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Despite popular iconography, Nero (37 – 68 AD) did not play the fiddle in the midst of the July 64 AD fire that destroyed most of Rome. For one thing, such a musical instrument would not be invented for a millennium, and besides, Nero was tens of miles away. But as more information is garnered about Nero's life and reign, it is easy to see how such a rumor could get started.
Since childhood under tutelage of mother Agrippina the Younger (the great granddaughter of Augustus) and adoptive father Emperor Claudius, Nero was a keen student of the arts, becoming learned in topics ranging from stoicism to rhetoric. Moreover, he became an avid singer, actor, dancer, and lyre player. Even after ascending the throne upon Claudius' death in 54 AD, Nero continued honing his performance skills, requiring the attendance and undivided attention of his courtiers.
At the time, the 16-year-old Nero was the youngest ever to wear the purple. It is easy to imagine the teenaged Nero wanting to bring his personal pursuits into the imperial mainstream. It is also easy to imagine his mother Aggripina the Younger's disapproval, or at least her desire to advise him for his own good, if not the good of the Empire. Not that Nero always followed that advice. For example, Agrippina disapproved Nero’s mistress Poppaea (a former slave girl), imploring Nero to support his first wife (and half-sister) Claudia Octavia instead. Even if they disagreed on how to run the Empire, mother and son were very much on the same page when it came to jealously guarding their position on Rome's throne. To this end, they probably collaborated on poisoning the leading imperial back-up candidate, Claudius' son Britannicus. Over time, however, Nero became weary of his mother’s domination. Eventually, he grew agitated to the point he banished Agrippina from his court, and eventually he ordered her execution.
This act of matricide was one of many atrocities that history attributes to Nero. To consolidate power, Nero executed numerous political opponents. He reportedly killed not only his first, but also his second wife, namely Poppaea. Even worse, she was pregnant at the time. Afterwards, Nero castrated and married a teenage boy who reminded him of Poppaea. Adding to the perfidies, the Emperor instructed his mentor Seneca to commit suicide on suspicion of treason (the request was duly fulfilled). Not to mention the matter of the great fire, for which Nero blamed the Christians, many of whom he arrested and killed, their dead bodies burned to illuminate his gardens.
Account after account, recorded history portrays Nero as a cruel, tyrannical, and eccentric ruler. Even so, it is important to note that many of these accounts were written with a strong negative bias. The Roman historian Josephus wrote about Nero after his death, remarking that other historians “
…out of hatred to him, and the great ill-will which they bare him, have so impudently raved against him with their lies, that they justly deserve to be condemned.” This is not to say that Josephus was a fan, for example, he confirms Nero’s role in Britannicus’ poisoning.
Nero enjoyed some popularity with his subjects, particularly the lower classes to whom he pandered with many an imperial decree. For example, Nero refused the Senate’s request to revoke freedmen rights. In addition, Nero lowered taxes, and transferred their collection to lower commissioners, reducing abuses; concealing tax records was prohibited. Nero also banned secret trials (which ran rampant under his predecessor Claudius), and issued many pardons.
Nero built the Gymnasium Neronis, a meeting place where everyone could exercise and socialize. Afterwards, one could bath freely at Nero’s new public bath, completely furnished with extensive lighting, artworks, and even books. Not just for improving hygiene, the baths also served as a forum to enjoy art and share poetry. Nero introduced the “Neronia,” an Olympic-style combination poetry, music, and athletic competition, requiring the participation of commoners and Senators alike. Nero himself was both ardent spectator and participant, winning himself awards in categories from singing to chariot racing. Many heralded the era as Rome’s golden age, and the public exhibition of personal expression and talent invites parallels to modern social media.
Within this period, the current coin was struck in Antioch, capital of the Syria province, as reflected by the reverse design wherein an eagle perches on a thunderbolt, flanked by a star and a palm branch. The engraving for the obverse bust is finely detailed, emphasizing Nero’s tall, thick neck. The Emperor dons an aegis, a kind of shield or protective outerwear. The aegis was an accoutrement of the gods, and one of its special protective features was the Gorgon’s head (look on Nero’s neck to spot the slithering serpentine). To this day, the concept of doing something under the aegis of someone (or something) refers to protection or sponsorship related to a powerful, knowledgeable, or benevolent purpose.
Under the aegis of Nero, the Roman Empire experienced an era of relative peace. Nero was averse to war – for which he was simultaneously praised and criticized. However, when situations arose, notably the Parthian invasion of Armenia and the Jewish revolt in Judea, Nero was quick to respond militarily with his most talented generals and troops.
Although conservative towards expending the Roman military, Nero spent liberally on civil projects. In the wake of the great fire, he set out rebuilding much of Rome, including repurposing lands cleared by the fire for his elaborate Golden Palace and surrounding pleasure gardens. These efforts strained Rome’s economy, and Nero responded by devaluing the Roman currency, setting a trend that would last for centuries. Specifically, substantial decreases were made in both denarii weight (from about 3.9 g to about 3.4 g) and silver purity (from about 98% to about 93.5%). Furthermore, the gold aureus weight dropped from 8 g to 7.2 g. Such reforms, along with Nero’s tax policies and increased spending on public works, were intended to stabilize and stimulate the Roman economy. To this day, increased spending on public works is a strategy invoked to reverse economic decline.
Disapproval regarding economic practices and taxation policies, rather than tyranny and eccentricity, caused Nero’s ultimate downfall. By 68 AD, rebellion raged within the provinces, and the governor of Hispania, Servius Sulpicius Galba, declared himself emperor in opposition. Eventually, Nero lost the support of those around him in Rome, including the Praetorian guards. Nero fled in disguise, accompanied by several loyal freedmen, who provided refuge outside Rome. News arrived that the Senate declared Nero a public enemy and intended his execution. In reality, these reports were false. Many Senators still felt loyalty and sought comprise wherein Nero might abdicate and be spared, in order to continue the Julio-Claudian bloodline. Not aware of such developments, Nero committed suicide, and among his last words were "
what an artist is now about to die.”
A consummate entertainer to the end, Nero convincingly played the role of both hero and villain.
Coin Details: SYRIA, Antioch, Nero, AD 54-68, AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 15.01 g, 12h), Dated RY 9 and year 111 of the Caesarean Era (AD 62/3), NGC Grade: Ch AU*, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5, Obverse: Laureate bust right, wearing aegis, Reverse: Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, with wings spread; ETOYΣ AIP • Θ (dates) beginning in exergue and continuing to left, • and palm branch to right, References: McAlee 261; Prieur 85; RPC I 4185.