Difference between revisions of "Nero"
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'''Nero''' was the Emperor of [[Rome]] from AD 54-68. He persecuted countless [[Christians]] after the great fire in Rome, using them as lamp posts to light the night. He also murdered his wife and his mother, and eventually committed [[suicide]] with the help of an eager slave after the senate declared him a traitor and the mobs were coming to get him. | '''Nero''' was the Emperor of [[Rome]] from AD 54-68. He persecuted countless [[Christians]] after the great fire in Rome, using them as lamp posts to light the night. He also murdered his wife and his mother, and eventually committed [[suicide]] with the help of an eager slave after the senate declared him a traitor and the mobs were coming to get him. | ||
| − | Nero is remembered as the emperor who 'fiddled while [[Great Fire of Rome|Rome burned]]', but this is considered to be | + | Nero is 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. While it is true that afterwards, when he needed a scapegoat, he blamed the Christians there is no evidence pointing towards early Christians. After the fire he introduced laws to ensure wide streets, to prevent the spread of fires in the future. |
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 the races). | 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 the races). | ||
Revision as of 19:46, October 22, 2008
Nero was the Emperor of Rome from AD 54-68. He persecuted countless Christians after the great fire in Rome, using them as lamp posts to light the night. He also murdered his wife and his mother, and eventually committed suicide with the help of an eager slave after the senate declared him a traitor and the mobs were coming to get him.
Nero is remembered as the emperor who 'fiddled while 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. While it is true that afterwards, when he needed a scapegoat, he blamed the Christians there is no evidence pointing towards early Christians. After the fire he introduced laws to ensure wide streets, to prevent the spread of fires in the future.
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 Olympic Games, and was awarded first place in all competitions he entered (even though, for example, he failed to complete one the races).
It is believed the apostle Peter was martyred under Nero as well as the apostle Paul.