Nero Bronze As

Nero: Emperor of Excess

No Roman emperor has captured the popular imagination quite like Nero. The last of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, Nero's reign (54–68 AD) was marked by artistic ambition, political murder, and the Great Fire of Rome.

The Great Fire

In July 64 AD, a devastating fire swept through Rome, destroying vast swaths of the city. Ancient sources accused Nero of starting the fire to clear land for his enormous palace, the Domus Aurea. Whether true or not, Nero used the disaster to build one of the most extravagant residences in Roman history.

Art and Power

Nero saw himself as an artist and performer. He competed in chariot races, performed on stage, and composed poetry. This horrified Rome's conservative elite, who believed an emperor should be a soldier and statesman, not an entertainer.

This Coin

This bronze as represents daily Roman commerce during one of its most dramatic periods. Despite Nero's reputation, his early reign was considered a golden age of good governance, guided by the philosopher Seneca and the prefect Burrus.