"... arise From death, you numberless infinities of souls, and to your scattered bodies go..." -- John Donne

Emperor Nero
Played by Jonathan Cake.  

historical character / original to TV series

Biography:

- became Emperor at age 17
- long believed to be the arsonist behind the burning of Rome in 64 AD, a theory now dismissed by modern scholars
- executed mother for criticizing his mistress
- executed wife, then married mistress, Poppaea
- kicked Poppaea to death shortly after
- Praetorian Guard and two legions rose against him, forced him to flee
- committed suicide in 68 AD

design and original materials (c) 2001  J. Hazlett Foreman