
Anthony Everitt on Nero, Rome’s Most Misunderstood Emperor
The Daily Stoic
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Contrasting Lives: Aurelius and Nero
This chapter explores the divergent paths of Marcus Aurelius and Nero, emphasizing the influence of their familial backgrounds and early relationships, particularly with their mothers. It examines how Nero's rejection of stoic philosophy led to a life steeped in tyranny, in contrast to Marcus's sense of duty as an emperor. The discussion also highlights the complex dynamics between Seneca and Nero, revealing the moral ambiguities and philosophical tensions inherent in their interactions amidst the backdrop of imperial Rome.
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