[Book 61] [Book 62] [Book 63] [Book 64] [Book 65] [Book 66] [Book 67] [Book 68]
[Book 69] [Book 70] [Book 71] [Book 73] [Book 74] [Book 75] [Book 76] [Book 77]

DIO'S ROMAN HISTORY

61

Nero seizes the sovereignty (chapters [1], [2] ).
At the beginning he is accustomed to yield to the influence of his mother, whom Seneca and Burrus thrust aside from control of affairs (chapters [3] ).
Nero's exhibitions of wantonness and his extravagance : the death of Silanus (chapters [4], [5], [6] ).
Love for Acte : Britannicus slain : discord with Agrippina (chapters [7 ], [8] ).
How Nero's mind began to give way (chapter [9] ).
About the faults and immoralities of the philosopher Seneca (chapter [10] ).
Sabina an object of love : Agrippina murdered (chapters [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16] ).
Domitia put to death : festivities : Nero sings to the accompaniment of his lyre (chapters [17], [18], [19], [20], [21] ).

DURATION OF TIME

M. Asinius Marcellus, Manius Acilius Aviola.
(A.D. 54 = a.u. 807 = First of Nero, from Oct. 13th).
Nero Caesar Aug., L. Antistius Vetus.
(A.D. 55 = a.u. 808 = Second of Nero).
Q. Volusius Saturninus, P. Cornelius Scipio.
(A.D. 56 = a.u. 809 = Third of Nero).
Nero Caesar Aug. (II), L. Calpurnius Piso.
(A.D. 57 = a.u. 810 = Fourth of Nero).
Nero Caesar Aug. (III), M. Valerius Messala.
(A.D. 58 = a.u. 811 = Fifth of Nero).
C. Vipsanius Apronianus, L. Fonteius Capito.
(A.D. 59 = a.u. 812 = Sixth of Nero).
Nero Caesar Aug. (IV), Cornelius Lentulus Cossus.
(A.D. 60 = a.u. 813 = Seventh of Nero).

A.D. 54 (a.u. 807)

1

At the death of Claudius the leadership on most just principles belonged to Britannicus, who had been born a legitimate son of Claudius and in physical development was beyond what would have been expected of his years. Yet by law the power passed to Nero on account of his adoption. No claim, indeed, is stronger than that of arms. Every one who possesses superior force has always the appearance of both saying and doing what is more just. So Nero, having first disposed of Claudius's will and having succeeded him as master of the whole empire, put Britannicus and his sisters out of the way. Why, then, should one stop to lament the misfortunes of other victims?