Nero
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Nero (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Nero (subject)
Nero (37 CE - 68 CE) was the fifth Roman Emperor, from 54 to his suicide in 68.
Overview
Nero was the fifth and last ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
He was born in 37 CE and reigned from 54 (after Claudius, by whom he was adopted) to 68 (followed by the Year of the Four Emperors). Nero had Claudius's son, Britannicus, murdered (in 55), and executed both his mother (in 59) and his wife, Octavia (in 62). He later married his mistress Poppaea.
In 68, a series of revolts led to his suicide.
Nero and the Jews
Nero showed many favors to the Jewish people and the Herodian family. He bestowed the kingdom of Lesser Armenia upon Aristobulus, son of Herod of Chalcis, and added four important cities (among which were Tiberias and Tarichea in Galilee) with their surrounding districts to the dominions of Herod Agrippa II.
The Jews of Rome were well treated under his government. A Jewish actor, Alityros (Aliturus), lived at his court (Josephus, Vita 3). His second wife, Poppaea, according to Josephus showed some sympathy for the Jews.
In Judea, however, Nero failed to prevent the outbreak of the Jewish War. As governor in Judea, he first confirmed Felix (appointed by Claudius in 52), then replaced him with Festus (58-62), Albinus (62-64), and Florus (64-66). None of them took any effective decision to mitigate the situation. In vain Cestius Gallus, the governor of Syria, informed Nero of the deterioration of affairs in Judea. Nero reacted decisively only after the outbreak of the rebellion in 66, by appointing Vespasian commander-in-chief of the army in Judea.
Nero has also the reputation of being the first persecutor of Christianity. In 64, he accused the Christians of starting the fire that burned half of Rome. Both Peter and Paul are believed to have been executed in Rome at that time. It is usually contended that the number 666 of the evil beast in Revelation (13:17-18) is a code for Nero.
Nero in Scholarship
Nero in Fiction
Quo Vadis and The Sign of the Cross have made Nero one of the most malicious and unforgettable villains of the history of cinema.