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Nero

Roman emperor from AD 54 to 68

German

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus; 15 December AD 37 – 9 June AD 68) was a Roman emperor and the final emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, reigning from AD 54 until his suicide in AD 68.

Nero was born at Antium in AD 37, the son of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger (great-granddaughter of the emperor Augustus). Nero was three when his father died. By the time Nero turned eleven, his mother married Emperor Claudius, who then adopted Nero as his heir. Upon Claudius' death in AD 54, Nero ascended to the throne with the backing of the Praetorian Guard and the Senate. In the early years of his reign, Nero was advised and guided by his mother Agrippina, his tutor Seneca the Younger, and his praetorian prefect Sextus Afranius Burrus, but sought to rule independently and rid himself of restraining influences. The power struggle between Nero and his mother reached its climax when he orchestrated her murder.

Notable For

Roman emperor from AD 54 to 68

Nero's Historical Timeline

  1. 54 Agrippina the Younger murders her husband, Roman Emperor Claudius, with poison to secure the succession for her son N

    54 Agrippina the Younger murders her husband, Roman Emperor Claudius, with poison to secure the succession for her son Nero

  2. 64 Great Fire of Rome begins under the Emperor Nero

    Early Christians were heavily persecuted throughout the Roman Empire until the 3rd century.

  3. 68 Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide, imploring his secretary Epaphroditus to slit his throat to evade a Senate-imposed

    68 Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide, imploring his secretary Epaphroditus to slit his throat to evade a Senate-imposed death by flogging

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nero known for?
Roman emperor from AD 54 to 68
What historical events involved Nero?
Nero was involved in 3 recorded historical events, including 54 Agrippina the Younger murders her husband, Roman Emperor Claudius, with poison to secure the succession for her son N, 64 Great Fire of Rome begins under the Emperor Nero, 68 Roman Emperor Nero commits suicide, imploring his secretary Epaphroditus to slit his throat to evade a Senate-imposed.

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