Nero (37–68 CE)

Question 1

What was Nero’s full birth name?

Answer 1

Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus

Question 2

In what year did Nero become emperor of Rome?

Answer 2

AD 54

Question 3

Who played a crucial role in securing Nero’s position as emperor?

Answer 3

His mother, Agrippina the Younger

Question 4

At what age did Nero become emperor?

Answer 4

16

Question 5

What were the names of Nero’s two main advisors early in his reign?

Answer 5

Seneca and Burrus

Question 6

Which opulent palace did Nero construct after the Great Fire of Rome?

Answer 6

Domus Aurea (Golden House)

Question 7

What event in AD 64 caused significant devastation in Rome?

Answer 7

The Great Fire of Rome

Question 8

How did Nero respond to accusations of starting the Great Fire of Rome?

Answer 8

He blamed the Christians, leading to their persecution.

Question 9

What significant cultural achievement did Nero support during his reign?

Answer 9

Patronage of the arts, including games, theater, and public works

Question 10

What Roman practice condemned Nero’s memory after his death?

Answer 10

Damnatio memoriae

Question 11

Which rebellion occurred in Britain during Nero’s reign?

Answer 11

The revolt of Boudica

Question 12

What was Nero’s famous last phrase before his death?

Answer 12

‘Qualis artifex pereo’ (‘What an artist dies in me!’)

Question 13

How did Nero die?

Answer 13

He committed suicide in AD 68.

Question 14

Who was Nero’s adoptive father and predecessor as emperor?

Answer 14

Emperor Claudius

Question 15

What competition did Nero famously participate in and win during his visit to Greece?

Answer 15

The Olympic Games

Question 16

Which two family members did Nero have killed during his reign?

Answer 16

His mother Agrippina and his wife Octavia

Question 17

What military or political challenges did Nero face toward the end of his reign?

Answer 17

Multiple revolts and loss of military support

Question 18

Which grand architectural project did Nero begin in Greece but was left incomplete after his death?

Answer 18

A canal across the Isthmus of Corinth

Question 19

What historical period coincided with Nero’s reign, characterized by relative peace and stability?

Answer 19

Pax Romana

Question 20

How is Nero remembered today?

Answer 20

As one of Rome’s most notorious and infamous emperors, known for tyranny, extravagance, and artistic ambition.

Question 21

How did Nero influence Roman architecture?

Answer 21

He introduced a new level of opulence, especially with the construction of the Domus Aurea.

Question 22

Which religious group did Nero persecute after the Great Fire of Rome?

Answer 22

Christians

Question 23

Who declared Nero a public enemy after his death?

Answer 23

The Roman Senate

Question 24

Which phrase refers to the formal condemnation of a Roman’s memory, as happened with Nero?

Answer 24

Damnatio memoriae

Question 25

How did Nero entertain himself and force others to watch?

Answer 25

He performed as an actor and musician, often forcing elites to attend his performances.

Question 26

What were the major themes of Nero’s legacy?

Answer 26

Tyranny, cruelty, and cultural contributions to the arts.

Question 27

What humorous fact about Nero involved him starting a project in Greece?

Answer 27

He ceremoniously began a canal project across the Isthmus of Corinth but it wasn’t completed until the 19th century.