Difference between revisions of "Nero"
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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. | 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. | ||
| − | 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 of the races). |
It is believed the [[Saint Peter|apostle Peter]] was [[martyr|martyred]] under Nero as well as the [[Saint Paul|apostle Paul]]. | It is believed the [[Saint Peter|apostle Peter]] was [[martyr|martyred]] under Nero as well as the [[Saint Paul|apostle Paul]]. | ||
Revision as of 02:17, July 22, 2010
Nero (37 - June 8, 68) was the Emperor of Rome from AD 54-68.
Nero is most 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. 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.
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 of the races).
It is believed the apostle Peter was martyred under Nero as well as the apostle Paul.
He murdered Claudius' daughter Antonia and had his own mother killed in 59. He stole 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!"[1]
References
- ↑ Ancient Rome, Nigel Rodgers, Hermes House, page 73.
