<P> Pliny the Elder noted, according to the 1938 Loeb Classical Library translation by Harris Rackham, "...many people do not allow any gems in a signet - ring, and seal with the gold itself; this was a fashion invented when Claudius Cæsar was emperor ." </P> <P> Under Claudius, the Empire underwent its first major expansion since the reign of Augustus . The provinces of Thrace, Noricum, Pamphylia, Lycia, and Judea were annexed (or put under direct rule) under various circumstances during his term . The annexation of Mauretania, begun under Caligula, was completed after the defeat of rebel forces, and the official division of the former client kingdom into two Imperial provinces . The most far - reaching conquest was the conquest of Britannia . </P> <P> In 43 AD, Claudius sent Aulus Plautius with four legions to Britain (Britannia) after an appeal from an ousted tribal ally . Britain was an attractive target for Rome because of its material wealth--particularly mines and slaves . It was also a haven for Gallic rebels and the like, and so could not be left alone much longer . Claudius himself traveled to the island after the completion of initial offensives, bringing with him reinforcements and elephants . The latter must have made an impression on the Britons when they were displayed in the large tribal centre of Camulodunum, modern day Colchester . The Roman colonia of Colonia Claudia Victricensis was established as the provincial capital of the newly established province of Britannia at Camulodunum, where a large Temple was dedicated in his honour . </P> <P> He left after 16 days, but remained in the provinces for some time . The Senate granted him a triumph for his efforts . Only members of the Imperial family were allowed such honours, but Claudius subsequently lifted this restriction for some of his conquering generals . He was granted the honorific "Britannicus" but only accepted it on behalf of his son, never using the title himself . When the Briton general Caractacus was captured in 50 AD, Claudius granted him clemency . Caractacus lived out his days on land provided by the Roman state, an unusual end for an enemy commander . </P>

Why is the city of pompeii important to the study of roman art brainly