Definition: Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, the son of Agrippina the Younger, was born on Dec. 15 A.D. 37 in Latium. When his stepfather, the Emperor Claudius died, probably at the hand of Agrippina, Lucius, whose name had been changed to Nero Claudius Caesar (showing lineage from Augustus), became the Emperor Nero.
A series of treason laws in A.D. 62 and the fire in Rome of A.D. 64 helped seal Nero's reputation. Nero used the treason laws to kill whomever he considered a threat and the fire gave him the opportunity to build his golden palace, the "domus aurea." In the year 65 Nero appeared in public as an entertainer. The next year, a conspiracy was hatched to replace him with Calpurnius Piso. In its aftermath, Seneca and Lucan were among those forced to commit suicide. Unrest throughout the empire turned the tables, leading Nero to commit suicide on June 9 A.D. 68 in Rome.
Nero is remembered as a licentious emperor. Despite inadequate evidence, he is also known for burning Rome, which he blamed on the Christians.
Persecutions of the Christians
A series of treason laws in A.D. 62 and the fire in Rome of A.D. 64 helped seal Nero's reputation. Nero used the treason laws to kill whomever he considered a threat and the fire gave him the opportunity to build his golden palace, the "domus aurea." In the year 65 Nero appeared in public as an entertainer. The next year, a conspiracy was hatched to replace him with Calpurnius Piso. In its aftermath, Seneca and Lucan were among those forced to commit suicide. Unrest throughout the empire turned the tables, leading Nero to commit suicide on June 9 A.D. 68 in Rome.
Nero is remembered as a licentious emperor. Despite inadequate evidence, he is also known for burning Rome, which he blamed on the Christians.
Persecutions of the Christians
