What an artist the world is losing in me!

Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus 
54 - 68 AD
The story of Nero coming into power begins with the reign of Claudius (41-54). After the death of his second wife, Claudius married his niece, widow,  Agrippina, who had Nero from her previous husband.
Once married to Claudius, she induced him to adopt her son.

Agrippina was determined to see her son Nero become Emperor and successfully plotted to make her son Nero Claudius' heir in place of his own son Britannicus (son of Claudius by his second wife).

Nero gained precedence over Claudius' son, Britannicus, and married Claudius's daughter Octavia in 52 AD. Claudius died suddenly in 54 AD, possibly by poison administered by Agrippina. And Nero was proclaimed emperor by the senate. Britannicus died of poisoning in 55.

 

At first, Nero ran wisely and gained the respect of the Roman people. he promoted the arts and often performed in public. The first five years of Nero's reign were peaceful. He followed his strong artistic and amorous inclinations, and his two advisers ran the government, but later became increasingly cruel and unpopular and became a byword for decadence and corruption. 

His mother's efforts to rule continued until Nero had her killed in 59 AD.

The great fire of Rome in 64 was attributed by some ancient writers to Nero himself, though there was no proof of his guilt. He rebuilt the city on an improved plan and with greater magnificence. To meet the increasing costs of government, he taxed the provinces heavily. Seeking to divert suspicion from himself, the emperor charged the Christians with arson and executed many of them. According to tradition, St Peter and St Paul were among the victims of this first Roman persecution of Christians.

 

Although opposition to him continued to grow, Nero, went to Greece , to participate in various festivals and games. He was obliged to return hurriedly to Rome on hearing of rebellion in Gaul by Gaius Julius Vindex, governor of Gallia Lugdunensis. And also of Galba in Spain secured wide support, including that of the Praetorians.

Finally, the army rebelled, Galba was proclaimed emperor and the Roman Senate proclaimed Nero a public enemy, and Nero committed suicide.