As In Our Time explores the truth behind Nero’s fearsome reputation, we pick out nine key facts about the infamous Roman emperor. When he came to power in 54 AD, the Roman Empire was vast.

Terrified, Nero fled to the country with his few remaining slaves and killed himself. Without any heirs, the Roman Empire now had no leader. With the ultimate prize up for grabs, rival generals ...

Agrippina the Younger was a very important woman in the reigns of three of the earliest Roman emperors. She was the sister of the emperor Caligula, the wife of Claudius and the mother of Nero.

Archaeologists unearthed an ancient Roman structure known as Nero's Theater. Nero was known as an emperor who had an affinity for theater and music, PBS reported. He reigned over Rome from 54-68 AD.

Domitian was a bad one - an emperor in the mold of Nero or Caligula. He terrorized leading Roman figures and executed or banished even his mildest critics. Although he had bought the army's ...