Emperor Nero

Emperor Nero was born in 37AD and died in 68AD. 

He was the fifth and final Roman Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. 

He inherited the throne and title Caesar from his adoptive uncle Claudius in 54AD.

He ruled from 54AD to 68AD.  His reign was characterized by his attention to trade, diplomacy and improving the cultural infrastructure of the Empire.  He built theatres and promoted athletic games but was also known as a tyrant and for his wild extravagance. 

He is also credited as the Caesar who 'fiddled while Rome burned'.  Dating from the Great Fire of Rome in 64AD, while Nero was the Emperor, some believe this means to fiddle, as in to act ineffectively.  However while the ‘fiddle’ is thought to refer to the musical instrument (Nero played the lyre), it wasn’t invented for another 1000 years.

In 68AD a military coup ended his reign as Caesar.  Before being executed he committed suicide.

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