On June 8th, a report reached Nero of further military revolts, and the Emperor decided to flee Rome, probably for Alexandria. Before he got more than a few miles outside the city, however, Nero was informed that the Senate was now backing Galba and had declared Nero an Enemy of the State. After being abandoned by the Praetorian Guard and most of his servants, Nero hid in one of his attendant's villa and tried, to no avail, to think of a plan that would save him. Knowing that he was now a hunted man, and that his execution would be a public spectacle, Nero eventually stabbed himself in the neck just as the cavalry arrive to capture him. His last words were reportedly "What an artist dies in me!"
So passes one of Rome's most controversial Emperors. Nero will be remembered with mixed emotions. For building entertaining circuses, providing grain for the people, and quickly offering aid to the victims of the fire in 64 CE, Nero will be positively remembered. But for his ruthless executions of Octavia and Agrippina, possibly starting the fire in 64 CE, and heavily taxing the people to build his luxurious Golden House, Nero will be remembered with hate, and his death celebrated with glee. Nevertheless, our thoughts are with Nero's widow, Statilia Messalina, during this difficult time, though perhaps the former Empress should not be too distraught by Nero's death considering the unfortunate fates of his first two wives. Thank you for reading Sententia Publicus, and long live Emperor Galba!
