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Gaius Stertinius Xenophon (approx. 10 BC - 54 AD), often referred to in ancient literature as simply Xenophon, was a physician who served the Roman Emperor, Claudius, the fourth member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.1 Xenophon is primarily remembered for his suspected involvement and collaboration in the murder of Claudius by poison.2
Xenophon was born on the island of Kos, which, despite being geographically proximate to Greece, was under Asian influence and control. In Kos he trained as a physician, before voyaging to Rome. Once there, he began to practice medicine, and as his reputation as a physician grew, Xenophon became very wealthy. He lived well, owning a manor situated on the Caelian Hill.
Later, Xenophon spent time serving in the military, and it was through this participation in the armed forces that Claudius first became aware of Xenophon's renown as a physician. As a result, Xenophon become Claudius' personal physician.1
Xenophon died in 54 AD. How Xenophon died is unknown; whether it was coincidence that he died in the same year as Claudius' death, or whether his death was related to the incident, is not documented.
Poisoning of Claudius
Xenophon remains one of the suspects in the possible poisoning of Claudius on 12-13 October (dates are in dispute), as he was one of the few people that spent a considerable part of the day in close contact with the Emperor. In addition, he attended the banquet where Claudius is thought to have consumed the poisoned material, and, according to several sources, he took the Emperor to his room after Claudius had passed out after having consumed the poisoned portion of his meal.3 If he was involved, what he actually did to the ailing Claudius in his bedroom remains a source of debate. Those who claim that the poison was not immediately fatal suggest that Xenophon used a poisoned feather, or poisoned gruel, pretending to force Claudius to regurgitate his stomach contents, but in reality completing the murder.4
See also
- Locusta - another suspect in the murder.
- Halotus - Claudius's official taster. Another possible suspect.
Notes
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