The familiar image of Nero (37-68 A.D.) is that of a tyrannical, lustful, and inept emperor. This collection of thirteen original essays provides a fresh interpretation of Nero and his era, assessing the full spectrum of the period's culture and politics--aspects that until now have rarely been taken seriously. The introduction sets the myth of Nero in a modern context and explores its enduring fascination. The next section of the book examines how the myth of Nero has developed both in Roman historiography and in modern popular culture, including films. The remaining essays address the culture of Neroian Rome, including its history, literature, art, and architecture. The result is a dramatic reevaluation of the era, recapturing the richness and vitality of the age of Nero. The contributors are Susan E. Alcock, Tamsyn Barton, Catherine Connors, Catharine Edwards, Jas Elsner, Justin Goddard, Emily Gowers, Jamie Masters, Joan Pau-Rubies, Alessandro Schiesaro, Yun Lee Too, Gareth Williams, and Maria Wyke.

Nero's personality and crimes have always intrigued historians and writers of fiction. However, his reign also illuminates the nature of the Julio-Claudian Principate. Nero's suicide brought to an end the dynasty Augustus had founded, and placed in jeopardy the political system he had devised. Miriam T. Griffin's authoratitive survey of Nero's reign incorporates both a chronological account, as well as an analysis of the reasons for Nero's collapse under the pressure of his role as emperor.

In this rigorously researched biography Jürgen Malitz invitesreaders to reconsider the reputation of the Roman Emperor Nero. Focuses on the growing tension between Nero’s artistictendencies and his role as emperor. Steers readers through the diverse interpretations of Nero thathave arisen through the ages. Allows readers to form a balanced judgment of this divisive andcontroversial Emperor.

This work inquires into the impact of dissident sensibilities on the writings of the major Neronian authors. It offers a detailed and innovative analysis of essays, poetry and fiction written by Seneca, Lucan and Petronius, and illuminates their psychological and moral anguish. The study is intended as a companion volume to Vasily Rudich's earlier work Political Dissidence under Nero: The Price of Dissimulation, where he discussed the ways in which 'dissident sensibilities' of the Neronians affected their actual behaviour. Dissidence and Literature under Nero extends this analysis to show how the same sensibilities became manifest in the texts written by the Neronian authors. It explores the pressures on authors under a repressive regime, who strive to maintain their artistic integrity. Thus the argument of this book can be seen as a comparison between the predicament of a Neronian dissident and the situation of the postmodern intellectual. It will interest professional classicists and the wider audience concerned with the ongoing debate on the benefits and perils of rhetorical discourse.

Nero was negligent, not tyrannical. This allowed others to rule, remarkably well, in his name until his negligence became insupportable.

Refutes the commonly-held perception that Nero should be understood as the Antichrist figure in the Bible, and argues instead that this paradigm was a product of late antiquity. The paradigm's success facilitated its revival in the nineteenth century against the backdrop of the era's fin-de-siècle anxieties and religious controversies.

This book portrays Nero, not as the murderous tyrant of tradition, but as a young man ever-more reluctant to fulfil his responsibilities as emperor and ever-more anxious to demonstrate his genuine skills as a sportsman and artist. This reluctance caused him to allow others to rule, and rule surprisingly well, in his name. On its own terms, the Neronian empire was in fact remarkably successful. Nero's senior ministers were many and various, but notably they included a number of powerful women, such as his mother, Agrippina II, and his second and third wives, Poppaea Sabina and Statilia Messalina. Using the most recent archaeological, epigraphic, numismatic and literary research, the book explores issues such as court-politics, banter and free speech; literary, technological and scientific advances; the Fire of 64, 'the persecution of Christians' and Nero's 'Golden House'; and the huge underlying strength, both constitutional and financial, of the Julio-Claudian empire.

The age of Nero has appealed to the popular imagination more than any other period of Roman history. This volume provides a lively and accessible guide to the various representations and interpretations of the Emperor Nero as well as to the rich literary, philosophical and artistic achievements of his eventful reign. The major achievements of the period in the fields of literature, governance, architecture and art are freshly described and analysed, and special attention is paid to the reception of Nero in the Roman and Christian eras of the first centuries AD and beyond. Written by an international team of leading experts, the chapters provide students and non-specialists with clear and comprehensive accounts of the most important trends in the study of Neronian Rome. They also offer numerous original insights into the period, and open new areas of study for scholars to pursue.

"The Madness of Emperor Nero: A Tale of Ancient Rome" delves into the enigmatic reign of one of history's most infamous rulers. This book offers a nuanced exploration of Nero's life, from his ascent to the throne to his dramatic downfall. It navigates the complex web of Nero's relationships, political maneuvers, and cultural contributions against the backdrop of ancient Rome's grandeur and decline. The narrative unfolds Nero's personal and political decisions, which have become synonymous with tyranny and extravagance. The text provides a balanced view, depicting not just Nero's notorious acts, such as the Great Fire of Rome and his artistic pursuits, but also his contributions to Roman architecture and culture. The book also explores the broader context of Roman society, politics, and the eventual decline of Nero's rule, offering insights into the intricacies of Roman imperial administration. This biography is more than just a recount of events; it's a vivid portrayal of an emperor and an empire at a crossroads, capturing the essence of a pivotal moment in history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, it brings to life the world of ancient Rome and one of its most talked-about leaders, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by the complexities of power, legacy, and historical interpretation.