Emperor Nero

Nero (37- 68 CE) was born in Anzio, Italy. In the year 50, his mother Agrippina married Emperor Claudius, who became Nero's adopted father. Later in 54, Agrippina murdered Claudius, and then in 55, Nero murdered Claudius's son so he would not be a threat to the throne. Nero then became emperor. After 5 years of a successful reign, Nero killed his mother. In 62, he divorced his wife Octavia and married his mistress, Poppaea. His tendency to endulge in artistic interests rather than political ones offended many Roman conservatives. With his reputation growing bad, he was blamed for a fire that destroyed over half of Rome. Nero, in turn, blamed the Christians for the fire and had many persecuted, including Peter and Paul. Anxious and discontent, Nero killed himself on June 9, 68.

Heather Schumann