Nero, 13 October 54 - 9 June 68 A.D.

Born in 37 A.D., he was adopted by Emperor Claudius in 50 A.D. Nero became emperor after Claudius' death, which was probably due to poisoning by Nero's mother Agrippina II. At first Nero ruled well, guided by his mentors Seneca and Burrus, but soon his reign degenerated into the debauchery and murder for which he is infamous. He had his mother, two wives, and numerous senators and members of the nobility murdered or executed. He was the first emperor to persecute Christians, blaming them for the Great Fire in 64 A.D. He committed suicide in 68 A.D after generals in Africa, Gaul and Spain all rebelled, and the Praetorian Guard in Rome deserted him.