Nero: Matricide, Music, and Murder in Imperial Rome

The Roman Empire was a formidable presence during its reign of power. The might of the empire was reflective of the strength of its leadership. Augustus was the first Roman emperor, expanding the reach of the Empire far and wide. Augustus longed to see leadership be passed through familial bloodlines. The emperors who followed in his wake ranged from amoral (Caligula) to possibly insane (Claudius). In 54 AD, power passed to Nero, a reluctant heir to the throne. However, his mother Agrippina saw promise in him and was willing to engage in behind-the-scenes manipulation to ensure Nero’s ascent. As Nero sat atop the throne, he wielded his power in often ruthless and unsavory ways. The future of the Empire hung in the balance. During his fourteen years in power, Nero carved an immortal niche in history.

Authors Anthony Everitt (Cicero, 2002) and Roddy Ashworth offer up a well-written and nuanced assessment of the contentious subject whose growing lust for power was only rivaled by his desire to be loved. The palace intrigues that developed during Nero’s reign are narrated at a breathless pace, possessing all the aspects of a political thriller. The authors have written a remarkably candid biography of a notorious personality.