More than a monster: Emperor Nero embodies Rome in turmoil.
Roman emperor Nero (37–68 AD) has fascinated posterity since the year dot: he is the committer of matricide, the arsonist, the tyrant and the eccentric anti-emperor who styles himself as an artist. In many people’s heads he looks like Peter Ustinov in Quo Vadis. Alexander Bätz, ancient historian, librarian and journalist, rediscovers Nero by also approaching his life and political career through the everyday rituals of the Roman Empire, by describing the social and political institutions and rereading the ancient sources, allowing minor characters to step to the fore in their points of contact with the emperor: senators who were dependent on Nero, normal citizens who sought out their daily income in the Moloch that was Rome, virgin female priests, prominent intellectuals, soldiers and countless slaves and former slaves who got closer to the emperor than almost anyone in their roles as wet nurses or food tasters.
Such a perspective makes it possible to shine a light on Nero from within the society over which he ruled and holds answers to the complex question: what was the relationship like between Rome and this fascinating emperor – beyond the gloomy received wisdom?
The reader observes Nero though the eyes of his contemporaries and dives into the colourful and vividly described panorama of the 1st century. An original, modern book on an always topical subject: Nero.
