Nero, Emperor in Revolt (1970 Grant), book

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Nero, Emperor in Revolt (1970) is a book by Michael Grant.

Abstract

This rather sympathetic biography is an attempt to understand Nero (and his "excesses") in the context of his times.

"This biography of Nero penetrates the mists of ancient myth and fantasy, and paints a balanced picture of Nero, man and emperor. Ruler of the gigantic Roman Empire at a time of great material and cultural splendour, he refused to fit into the traditional mould. Preferring Greek custom to Roman, he was an enlightened patron of the visual arts and passionately fond of athletics, music and the theatre. It was unprecedented for a ruler to attach more importance to his role as artist than to affairs of state. And this, inevitably, contributed to Nero's dounfall -- but not for fourteen years. Meanwhile, whenever he was frightened for his own safety, he murdered. But the vast majority of the peoples of the Empire remained unaffected by his acts of violence, and in some areas he was acclaimed for the good sense of his government."--Publisher description.

Editions

Published in New York, NY: American Heritage Press, 1970.

Contents

Nero comes to the throne -- Nero's mother in charge -- Nero and his helpers -- The death of Agrippina -- An emperor who sings, acts and races -- Hard realities of an emperor's life -- Expansion and exploration -- New advisers and a new wife -- The great fire and the Christians -- The golden house: art and luxury -- The official image of Nero -- The upper-class backlash -- Rebellion and triumph -- The end.

External links

• [ Google Books]