Roman Emperor Nero Facts
Nero became Emperor of Rome at the young age of 17; the youngest emperor up until that time. His death in 68 AD ended what is referred to as the Julio-Claudian dynasty; the family that consisted of the first five Roman emperors. His tyranny and cruel behavior has earned him the reputation as one of the most insane Roman emperors. There are few kids or adults who have not heard of how Nero played the fiddle (or lyre) as Rome burned during the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD; although this may well be a rumor. Below you will find a list of interesting information and facts about this famous Roman Emperor.Interesting Facts about Roman Emperor Nero
- Nero was born in 37 AD with the name Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus.
- His father was Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and his mother was Agrippina who was the sister of the insane Roman Emperor Caligula.
- After Nero's father died in 48 AD his mother Agrippina married her uncle the Roman emperor Claudius.
- Nero's mother (Agrippina), upon marrying Emperor Claudius, convinced him to name Nero as his successor rather than his own son Britannicus.
- Claudius died in 54 AD. Many historians believe Agrippina poisoned Claudius to enable her son to take control of the empire.
- As Roman Emperor Nero took the name Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus.
- In his early reign Nero was advised by his tutor Lucius Annaeus Seneca and Sextus Afranius Burrusa a chief officer of the Praetorian Guard (soldiers that served as bodyguards of the Roman Emperors). Also advising him and attempting to control him was his mother Agrippina who often disagreed with Nero's other advisors.
- Nero's mother attempted to control him and influence his decisions as emperor. Eventually the emperor began to reject her advice which prompted her to attempt to turn public opinion against him. Eventually Nero banished his mother from his palace and in 59 AD, fed up with her interference, had her killed.
- Before the death of his mother Nero was actually not a bad emperor; he lowered taxes, promoted the arts, aided parts of the empire that needed help. He was always self-indulgent but according to historical records after his mother’s death he turned into an insane tyrant.
- Shocking the Roman citizens Nero would give public performances playing a stringed instrument called a lyre and would also read poetry; this was considered very inappropriate for an emperor of Rome.
- The emperor was known for frequenting taverns and brothels throughout Rome.
- In 62 AD he divorced his wife Octavia and had her executed.
- In 64 AD during Nero's reign the Great Fire of Rome occurred. Historical record vary on the extent of the fire but it is certain that it was a huge catastrophe destroying a significant portion of the city of Rome. After the fire rumors spread that Nero had started the fire to clear the way for a palatial complex; although most historians think this is unlikely.
- Nero's tyranny included executing anyone who threatened or even questioned his authority, raising taxes to pay for lavish construction projects, and killing Christians in horrific ways.
- Eventually Nero lost almost all support and the senate declared him a public enemy.
- In 68 AD, believing the senate was to have him executed and unable to commit suicide Nero begged his private secretary to kill him; which he did.
ANCIENT ROME HISTORY FACTS