: Scholar Brent D. Shaw argues in the Journal of Roman Studies that the idea of Nero systematically persecuting Christians may be a later fiction developed around 100 AD.
Not so bad, actually: Nero in the 'Journal of Roman Studies' : Scholar Brent D
Nero’s reign left a lasting mark on religious history and folklore. : Research on Academia
: Research on Academia.edu argues that Nero was not responsible for the Great Fire of Rome and that his negative portrayal stems from senatorial enemies and early Christian writers. : A paper from Scholar Works at Harding
Papers also examine how Nero’s artistic and building projects were tied to his personal ideology.
: Studies available on Academia.edu explore how the architecture of Nero's Domus Aurea (Golden House) used astronomical alignments to position him as a "solar" king.
: A paper from Scholar Works at Harding suggests Nero’s "madness" was actually a calculated, theatrically motivated strategy used to rule according to his own interests.