Nero (Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus 37-68 AD) was Roman Emperor from 54 to 68, and the last in the Julio-Claudian dynasty. During his reign, Nero focused much of his attention on diplomacy, trade, and enhancing the cultural life of the Empire. He ordered theaters built and promoted athletic games. Nero's rule is often associated with tyranny, extravagance and executions (including his mother and stepbrother). In 64, most of Rome was destroyed in the Great Fire of Rome. For six days and seven nights the citizens of ancient Rome watched helplessly as their city burned. After it was over, 70 percent of the city had been destroyed. Many Romans believed Nero himself had started in order to clear land for his planned palatial complex, the Domus Aurea. In the face of such charges, Nero searched for a scapegoat for the fire. He chose the Christians and persecuted them ruthlessly, torturing and executing them in hideous ways. In 68, the rebellion of Vindex in Gaul and later the acclamation of Galba in Hispania drove Nero from the throne. Facing assassination, he committed suicide.
