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'''Nero''' (37 - June 8, 68) was the Emperor of [[Rome]] from AD 54-68.

'''Nero''' (37 - June 8, 68) was the Emperor of [[Rome]] from AD 54-68.

Nero is most remembered as the emperor who 'fiddled while [[Great Fire of Rome|Rome burned]]', but this is considered to be more urban legend than fact. The legend is largely due to Nero's commissioning of a palace for himself in the area that burned leading to many rumors of Nero starting the fire. Contemporary sources however credit Nero with trying to put out the fire. Afterward, when he needed a scapegoat for the fire, he blamed the Christians, who were unpopular because of their failure to believe in the Roman gods and their suspected disloyalty. After the fire he introduced laws to ensure wide streets, to prevent the spread of fires in the future.

It is believed the [[Saint Peter|apostle Peter]] was [[martyr|martyred]] under Nero as well as the [[Saint Paul|apostle Paul]].

Nero liked to consider himself a great artist and actor, and behaved in a manner totally inappropriate for his office. He also went on a tour of [[Greece]], took part in the [[Olympics|Olympic Games]], and was awarded first place in all competitions he entered (even though, for example, he failed to complete one of the races).

* In 64 A.D. the Roman Emperor Caesar Nero attempted to systematically exterminate all people who professed faith in the newly found Christian religion. Under his evil rule, Romans witnessed the worst atrocities upon his victims; he did not just kill Christians, he made them suffer extremely. Nero enjoyed dipping the Christians in tar, and impaling them on poles around his palace, he would then light them on fire, and yell: "Now you truly are the light of the world." [http://www.shelleylubben.com/sites/default/files/Lubben_Truth_Book.pdf]

 

It is believed the [[Saint Peter|apostle Peter]] was [[martyr|martyred]] under Nero as well as the [[Saint Paul|apostle Paul]].

He murdered [[Claudius|Claudius]]' daughter Antonia and had his own mother killed in 59. He stole [[Otho|Otho's]] wife Poppaea and later beat her to death. Finally, he was declared a public enemy by the Senate and with mobs coming to get him, he committed [[suicide]] on June 8, 68, with the help of an eager slave. His last words were said to be, "What an artist dies in me!"<ref>''Ancient Rome'', Nigel Rodgers, Hermes House, page 73.</ref>

He murdered [[Claudius|Claudius]]' daughter Antonia and had his own mother killed in 59. He stole [[Otho|Otho's]] wife Poppaea and later beat her to death. Finally, he was declared a public enemy by the Senate and with mobs coming to get him, he committed [[suicide]] on June 8, 68, with the help of an eager slave. His last words were said to be, "What an artist dies in me!"<ref>''Ancient Rome'', Nigel Rodgers, Hermes House, page 73.</ref>