Nero, stepson of Claudius, was not favored to inherit the throne of Rome until Nero's mother convinced Claudius otherwise. Nero would reign over Claudius' biological son. Shortly after Nero was set as the heir, Claudius was poisoned by a mushroom and died. Nero and his mother Agrippina stepped to the throne. After his stepfather’s convient death, Nero became the fifth Roman empire. In the beginning of his reign, Nero acted for the benefit of his people. He reduced taxes, banned capital punishment, and banned contests that involved bloodshed. Nero was passionate about the arts, and this passion helped to further enhance Roman society and culture. Although Nero primarily provided for Rome, his motives as a ruler changed. Nero became immoral.
