Ancient Rome: Nero 54 - 68 AD Tetradrachm: Zeus of Olympia

Ancient Rome: Nero 54 - 68 AD Tetradrachm: Zeus of Olympia

These type of coins are from a series of Tetradrachms depicting and naming a variety of Greek deities, issued to commemorate Nero's sojourn in Greece and Greek speaking cities in the ancient world in 67 - 68 AD

Obverse: Radiate bust of Emperor facing left

Reverse: Laureate and bearded bust facing right of Zeus of Olympia

Dated: from period 54 - 68 AD        Metal: Silver

     Weight: 11.3g      Diameter: 22mm & 4mm thick   

At first, Nero ruled well, guided by his mentors Seneca and Burrus, but soon his reign degenerated into the debauchery and murder for which he is infamous. He had his mother, Burrus, Britannicus and numerous senators and members of the nobility murdered or executed. Legend says he kicked Poppaea, his pregnant wife to death. He was the first emperor to persecute Christians, blaming them for the Great fire in 64 AD. Nero commited suicide in 68 AD after generals in Africa, Gaul and Spain all rebelled, and the Praetorian guard in Rome deserted him.