Nero

Nero (54-68)

• Accepted as Nero in place of Claudius' younger son Britannicus
  • Britannicus soon poinsoned
• First five years good
  • Government guided by Burrus (praetorian praefect) and Seneca (imperial tutor, philosopher, "professional hypocrite"
  • Agrippina murdered
• Gradually falls under influence of bad advisors
  • They indulge his baser instincts
  • Play on his fears
    • Nero not naturally bad character
    • Easily persuaded to feel threatened
  
• Conspiracy exposed in 65
  • Many prominent senators take part
  • Nero surprised, scared by extent of conspiracy
  • Many treason trials
• Nero really wants to be performer
  • Performers considered low-class by Romans
  • Nero goes to Greece in 66 to take part in games
  • Situation in Rome gets out of hand
  • Nero returns in early 68
    • Offends upper-class sensibilities with sham triumph
• Revolt breaks out in Gaul, 68
  • Vindex in charge
  • In name of Republic
  • Spain, Africa also come out for Republic
  • No real troops available
  • Revolt in Gaul easily suppressed by loyal troops from German garrison
• False news that the victor over Vindex has been hailed as emp.
  • Nero panics, flees Rome
  • Commits suicide
  • Abandons troops rather than viceversa