Nero, 54-68

Nero (Latin: Nerō Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus) (15 December 37 AD – 9 June 68 AD) was a Roman emperor from 54 to 68 AD and the last one of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Born as son of Domitius Ahenobarbus and Agrippina Junior, Nero was later adopted by the emperor Claudius (when he married his mother) and made heir to the throne. He succeeded in 54 AD and at first the government was in the capable hands of his advisors Seneca and Burrus.

The young emperor proved soon to be willful and reluctant to put any constrains on his behaviour. With the death of Burrus and the retirement of Seneca, Nero's conduct became unbridled. He fancied himself an artist, was very enthusiastic about sport and his extravagances and vanity were so enormous that he became unpopular at a rapid pace.

After rumours that he started the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD revolts broke out in 68 AD in the provinces and the Praetorians deserted him at Rome. In the same year Nero fled the city and committed suicide.

In Nero's reign the weight of the aureus and denarius declined due to financial restraint put upon the emperor by his advisors. In addition he reintroduced aes coinage suspended since Claudius.