The Roman emperor Nero is considered one of history's greatest criminals - a cruel, insane and brutal ruler. His name has become synonymous with evil, and he stands accused of killing his step-brother, his wife and his mother, as well as burning Rome to the ground for his own artistic inspiration. However, are these stories true? Can they be proven? Recent research, modern interpretations of historical sources and new discoveries cast a different light on the accusations leveled at the Roman emperor.