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Nero The Great Empire

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The name Nero is one of the most recognizable throughout history, widely regarded as the Great Leader of the Roman Empire. His reforms impacted on the social, political and religious mechanisms used in the Roman Empire for centuries to come. Nero consolidated his position within Rome through many decisions which favored the people, enabling him to establish and maintain himself in the position as Emperor. Nero has been known as the emperor who ultimately ended the Julio-Claudian dynasty and jeopardized Rome’s authority, but through analyzing his work and achievements throughout his rule, many historians raise the question that Nero in fact shaped the society we live in currently and his actions in his time of power have had a chain effect throughout …show more content…

She was angered by the moderate advice of Nero’s advisors; his former tutor Seneca and the commander of Pretorian Guard, Burrus. Although Nero was the young emperor, Agrippina still had influence among the decisions he made and the actions he performed. Once Agrippina demanded Nero cease his affair with Claudia Acte, a former slave, he had no option but to banish his mother from the family place so her influence could not bother him any more (Richard A, 14-117 A.D.). In 55 A.D. Britannicus died, the day before he was to be proclaimed an adult (Thomas W, 1989). It is widely interpreted that Nero poisoned Britannicus, although Nero claimed that he died from a seizure (Pamela B, 1990). Nero’s murderous habit did not only stay with his non-immediate family. In 58 A.D. Agrippina was murdered at Nero’s command, as her influence towards his actions and her interference with his plans for Rome had become too much. This heinous display of power, ultimately highlights the immense anger and frustration Nero he felt towards his mother, and primary sources such as ‘The Annals, By Tacitus, Written 109 A.C.E., Book XIII’ confirm that once this act had been accomplished, Nero showed no remorse or …show more content…

Until the year 59 A.D., Nero was described as a generous and reasonable leader. He eliminated capital punishment, lowered taxes and allowed slaves to bring complaints against their masters (Tacitus, 109 A.C.E.). Nero supported the arts and athletics above gladiator entertainment, and gave aid to other cities in crisis. Although he was known for his nighttime frolicking, his actions were good-natured, albeit irresponsible and self-indulgent. Although Nero was a supportive man and contributed many assets to his empire, after his mother’s death, Nero fell into a hedonic lifestyle that was full of tyranny. He spent exorbitant amounts of money on artistic pursuits and began public performances as a poet and lyre player, a significant breach of etiquette for a member of the ruling class (Pamela B, 1990). Nero’s attitude at this time ultimately demonstrated that he was an unstable emperor, and his rain of power would come to an abrupt

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