Nereus

ne'rus, in Greek mythology, a god of the sea, father of the Nereids. He is represented as an aged man bearing a scepter and crowned with sedge.

Nero (37-68 A. D.), one of the emperors of Rome. He succeeded Claudius in 54 A. D. He was well educated for his time, one of his instructors being no less than the philosopher Seneca. He ruled at first with moderation, but soon broke over all restraint. In 64 B. C. the "Great Fire" laid waste a good half of Rome. The flames surged through the crowded streets for six days and nights. A rumor got abroad that Nero ordered the fire set to clear the way for a new city. The suspicion has taken root in a popular saying that "Nero fiddled while Rome burned." Nero took the greatest pains to avert suspicion. He laid the blame on the new sect of Christians and ordered one of the cruelest persecutions ever known. Victims were even dipped in pitch, it is said, and allowed to burn at night like torches for the delight of the populace. There is no need to suspect any one of incendiarism, however, to account for a destructive fire in a great city flimsily built and wholly without fire-protection. Nero did make good use of the opportunity afforded to rebuild the city. He proceeded promptly to lay out broad streets where a maze of crooked lanes had been, and to erect imposing buildings where hovels had stood. Among other public buildings was the Golden Palace for his own use. He amassed wealth by putting rich people to death and confiscating their property. Even his old teacher, Seneca, was ordered to commit suicide, his crime being the possession of coveted wealth. Nero's conduct was so notorious that the legions revolted. The Senate ordered him scourged to death. To avoid arrest he took his own life.