Nero

Nero (37–68), born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, was the last Julio-Claudian Roman emperor, ruling from 54 to 68. His mother Agrippina married Claudius, who adopted him; when Claudius died in 54, reportedly poisoned by her, Nero took the throne. Seneca and Burrus guided his early rule. In 59 he had Agrippina murdered.

He performed as actor, poet, musician and charioteer, scandalizing the aristocracy. Rome fought the Parthian War of 58–63 and crushed Boudica's revolt in Britain. After the Great Fire of Rome in 64 he built the Domus Aurea; Tacitus says he blamed and executed Christians.

The Pisonian conspiracy of 65 cost Seneca his life. In 68 Gaul and Spain revolted and the Senate declared him a public enemy. Abandoned by his guards, he killed himself on 9 June, reportedly saying ‘What an artist the world is losing.’ Civil war followed in the Year of the Four Emperors.