Nero was the last of the descendants of Augustus, the Julio-Claudian dynasty, to hold the throne. He was a teenager when he became emperor in 54 CE and ruled until 68.

Like many Roman emperors, Nero was a philhellene, promoting music, the theatre and athletic events in the Greek tradition, often taking part himself (and guaranteeing his own victory). On the other hand, ancient writers describe his reign as murderous and tyrannical. Although the reliability of the ancient sources is open to question, he does seem responsible for a great deal of political chicanery and untimely deaths.

He also had to deal with several revolts in the middle east and one in Britain during his years as emperor