Roman Emperors

  • Octavian Caesar Augustus 27 B.C. - 14 AD
  • Tiberius 14 - 37 AD
  • Gaius Caligula 37 - 41 AD
  • Claudius 41 - 54 AD
  • Nero 54 - 68 AD
  • AD 69 - The Year of Four Emperors
  • Vespasian 69 - 79 AD
  • Titus 79 - 81 AD
  • Domitian 81 - 96 AD
  • Nerva 96 - 98 AD
  • Trajan 98 - 117 AD
  • Hadrian 117 - 138 AD
  • Antoninus Pius 138 - 161 AD
      -etc.-

Cruel Emperor Nero Fiddles While Rome Burns!

He Blames Christians for the Fire

Bust of Emperor Nero, Capitoline Museum, Rome

Background:

Emperor Claudius married Agrippa who already had a son from a previous marriage named Nero. Many suspect (think, but can't prove) that Agrippa poisoned Claudius so that her son could become emperor.

Nero was only 16 years old when he became emperor. At first he was guided by tutors and did well. But as he grew older, he became tyrannical (like a dictator, he didn't listen to others). In 59 AD he had soldiers murder his mother, his wife, and Cladius's other son, as well as several advisors. Anyone who opposed him was killed.

Nero liked taking part in theatrical shows, races, and games. Many Romans thought this was undignified (not respectable).

In 64 AD a fire destroyed much of Rome. Nero blamed the Christians for the fire, and he had many of them killed in the gladiators' arena. They were fed to the wild animals while Roman citizens watched. (Christianity was still illegal at this time.)

According to one historian, Nero sang and played the lyre (a small harp) while Rome burned.

Nero was hated by many people and there were many plots (plans) against his life. In 68 AD the army rebelled against him and tried to seize power. Nero was eventually forced to leave Rome and he committed suicide (he killed himself) when he was about to be arrested. His last words were about his own musical abilities: "Oh, what an artist the world is losing!" as he stabbed himself in the neck.

Nero coin Nero bust

 

 

Image from Usborne Illustrated History: The Romans

 

Learn More About It: