Nero - Roman Emperor

Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus lived from AD 37-68. He was the fifth emperor of Rome and the last of the Julio-Claudian line.

Nero became emperor at the age of 17 and initially very popular, he eased his way in, gaining a reputation for moderation in his dealings. However this all changed and in 59 AD he had his mother put to death. In 62 AD he divorced (and later executed) his wife, Octavia and married his mistress. He became more and more known for his cruelty, executing many noted Romans who he saw as a threat to his power.

Known as a lover of singing, acting, chariot-racing and debauchery he was most famously reputed to have played the fiddle while Rome burned in the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. The fire, which he is accused of having arranged (if not personally lit), destroyed half of the city.

While there were not any fiddles as we know them at that time he could well have been playing a lyre, an ancient stringed instrument often played with a bow.

In 68 AD the Praetorian Guards and several legions rose against Nero. He fled Rome and committed suicide on June 9 of that year.