Julius Caesar was an ancient Roman leader who significantly broadened the Roman Empire's territorial reach and established its imperial government. Caesar's birth, allegedly as a descendant of Trojan prince Aeneas, marked the start of a new era in Roman history. By the age of 31, Caesar had fought in many wars and became involved in Roman politics. Following various alliances and military successes, he was appointed dictator of the Roman Empire, a position he held for only one year before dying in 44 BC.

He expertly combined military force, institution-building, and lawmaking to become Rome's solitary ruler, establishing the foundations for the 200-year period known as Pax Romana (Roman Peace) and an empire that lasted, in various versions, for nearly 1,500 years.

Nero was the emperor's nephew, born in 37 A.D. Following his father's death, his mother married Claudius, his great uncle, and persuaded him to name Nero as heir. Nero took to the throne at the age of 17, resisted his mother's attempts to restrain him, and assassinated her. He wasted lavishly and acted badly. He started killing opponents and Christians. He committed suicide in 68, during the empire's insurrection.