Nero

A Roman emperor notorious for his tyranny, who persecuted Christians after the Great Fire of Rome.

Life

Boy emperor

After Nero's mother Agrippina married Emperor Claudius, she had Nero made heir. In 54 CE the sixteen-year-old Nero took the throne, at first assisted by the philosopher Seneca, and government was reasonably sound.

Great Fire of Rome

He later killed his mother and his wife and became obsessed with singing and chariot racing. In 64 CE the Great Fire of Rome destroyed most of the city; he blamed the Christians and persecuted them ruthlessly, and built the lavish "Golden House" on the ruins.

Deserted by all

In 68 CE generals across the empire rose in revolt and the Senate declared him a public enemy; he committed suicide while fleeing, and the Julio-Claudian dynasty came to an end.

Legacy

In the works of Roman historians and in Christian tradition, Nero became a byword for tyranny; modern scholars believe some of these accounts are exaggerated.

Did you know? Legend has it that he played the lyre and sang in his palace during the Great Fire of Rome, a story very likely embellished by his political rivals.

Key dates

• 54Succeeds at sixteen
• 59Kills his mother
• 64Great Fire of Rome; persecution of Christians
• 66Jewish War breaks out
• 68Commits suicide