Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire Season 1 Episode 2 Episode 2: Nero

In episode 2 of Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire, titled "Nero," viewers are taken on a journey through the reign of the infamous emperor Nero. The episode begins with Nero ascending to the throne and explores his early years as emperor.

The episode delves into Nero's tumultuous personal life, including his lavish spending habits, his tumultuous marriage to his wife Octavia, and his rumored relationship with his mother Agrippina. This section of the episode provides insight into the outlandish behavior that Nero would become infamous for.

The episode then moves on to explore Nero's relationships with his advisors, including his tutor Seneca and the powerful Prefect of the Praetorian Guard, Burrus. Through their interactions with Nero, viewers gain an understanding of the political climate of Rome during his reign.

The bulk of the episode is dedicated to Nero’s relationship with the city of Rome and his people. Viewers are shown how his reign brought about a time of peace and prosperity to Rome, with successful campaigns in Armenia and an expansion of the city's territory. However, Nero's love for the arts and his extravagant spending led to his eventual alienation from the Roman people, who felt neglected and oppressed.

The episode concludes with the infamous Great Fire of Rome, which Nero is said to have started himself. The episode explores the consequences of this action and how it changed the course of Nero's reign.

Overall, episode 2 of Ancient Rome: The Rise And Fall Of An Empire provides a comprehensive look into the reign of one of Rome's most notorious emperors. From his flamboyant personal life to his relationships with advisors and subjects, viewers gain an understanding of the political and social climate in Rome at the time of Nero’s rule.