jjares reviewed Nero: A Captivating Guide to the Last Emperor of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty and How He Ruled the Roman Empire on + 3278 more book reviews
This story is, in a word, captivating. The author gave enough of the genealogy to understand the extensive relationships between the important people in this story. Because of Nero's strange childhood, he seemed to want nothing more than to act in plays and be involved with sports and games. He allowed others to rule in his stead, and they did so quite well.
In the past, the Great Fire of Rome was presented as 'probably' Nero's fault. In this book, the author takes a step closer to blaming Nero because of his actions after the fire. He built his golden palace -- in the same place where the fire removed citizens and their goods.
It is interesting that amongst the Roman commoners (living outside of Rome), they continued to admire Nero because he loved the same sports and games that they did. Perhaps he wouldn't have been all that was villainous if he had not been forced to be emperor and had not been ruled and tormented by 3 strong women: Agrippina, Poppaea Sabina, and Statilia Messalina.
In the past, the Great Fire of Rome was presented as 'probably' Nero's fault. In this book, the author takes a step closer to blaming Nero because of his actions after the fire. He built his golden palace -- in the same place where the fire removed citizens and their goods.
It is interesting that amongst the Roman commoners (living outside of Rome), they continued to admire Nero because he loved the same sports and games that they did. Perhaps he wouldn't have been all that was villainous if he had not been forced to be emperor and had not been ruled and tormented by 3 strong women: Agrippina, Poppaea Sabina, and Statilia Messalina.
