Nero was a tyrannical ruler who reigned over the Roman Empire from AD 54 to 68. His accession to power was largely facilitated by his mother Agrippina, who married the Roman Emperor Claudius and adopted Nero. However, Claudius intended to pass the throne to his own son Britannicus. In 54, Agrippina had her husband murdered and manipulated the Senate to proclaim her son Nero as emperor.
Nero soon had his step-brother Britannicus killed and was also complicit in his own mother's death. Nero was one of the most intriguing Roman emperors, characterized by his greed, selfishness, and debauchery. He not only killed his younger brother but also his mother and his pregnant first wife. Later, he had a young freedman castrated and formally married him. It's said this was due to the resemblance rather than mere physical attraction. This suggests Nero's narcissistic and perverse tendencies. If someone whispered a few words against someone to Nero, it often led to their death. His tutor reportedly felt compelled to take his own life due to this.
What truly cemented Nero's infamy was the Great Fire of Rome. While it is widely believed that Nero had a passion for fire, and played his lyre on the balcony while the city burned, historians remain divided on the true nature of his involvement. Nero, while not a benevolent ruler, also implemented some intelligent policies. During an economic crisis, he ordered the construction of shelters for the homeless, lowered the price of wheat, and ensured a steady supply of food to Rome from the countryside to prevent famine.
In fact, at the time of the fire, Nero was said to be enjoying himself in his villa about 30 kilometers away from Rome where he was born. It's reported that upon hearing of the fire, Nero promptly returned to Rome and participated in the extinguishing efforts. It's also widely mentioned by historians that the Emperor relocated citizens affected by the fire to public buildings and later to his own gardens.
Furthermore, it's interesting to note that Nero couldn't have had a lyre at the time as this musical instrument was invented 1500 years later, in the 16th century. According to this theory, during the fire in Rome in AD 64, Nero did indeed order the burning of certain neighborhoods, aiming to cleanse the impoverished areas and engage in a form of urban renewal.
While the true cause of the Great Fire of Rome remains unknown, the subsequent outbreaks of plague led to simmering discontent. Rebellion erupted in Spain, and Commander Galba was declared emperor. The Senate then declared Nero a traitor, leading to his attempt to flee. Realizing he would be captured, he either took his own life or was apprehended and executed. Nero's death remains a subject of debate, but it is estimated to have occurred on June 9, 68.
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