Nero

Nero (37-68 ad), Emperor of Rome.

Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus is remembered in a legend as the emperor who played the fiddle while Rome burned. In fact, in his day, the violin had not been invented. But it was said that Nero recited poems and played a lyre as half of the city was destroyed in 64 ad.

He was quite pleased to have the chance to replace the old buildings of the city with magnificent new ones. He blamed the Christians in Rome for the fire and used this as an excuse to ill-treat them.

He is also remembered for putting large numbers of Christians to death in an arena known as Nero's Circus. Today St. Peter's Cathedral stands on the site of this arena.

Nero liked to show off his skill as a poet, an actor, a musician and even as a chariot-driver.

During his reign, he was often plotted against, and he murdered his enemies to retain his power.

Finally the army rose against him and he fled from Rome and killed himself.

See David Shotter Nero Caesar Augustus: Emperor of Rome