this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2024
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[–] PugJesus@lemmy.world 11 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (1 children)

Explanation: The Emperor Nero, generally considered a poor Emperor (and I would go so far as to say a spoiled rich twit), was very... fond of his own 'talents'. When he went to perform music in Greek cities under Roman rule, they would shower him in awards and praises, and he, in turn, would grant them tax exemptions and honors. His skills, however, are likely less astounding than those laudations might imply - Roman historians overwhelmingly condemn him not only as a bad Emperor, but as a bad musician as well! And, as the title notes, the future Emperor Vespasian fell asleep during one of Nero's performances (earning him the temporary ire of Nero).

[–] OlinOfTheHillPeople@lemmy.world 8 points 2 months ago

I always assumed that the whole "playing fiddle while Rome burned" thing was a metaphor. I didn't know he was actually a musician.

[–] NegativeInf@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago

Memento Mori.