Biography of Nero

Biography of Nero

Rome was controlled by Nero from 54 to 68 AD. He is regarded as one of the most infamous Roman emperors, having put to death his mother and everyone else who disagreed with him.

Where did Nero grow up?

On December 15, 37 AD, Nero was born at Antium, an Italian city close to Rome. Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, his father, served as a Rome consul. Agrippina the Younger, his mother, was Emperor Caligula’s sister.

Early Life of Nero

Nero’s father passed away when he was still a small child. Nero was transferred to be reared by his aunt after Emperor Caligula forced his mother to be banished from Rome. Moreover, Caligula pilfered Nero’s inheritance. But a few years later, Claudius ascended to the throne and Caligula was assassinated. Agrippina was beloved by Claudius, who permitted her to go back to Rome.

When Nero was approximately twelve years old in 49 AD, Emperor Claudius wed Agrippina. Nero was now the emperor’s adopted son. Britannicus was Claudius’s already-born son, but Agrippina preferred Nero to succeed him as emperor. She persuaded Claudius to designate Nero as the heir apparent. In order to solidify his hold on the throne, Nero also wed Octavia, the daughter of the emperor.

Nero was named proconsul when he was fourteen years old. He started assisting Claudius in his studies of Rome’s governance. At an early age, he even addressed the Roman Senate.

Becoming Emperor

Emperor Claudius passed away in AD 54. A lot of historians think that in order for her son to become emperor, Nero’s mother poisoned Claudius. At the age of seventeen, Nero was anointed Emperor of Rome.

Did he really kill his mom?

Through her son, Nero’s mother hoped to rule Rome. She attempted to sway his decisions in order to increase her own authority. Nero eventually grew weary of his mother’s influence and stopped paying attention to her. Agrippina got upset and started making plans to harm Nero. Nero had his mother killed as retaliation.

Becoming a Tyrant

Nero was a respectable emperor at first. He reduced taxes, created several public works, and backed the arts. But as his rule wore on, Nero turned into an increasingly despotic despot. He put to death everybody he didn’t like, including some of his wives and political opponents. Nero became insane and began to identify more as an artist than an emperor. He started giving public performances of his music and poetry and lavished significant sums of money on lavish parties.

Watching Rome Burn

Rome was mostly destroyed by a massive fire that swept over the city in AD 64. Nero “played the lyre and sang” while he watched Rome burn, according to one tale. The majority of historians concur that this is untrue. At the same time, meanwhile, there were allegations that Nero had caused the fire to clear the way for his new palace. Nobody knows for sure if this is true or not.

Blaming the Christians

It was necessary for Nero to assign blame for the fire that destroyed Rome. He gestured toward the believers. He ordered the persecution and execution of Rome’s Christians. They were crucified, burned alive, and given to the dogs, among other horrifying methods of execution. The persecution of Christians in Rome started at this point.

Building a Great House

Nero did construct a new palace in the space made available by the great fire, whether or not he initiated it. The Domus Aurea was its name. Within the walls of Rome, this enormous mansion spanned more than 100 acres. At the entrance stands a 100-foot-tall bronze statue of him, known as the Colossus of Nero.

Revolt and Death

A few of the Roman provinces started to rebel against Nero in 68 AD. With the assistance of one of his aides, Nero killed himself out of fear that the Senate would have him put to death.

Facts About Roman Emperor Nero

• His birth name was Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus.
• Nero’s two main political advisors were the prefect Burrus and the philosopher Seneca.
• He killed his second wife, Poppaea, by kicking her in the belly.
• One of his favorite things to do was drive a chariot. He may have competed in chariot races himself.
• The year after Nero died is called the “Year of the Four Emperors.” Four different emperors each ruled for a short time during the year.

Read also: Gaius Marius Biography