The cursus publicus (Greek: δημόσιος δρόμος, "public road/course") was the state-run courier and transportation service of the Roman Empire, later inherited by the Byzantine Empire. It was created by Emperor Augustus to transport messages, officials, and tax revenues from one province to another. The service was still fully functioning in the first half of the sixth century in the Byzantine Empire, when the historian Procopius charges Emperor Justinian with the dismantlement of most of its sections, with the exception of the route leading to the Persian border.

A series of forts and stations were spread out along the major road systems connecting the regions of the Roman world. These relay points (or stationes) provided horses to dispatch riders, usually soldiers, and vehicles for magistrates or officers of the court. The vehicles were called clabulae, but little is known of them. A diploma or certificate issued by the emperor himself was necessary to use the services supplied by the cursus publicus. Abuses of the system existed, for governors and minor appointees used the diplomata to give themselves and their families free transport. Forgeries and stolen diplomata were also used. Pliny and Trajan write about the necessity of those who wish to send things via the imperial post to keep up-to-date licenses.

Claudia Augusta (January 63 – April 63) was the only daughter of the Roman Emperor Nero by his second wife Roman Empress Poppaea Sabina. She was born in Antium (Anzio) on 21 January 63.

Nero honored Claudia and her mother with the title of Augusta. Gold statues were placed in temples and circus games were held in Claudia's honor. She died three months after her birth of illness. Nero and Poppaea Sabina mourned her death and Claudia was declared a goddess. A shrine and a priest were dedicated to her shortly afterward.