Suetoniusâ account of the life of Nero does not shy away from the emperorâs alleged barbarism. In this biography from The Twelve Caesars, the Roman historian recounts numerous examples of Neroâs narcissism, perversion, and cruelty. It is from this account that we get the legend that Nero âfiddled as Rome burned.â When the heirless emperor ended his own life, it marked he fall of the Julio-Claudian empire and led to rejoicing in the streets.
The Life of Nero Claudius Caesar (Unabridged) - Suetonius & Thomas Forester - translator
Suetoniusâ account of the life of Nero does not shy away from the emperorâs alleged barbarism. In this biography from The Twelve Caesars, the Roman historian recounts numerous examples of Neroâs narcissism, perversion, and cruelty. It is from this account that we get the legend that Nero âfiddled as Rome burned.â When the heirless emperor ended his own life, it marked he fall of the Julio-Claudian empire and led to rejoicing in the streets.