemes to alter the Emperor's will in the custody of the Vestal Virgins. The Emperor soon after falls deadly ill.
—garykmcd