Nero: The Emperor Who Set Rome Aflame

Hey there 👋,

I am back from vacation and getting back into the swing of things.

I assume most people know the story of Nero, a Roman emperor who is responsible for black mark in Roman history.

However, if you are unfamiliar here is a quick breakdown of Nero’s life, how he came to power and the events that surrounded his rule.

The Early Life Of Nero

Nero was born on December 15, 37 AD, as Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. He was the son of Agrippina the Younger, a woman with deep ties to power, and Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, a Roman senator.

His family lineage was rooted in Roman politics, as Agrippina was the sister of Emperor Caligula and later married Emperor Claudius, solidifying Nero's connection to the imperial family.

Rome during Nero's early life was a thriving yet tumultuous empire. Under Emperor Claudius, the empire expanded significantly, yet political intrigue and the constant struggle for power were hallmarks of the Roman court.

It was within this environment, marked by wealth and danger, that Nero grew up. He was tutored by the philosopher Seneca, who sought to instill virtue in the young emperor-to-be. Some would say he failed.

Path to Power

Nero's rise to the throne was paved by his ambitious mother, Agrippina. After marrying Emperor Claudius, she persuaded him to adopt Nero as his heir over his biological son, Britannicus. In 54 AD, when Claudius suspiciously died—rumored to be poisoned by Agrippina—Nero ascended to the throne at just 17 years old, making him one of the youngest emperors in Roman history.

The early years of Nero’s reign were marked by relative stability, often credited to the guidance of Seneca and the praetorian prefect Burrus, both of whom moderated his rule.

Nero’s Reign: Politics, Military, and Excess

As Nero grew more confident, he began to cast off the influence of his advisors. His rule was characterized by lavish spending, excessive entertainment, and an increasing focus on artistic pursuits. He famously performed in public as a singer and actor, which was highly unusual—and scandalous—for a Roman emperor.

Politically, Nero showed little interest in military campaigns, delegating much of Rome’s military affairs to his generals. However, he did order some expeditions, such as the suppression of the Boudican rebellion in Britain.

One of the most infamous aspects of Nero’s rule was his persecution of Christians. Following the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, which destroyed large parts of the city, Nero sought to deflect blame from himself.

He accused Christians of starting the fire and ordered widespread persecution, leading to the execution of many, including the apostles Peter and Paul, according to Christian tradition. Roman historian Tacitus wrote:

How He Was Viewed

Nero's popularity among the Roman people was mixed. Early in his reign, he was relatively well-liked due to his public games and building projects, such as the construction of the Domus Aurea, his grand golden palace.

However, over time, his increasing extravagance, cruelty, and self-indulgence alienated both the Roman Senate and the general population.

He was seen as a tyrant by many, particularly due to his willingness to murder rivals, including his own mother, Agrippina, in 59 AD.

Roman historians like Suetonius and Tacitus often depict Nero as a madman, driven by vanity and paranoia. Suetonius claimed that Nero was "unbalanced" and that his “crimes were so numerous” that they left “no category of wickedness” untouched (The Twelve Caesars).

The Great Fire and Nero’s Downfall

The Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD marked the beginning of Nero’s end. Rumors that Nero himself had started the fire to clear space for his palace spread quickly.

Though it is unlikely Nero personally started the fire, the belief took hold, and it tarnished his already fragile reputation. As mentioned earlier, Nero’s decision to blame Christians for the fire only added to the controversy surrounding his rule.

By 68 AD, Nero’s political position became untenable. Facing rebellion from provincial governors and the Roman Senate’s decision to declare him a public enemy, Nero fled Rome.

On June 9, 68 AD, with his enemies closing in, Nero took his own life. His final words, according to Suetonius, were “Qualis artifex pereo” or “What an artist dies in me!”—a reflection of his obsession with his artistic endeavors, even in death.

Repercussions of Nero’s Rule

Nero’s death marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and Rome was plunged into civil war, known as the Year of the Four Emperors. His reign left a legacy of decadence, cruelty, and neglect, and he is often remembered as one of Rome’s worst emperors.

Yet, his reign also provides a window into the complexities of leadership, the consequences of unchecked power, and the dangers of detachment from reality.

Lessons from Nero’s Reign

Nero’s life and rule offer important lessons on the corrupting influence of absolute power and the dangers of ignoring the responsibilities of leadership.

His failure to govern effectively, his persecution of minorities, and his obsession with personal glory over statecraft contributed to his downfall.

As we look back on his reign, we can draw parallels to modern leadership, reminding us that leadership requires balance, responsibility, and, above all, the ability to listen to those around us.