THE LIFE OF NERO is one of the most important ancient sources of history for the early Imperial period, as well as the life of Roman Emperor Nero. Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (37-68 AD) was the fifth emperor of Rome and the last of the Julio-Claudian emperors. Nero was the adopted heir and successor to Claudius, who died in 54. Like his predecessor Caligula, Nero is reported to have been violent, sadistic, and unstable. He was suspected of setting fire to Rome in 64 to clear the way for a new palace, and was a noted persecutor of Christians.