In Our Time Nero
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Apr 25, 2019 
In this discussion, guests Maria Wyke, a Professor of Latin, Matthew Nicholls, an Oxford Fellow, and Shushma Malik, a Classics Lecturer, delve into the life of Emperor Nero, who ascended the throne at just 16. They explore his notorious reputation, from early popularity to allegations of tyranny and his extravagant lifestyle. The podcast discusses the Great Fire of Rome and the conspiracy that led to his downfall. Additionally, they examine Nero's fraught relationship with his mother and the lasting impact of his reign on Christian narratives and Roman history.
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Volatile Succession
- Roman imperial succession was volatile in the first century AD.
- Emperors relied on family intrigue, including marriages, adoptions, divorces, and even deaths, to maintain power.
Claudius's Death and Nero's Rise
- Claudius's death, potentially by poisoned mushrooms from his wife Agrippina, facilitated Nero's rise to power.
- Agrippina's involvement highlights how imperial women used unofficial means to gain influence.
Nero's Initial Promise
- Nero initially seemed more promising than Claudius, who relied heavily on wives and freedmen.
- Claudius's wife Messalina's notoriety further diminished his image.