He was adopted by Claudius, who had married his own niece, Agrippina, Nero’s mother. On Claudius’ suspicious death in 54 ad Nero succeeded to the throne and poisoned Britannicus, Claudius’ son by Messalina. Nero then had his mother murdered, compelled his boyhood tutor and state counsellor Seneca to commit suicide, and had his own wife Octavia executed. Another wife, Poppaea, died as a result of Nero’s violence towards her. He was the first emperor to persecute Christians, many of whom were put to death. Reputedly he set Rome alight in 64 ad, hoping to rebuild it in splendour. Revolt broke out in Palestine in 66 ad followed by an army rebellion in Gaul and he committed suicide.