Nero, Emperor of Rome (37–68 CE)

Early Years

Nero was born in Antium in December, 37 CE, and was named Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus. His father, Cnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus, was a member of a distinguished noble family of the republic. His mother, Agrippina the younger, was the daughter of Germanicus. When Lucius was 2 years old, his father died. The reigning emperor, Gaius (Caligula), brother to Agrippina, seized his inheritance and banished mother and son to the Pontian Islands, where they lived in near poverty. Caligula and his wife and infant daughter were killed in 41 CE. His uncle Claudius, a far milder ruler, ascended to the throne and recalled his niece and her son from exile. Agrippina, a very ambitious woman, promptly arranged a proper education for her son.

In 48 CE, Claudius had his wife Messalina executed for adultery. The following year he married his niece Agrippina, and she furthered Lucius's prospects by having him betrothed to his stepsister Octavia (whom he married 4 years later). Lucius completed his education under the tutelage of the eminent Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca. In 50 CE, Agrippina persuaded Claudius to formally adopt her son, securing his place as heir to the throne. Lucius's name was officially changed to Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus.

Emperor Nero

Claudius died in 54 CE—probably poisoned by his wife. Nero claimed the throne with the support of the praetorian prefect Sextus Afranius Burrus. Agrippina acted as regent to the 16-year-old emperor. Nero's first few years as ruler were stable, led by the sound guidance of Burrus and Seneca. Nero announced that he would model his rule after that of Augustus, a very prestigious and [Page 909]respected ancestor. Nero applied himself to his judicial duties, granting more freedom to the senate, forbidding the killing of gladiators and criminals, lessening taxes and the extortion of money by provincial governors, and making reforms to legislation.

Difficult decisions and administrative pressures eventually caused Nero to withdraw. He devoted himself to pleasures: chariot racing, singing, poetry, acting, dancing, and sexual activity. Seneca and Burrus attempted to keep his performances private and the government running smoothly. Agrippina was furious about (some say jealous of) Nero's conquests. She also deplored her son's interest in Greek art. Nero grew hostile toward his mother as news of her virulent gossip came back to him.

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