Nero: Matricide, Music, and Murder in Imperial Rome

Historian Everitt (Alexander the Great) and journalist Ashworth deliver a nuanced biography of Roman emperor Nero, who ruled from 54 to 68 BCE. Spotlighting the “contradiction” that Nero was loved by the Roman people but despised by the elite, the authors explain that the nature of the Roman Principate, which had no clear principle of succession, helped foster Nero’s suspicions about members of his court. Everitt and Ashworth also detail how Nero’s mother, Agrippina, helped put her son on the throne, but sought to control his private life and policy decisions. Even after Nero murdered her, Agrippina “linger[ed] as a presence throughout her son’s restless, guilt-ridden life.” Though Nero’s advisers, especially Burrus and Seneca, helped him keep the Roman empire “well managed,” he eventually tired of their control, abandoned all pretense of shared governance with the Senate, and embraced autocracy. The authors also explain how Nero’s love of Greek culture and his public performances as a charioteer and singer crossed a line with Roman elite, solidifying their belief that he wasn’t fit to rule. Though Everitt and Ashworth don’t break much new ground, they evoke the period with wit and precision. Ancient history buffs will be pleased. (Nov.)