AR Billion Tetradrachm of Nero

AR Billion Tetradrachm of Nero

money; coins (money)

Nero was one of Rome’s most selfish and self-obsessed rulers. He often depicted himself as a god by wearing the sun god Sol’s crown as on this coin. On the back of the coin, the city of Alexandria is personified as Nero. After a great fire, Nero built a palace, the Golden House, over the burnt homes of his citizens. This led to rumors that Nero started the fire, playing his fiddle while half of Rome burned. He was sentenced to death but fled and committed suicide before the trial to avoid public humiliation. His death ended the Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Nero, Emperor of Rome

Sear 1-2002

ARTH250 (Professor V. Rousseau, Fall 2019)

64 CE

CG

University Art Collection, University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)

[no text]

Silver (metal)

Latin

Physical Object

2012.02.195

Roman Empire