In this episode of History Squirt, we explore Emperor Nero — lyre enthusiast, professional dramatist, and ruler of Rome during one extremely inconvenient fire. From artistic delusions to political purges, Nero ruled like a theatre kid handed absolute power and no supervision. It went about as well as you’d expect. Let’s squirt!

Topics: Emperor Nero, Great Fire of Rome, Roman emperors, Julio-Claudian dynasty, ancient Rome scandal, imperial excess, Roman political history, History Squirt