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IMPERATOR ANNI
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanics has come to be known as one of the most handsome, sensitive but later ineffectual, brutal, neglectful emperors of all time. He has been the topic of much controversy for the past fourteen years of his rule and his infamy has earned him the title of Person of the Year. His rule began in murder and ended just as violent. Although he was deemed a brutal leader, Nero should be praised for ruling over Rome for fourteen years. He came into power with high hopes for Rome and we must take the time to honor his reign.
IUVENIS VITA et FAMILIA HISTORIA
Emperor Nero was born December 15th 37 AD in the city of Antium near Rome, to father Gnaeus Domitus Ahenobarbus and mother Julia Agrippina commonly known as Agrippina the Younger, the sister of Roman Emperor Caligula. Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus was Nero’s birth name. Lucius’ grandparents on his father’s side were grandfather Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus who he was named after and grandmother Antonia Major. His grandparents on his mother’s side were Grandfather Mark Antony and Grandmother Octavia Minor. Through his grandmother Octavia, Lucius was the grandnephew of Caesar Augustus. Lucius did not have a strong relationship with his father Gnaeus who tragically died in 39 AD when Lucius was only two, reportedly from edema a disease in which fluid accumulates beneath the skin. For a short time his mother Agrippina became the most active person in his life until Agrippina and her brother Emperor Caligula lost favor with each other, and Caligula exiled Agrippina from Rome in 39 AD the same year of Gnaeus’ death. Orphaned Lucius was then sent to live with his aunt Domitia Lepida and her family. In 41 AD Emperor Caligula and his family were brutally murdered, the criminal unknown, he was succeeded by Claudius his uncle because Caligula had not produced a male heir. Emperor Claudius freed Agrippina from exile and the two married in 49 AD. Claudius then adopted Lucius in 50 AD where he was renamed Nero Claudius Drusus Germanicus. Claudius had a biological son Britannicus, but Nero was now the oldest and the new heir to the Roman thrown.