# The Beast of Rome (DD-214)

> Nero was Roman emperor from AD 54 to 68. He was known for his love of performing, singing and acting in public, which Roman elites considered beneath an emperor. After the Great Fire of Rome in AD 64, the historian Tacitus wrote that rumors blamed Nero and that he in turn blamed and punished Christians. In AD 67 Nero competed at the Olympic Games, which were rescheduled for his visit; ancient sources say he was declared the winner of the chariot race even though he fell and didn't finish. He died by suicide in AD 68 after being declared a public enemy. Some early Christian writings associated him with the 'Beast' of the Book of Revelation. The footage shows reconstructions of Nero and Rome, with the presenter.

- Department: People (also History)
- First published: 2024-04-18
- Last updated: 2024-04-18
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-beast-of-rome/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-214-F01**: Nero ruled from AD 54 to 68. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (AD 54 to 68))_
- **DD-214-F02**: He performed in public. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Performer))_

## Write-up

Nero competed at the Olympic Games and was declared the winner. Ancient writers say he blamed Christians for the Great Fire.

1. **AD 54 to 68**: Nero ruled from AD 54 to 68.
2. **Performer**: He performed in public.
3. **Great Fire**: The Great Fire of Rome was in AD 64.
4. **Christians**: Tacitus says he blamed Christians.
5. **Olympics**: He was declared a winner in AD 67.

## Related case files

- [The Colosseum (DD-121)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-colosseum/): I linked the arena built on the site of his palace grounds
- [The First Roman Emperor (DD-213)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/): I linked the first emperor of his dynasty
- [Performing Emperor (DD-078)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/performing-emperor/): I linked more on Nero
- [Little Boot (DD-215)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/little-boot/): I linked another Julio-Claudian emperor

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: 'Ensuring his victory by having his competitors ousted': ancient sources say he was declared the chariot-race winner despite falling and not finishing, rather than that rivals were removed.

## Video: The Beast of Rome: Nero Competed at the Olympic Games and Was Declared the Winner

- Duration: 42.0 s · Published: 2024-04-18
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C56E1-GqSBW.mp4

### Transcript

Nero was one of Rome's most notorious emperors, who ruled from AD 54 to 68. Known for his artistic ambitions and extravagant lifestyle, Nero's tenure is marked by controversies, including the Great Fire of Rome, which many believe he blamed on the Christians to divert suspicion from himself. But beyond his infamous legacy, Nero was an avid patron of the arts, often performing in public himself, an unusual and criticized practice for a Roman emperor. DID YOU KNOW? Nero participated in the Olympic Games, ensuring his victory by having his competitors ousted. His reign, filled with drama and intrigue, remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of Roman history. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: When did Nero rule?**  
A: A Julio-Claudian. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (AD 54 to 68) · Wikipedia: Nero)_

**Q: What did Roman elites dislike?**  
A: Beneath an emperor. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Performer) · Wikipedia: Nero)_

**Q: When was the Great Fire of Rome?**  
A: It burned much of the city. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Great Fire) · Wikipedia: Great Fire of Rome)_

**Q: Whom did Tacitus say Nero blamed?**  
A: After the fire. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Christians) · Wikipedia: Great Fire of Rome)_

**Q: What happened at the AD 67 Olympics?**  
A: Despite falling. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Olympics) · Wikipedia: Nero)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Nero](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nero)
- [Wikipedia: Great Fire of Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Fire_of_Rome)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "The Beast of Rome." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-214, last updated Apr 18, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-beast-of-rome/