Sensitive and handsome, Nero (37 – 68 AD / reigned 54 – 68 AD) started out well as emperor. But his early promise gave way to wild extravagance and murder. His rule ended as violently as it had begun.

Less violent than the gladiators, chariot racing was still an extreme, dangerous sport, in which drivers could die. The teams attracted fierce passions from their supporters. The Circus Maximus ...