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Nero

the man behind the myth
By Thorsten Opper
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
'Nero' by Thorsten Opper delves into the life and reign of Roman Emperor Nero, exploring his complex personality and the political landscape of ancient Rome. The book provides a nuanced portrait of Nero's rule, examining both the cultural achievements and the infamous scandals associated with his era. Thoroughly researched, it presents a detailed analysis that challenges traditional perceptions of his legacy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in the intriguing history of ancient Rome and wish to delve into the life and reign of one of its most infamous emperors. The author provides an insightful exploration of the ruler's complex personality, the political landscape he navigated, and the lasting impact he left on Roman history.

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Takes a fresh look at the life of Nero (r. AD 54-68), providing insight into the inner conflicts of a Roman society in transition and challenging preconceptions of a figure dismissed by a hostile source-tradition as tyrannical, deluded and ineffectual.

Takes a fresh look at the life of Nero (r. AD 54-68), providing insight into the inner conflicts of a Roman society in transition and challenging preconceptions of a figure dismissed by a hostile source-tradition as tyrannical, deluded and ineffectual.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

One of the best-known figures from Roman history, Nero (r. AD 54-68) is most often characterised as a tyrannical and ineffectual ruler who fiddled while Rome burnt. Such a reputation has, however, been shaped by ancient literary sources written by his adversaries and enemies and, in light of new research, can be considered crudely reductive. This publication, and the exhibition it accompanies, redresses the balance and provides a more nuanced interpretation of Nero's reign and Roman society of the time, reflecting on traditional perceptions of his rule and revealing the challenges with which the young heir to Claudius' empire had to contend.

The period during which Nero ruled over Roman society was one of profound change. The extent of the empire at the time was vast, having grown significantly during the previous century through conquest and annexation, and peace and prosperity followed years of bloody war. The role of Nero's mother, Agrippina, in his accession to the throne is well-documented, but her expectations of great influence once Nero was in post were not met. The role of women, and family more widely, is considered in detail in this book.

In addition to familial conflict, Nero also had to confront the threat of rival powers and the assimilation of newly conquered territories, which provided him with the opportunity to prove himself as a strong military leader. Alongside military campaigns, he adopted β€˜populist’ policies, was preoccupied with the beautification of the heart of his empire, which was subsequently devastated by fire, and enthusiastically engaged in theatre and entertainment.

Nero's rule was curtailed by military rebellion in AD 68, and the embattled emperor ultimately committed suicide. His death brought to an end the reign of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and the subsequent vilification of his memory and the removal and desecration of his image are an enduring, but misleading, legacy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Thorsten Opper offers a revisionist view of Nero, challenging traditional perceptions by arguing that his rule was more effective and humane than commonly believed. Instead of focusing solely on the negative accounts of Roman historians, Opper draws from contemporary artefacts to suggest that Nero played a key role in integrating provinces into the empire and encouraging economic growth. Although the book acknowledges Nero's brutal actions against aristocrats, it paints a more nuanced picture of his reign, supported by comprehensive illustrations.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780714122915

Publisher: British Museum Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 August 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: British Museum Press

Illustration: 280 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 250.0mm

Height: 280.0mm

Weight: 1660g

Pages: 304

Collections

Ancient & Classical History Arts & Culture European History History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Thorsten Opper

About the Author

Thorsten Opper is Curator of Greek and Roman sculpture at the British Museum. He is the author of Hadrian: empire and conflict and curator of the exhibition Nero at the British Museum.

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  • Nero
    One of the best-known figures from Roman history, Nero (r. AD 54-68) is most often characterised as a tyrannical and ineffectual ruler who fiddled while Rome burnt. Such a reputation has, however, been shaped by ancient literary sources written by his adversaries and enemies and, in light of new research, can be considered crudely reductive. This publication, and the exhibition...
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