What were the intentions of the Roman emperors when they took the throne

Answer: Praetorians found Claudius cowering behind a curtain after they assassinated his nephew Caligula. They were in the process of ransacking the palace, but instead of killing Claudius, they recognized him as the brother of their much loved Germanicus and persuaded Claudius to take the throne. The Senate had been at work finding a new successor, but the praetorians again imposed their will.

The new emperor bought the continued allegiance of the praetorian guard.

One of Claudius' wives, Messalina, had produced an heir known as Britannicus, but Claudius' last wife, Agrippina, persuaded Claudius to adopt her son - whom we know as Nero - as heir.