Nero

37–68 CE · Roman · Roman Empire, Julio-Claudian Dynasty

Known for: Infamously decadent emperor who 'fiddled while Rome burned'—murdered his mother and wives

Nero became emperor at 16 under his domineering mother Agrippina's guidance. His early reign was competent (managed by advisors Seneca and Burrus), but he gradually descended into artistic obsession, paranoia, and cruelty.

He murdered his mother Agrippina (after multiple failed attempts, including a collapsing boat), killed his first wife Octavia, and allegedly kicked his pregnant second wife Poppaea to death. When the Great Fire of Rome broke out in 64 CE, he used the opportunity to build his enormous Golden Palace (Domus Aurea).

He fancied himself a great artist and performer—competing in Greek musical contests where he naturally 'won' every category. The Senate declared him a public enemy and he committed suicide at 30, reportedly saying 'What an artist dies in me!'

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