Nero

(Nero Claudius Caesar)

Augustus (54AD-68AD)

Nero was the step-son of the Emperor Claudius, and his successor when Claudius died in 54 AD. Although Nero is best known for murdering his mother and step-brother, his attempts at acting and singing, and the burning of Rome, his early years proved to be model of restraint and good governance. However, when his advisors Burrus and Seneca fell from grace, Nero knew no restraint. Eventually the provinces began to revolt. The Governor of Spain, Galba, was the closest rebel, and marched on Rome in 68 AD. Nero fled, and killed himself. His last words were believed to be: "Such an artist dies with me". Although his reign was scandalous to the senators and wealthy of Rome, he continued to be popular with the commoners of Rome throughout his reign.

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