Nero / Makers of History Series

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27312

Title

Nero / Makers of History Series

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Jacob Abbott's historical narrative chronicles the rise and fall of Nero, exploring the corruption of the Roman court, the murder of Britannicus, and the tyrant's eventual suicide. Written with a moralizing tone, this text appeals to readers seeking an accessible, fact-based account of ancient history that emphasizes the consequences of depravity and the fragility of power.

Summary up to 500 words

In Jacob Abbott's historical narrative *Nero*, the author details the tragic and tyrannical life of the Roman emperor, son of the ambitious Agrippina and the corrupt Ahenobarbus. The story begins with Nero's birth in a villa near Antium, where his parents curse his future. As he matures, his mother's political maneuvering and his own intense jealousy of his half-brother Britannicus drive the plot forward. Following the assassination of Caligula and the accession of Claudius, Agrippina attempts to secure her influence, but Nero, fearing her power and Britannicus's claim to the throne, decides to eliminate his brother. He employs the notorious poisoner Locusta, who fails on the first attempt. On the second try, Britannicus dies from a second dose of poison. Nero stages the death as an epileptic fit and hastily buries the body in a storm, though the rain eventually washes away the cosmetic used to hide the poison's effects, revealing the truth to attendants. As Agrippina's influence wanes, Nero consolidates his absolute power, engaging in extreme depravity and the burning of Rome. His reign ultimately ends in a conspiracy led by Piso and the Praetorian Guard. Abandoning his guards and fleeing to a country house, Nero is hunted by the Senate, which declares him an enemy of the state. Overwhelmed by remorse and terror, he attempts suicide with daggers but fails. Finally, a soldier delivers the fatal blow, and Nero dies, ending the tyranny that had terrified the Roman world. Abbott's account relies strictly on ancient sources, presenting a plain, connected narrative of facts rather than invention, capturing the descent of a young prince into a monster and the eventual liberation of Rome from his rule.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• History