Nero was Roman emperor from 54 to 68 CE. The last of the Julio-Claudian emperors to rule the Roman Empire, his 14-year reign represents everything decadent about that period in Roman history. He was self-indulgent, cruel, and violent as well as a cross-dressing exhibitionist. His lavish parties combined with the burning of Rome continued the economic chaos that had plagued the Roman citizenry since the days of Tiberius (r. 14-37 CE). According to the 1st-2nd century historian Suetonius in his The Twelve Caesars, upon hearing of the emperor's death by suicide, "…citizens ran through the streets wearing caps of liberty as though they were freed slaves."
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Definition
Timeline
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37 CEBirth of Nero.
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50 CEAdoption of Nero by Roman emperor Claudius.
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53 CERoman emperor Nero marries Octavia.
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54 CENero becomes Roman emperor.
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13 Oct 54 CE - 11 Jun 68 CEReign of Roman emperor Nero.
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60 CEBoudicca revolts in Britain.
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62 CEEmperor Nero marries Poppaea Sabina.
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64 CEEmperor Nero visits Pompeii.
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64 CENero reduces the weight and percentage of precious metal in Roman coins, a trend continued by several subsequent Roman emperors.
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64 CERome burns during the reign of Nero.
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65 CEPiso Conspiracy against Nero.
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c. 65 CEThe Baths of Nero are built in Rome.
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c. 67 CEEmperor Nero competes at the panhellenic Games of Olympia and Delphi.
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67 CEUnder Nero excavation of the Corinth Canal begins but is abandoned after three months.
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68 CEDeath of Emperor Nero.