Curators' tour of Nero: the man behind the myth |

[@britishmuseum]

For those who asked, you can buy your Nero themed replicas and books at our online shop here: www.britishmuseumshoponline.org//exhibitions/nero-the-man-behind-the-myth.html Thanks for being beautiful, wonderful nerds.

[@hepatus1]

Congratulations for this wonderful exposition. Since I was a kid one of my dreams was to visit the Brittish Museum. I was lucky enough to fulfill this on 2018, as a gift for my 50th birthday. Sutton Hoo, Gilgamesh tablet, Rosetta Stone, Parthenon, Helicarnassus, Ashurbanipal's lions are the best among thousands of itens. They will live in my memories forever. Thank you.

[@BobbyReborn]

'nerd' is a really insulting word here, did an intern write this??

[@ironaan3565]

classicists or ancient worlders would have been more fitting

[@AmyB369]

Why don’t you display replicas then and send back all the stolen artifacts you have???

[@Summer-of8zk]

Could you possibly do a video on some of the coins you have

[@hannibalb8276]

I always wondered why you (the British museum) didn't do more virtual tours of the exhibits. Now is the time what with covid and all that. KZbin has a feature where you can set up a donation area to go along with the video so people can still get educated for free but also donate to the museum if they are able and enjoyed the tour. I'd donate for this tour because it was excellent.

[@TheOnlyDamien]

This is a really good idea! I would love to donate to the museum as a thank you for getting a virtual tour! It would be cool to be able to do it through KZbin too! They linked merch above I might grab something there as a thanks for all the awesome content they have provided over the years, there's some really great stuff on this channel!

[@monicacall7532]

I would also contribute to the museum if there were virtual tours like this and the Thomas a Becket one. The Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Art Museums don’t do virtual tours (yet, or that I’ve found). People are hungry for knowledge like this complete with historic artifacts. PLEASE consider doing virtual tours and making a place for people to contribute to the museum or to the areas that they are interested in.

[@AmyB369]

Don’t donate!!! The museum is full of stolen artifacts they refuse to return. This “museum” should be boycotted it is nothing but a place of looted artifacts that don’t belong there

[@tyrannosaurus696]

The downside of this plan is that the middle classes wouldn't be able to publicly check-in on Facebook that they are visiting the British Museum, so will have to find other ways of signalling their intellectual and genetic superiority.

[@judgeholden849]

@@tyrannosaurus696 socially media is toxic but you sound resentful and bitter

[@azigar]

I live in Barbados, and I can't tell you how much it means to me to get to see these tours!! The British Museum is ALWAYS a must see stop on my list when I come up, and I always have to dedicate at least 2 days to it. And STILL I feel like I've not done it justice!! When I bring my son up, I'll bring him there too!!

[@NeonsStyleHD]

Now this is more like what the British Museum should be doing for your channel. This is awesome :D Thank you :D

[@Eris123451]

What I always remember about Nero is the incongruity that despite his reputation he opened his private gardens to the ordinary Roman citizens as refuge from the fires.

[@Eris123451]

@@danielmandor483 An interesting and well informed comment, thank you.

[@jscomp9529]

He opened his own palace for fire refugees

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

I think if the cases of rulers like Nero and Richard III have taught us anything, it's that history is indeed written by the victors, & our historical back-view often needs updating as additional and more varied primary sources become available? Also, that entrenched cultural myths about these figures are MUCH harder to kill than the individuals themselves were, even after new evidence is conclusively confirmed!! 🙄 Fascinating to see both this exhibition and the comments here, adding even further context.... thank you.

[@teddyjackson1902]

I think his primary problem was the aftermath of the fire and how he handled it. There was very little mention of the Domus Aurea here, which at the bare minimum a gross miscalculation by the emperor. Taking 200 acres in the city center for your personal residence is bound to create many political enemies.

[@OsirisIxchel]

@@Eris123451 According to some accounts, Nero would have Christians tied to stakes and covered in tar or pitch before setting them alight. The burning bodies would then be used to light up the gardens, creating a macabre spectacle for Nero's guests.

[@stirlingsmith3751]

I visited today, it is a great exhibition. Very useful to view this curators’ tour beforehand. And what a great example of international collaboration. Exhibits from so many countries. And two knowledgeable curators.

[@leslielutz1874]

The boy statue of Nero is truly remarkable. Seems something rare to me. Stunning.

[@johnbowles5399]

It is indeed a beautiful statue.

[@jhb1493]

"You are making an exhibition of yourselves" - in all the right ways! Thank you for bringing this fantastic exhibit to the world, especially at this moment in time.

[@MatteoBenzoni-h9y]

These curators' contributions are really top notch and testify to the level of the museal institution

[@jon780249]

Fascinating. Many thanks for bringing the exhibition to a broader audience that cannot be there to enjoy it in person. As always, British Museum exhibitions in this ground floor space look wonderful and set the standard for other museums.

[@bettystowe830]

Thoroughly enjoyed this talk as I’m a great lover of a Roman history.

[@skaetur1]

Pax Romano!

[@jinz0]

me too

[@bettystowe830]

Sorry, a typo, meant ‘Roman History’

[@GhostsOfTheAngelcynn]

Yeah me to, I'm specially fond of the battle of the Teutoborg forest where we beheaded and slaughtered the romans and their families. Hanging them up from trees and sticking their heads on pikes as a warning to all future legionaries 😜

[@AmyB369]

If you care about history don’t support this museum they have a huge collection of stolen artifacts. They have literally robbed the history and art from the places it belongs to

[@moonglow630]

Sadly, only got to see a small fraction of the treasures of the British Museum when I was there. Therefore, I’m thankful to programs like this that show me some of the amazing things I missed, & for amazing exhibitions like this.

[@MrChristiangraham]

Really enjoyed this - a fantastic taster of exhibition. Thanks so much Thorsten & Francesca for your wonderful presentation.

[@ezzovonachalm9815]

What the Doode is " Francescs A÷×€€¥ for a LBTGoQ ?

[@swissthun60]

Great effort and work product results in putting this all together..., Well done !

[@mbs1706]

What a wonderful presentation about such an interesting subject. Thank you!!!

[@lucianopavarotti2843]

I visited the exhibition yesterday. It's very well done. A balanced account of his life, set in a broader context than unusual. And the exhibition space is beautifully designed and decorated.

[@blasemulla4001]

That was an amazing animation showing the change in the portrait

[@mercurious6699]

Amazing presentation - adds so much more detail to the monstrous figure we typically encounter. Thank you

[@jscomp9529]

He was not a monstrous figure

[@jarniwoop]

I'm so happy with this program. I had read about this exhibit, and a recent book on Nero. Nice to see all the beautiful ancient statuary. The beautiful statue of Agrippina, still lustrous after all these centuries, was outstanding.

[@annwilliams6438]

Thank you so much. This was fantastic for those of us who cannot come and see it. Greetings from South Africa. In South Africa our family was privileged to see the travelling King Tut funeral goods (astounding) and the Chinese Terra Cotta Army exhibitions. They were however expensive to attend due to all of the objects needing to be shipped.

[@lucy-annpope5650]

Great intro to what is a must-see exhibition. Glad the BM is challenging the accepted narrative on Nero.

[@kridswonderhowell4541]

I cannot thank you enough!!! Beautiful exhibit & most appreciated private tour!

[@SmartSearchInc]

I loved this video and the presenters are great! Thank you.

[@GoogleUserOne]

That was incredible. Loved the shots showing the curator staring at the art.

[@jonathanmyles-lea4986]

Truly wonderful. Thank you so much for making this film about this remarkable exhibition.

[@wmritchey1101]

An excellent way to present what lay within the British Museum. Thank you

[@BobbyReborn]

Keep doing more tours!!! Show us the entire BM!!! Excellent job!!!

[@maximilianwolfgangrichthof9456]

What a wonderful presentation of emperor nero and his unknown truths.Thanks to the two curators informing us so well.I hope to see more programmes produced by yourselves,

[@farazkermani9768]

Living in Germany, I never got to see this marvellous exhibition. Thank you for walking me through some of its salient points!

[@Penguin_Crosser]

Amazing. Really enjoyed it. Plz share more similar tours.

[@annapanna80]

More of this please! So nice to watch! 🔥

[@frostybaby13]

Thank you so much for this, I'm enjoying the content from over in the US & wishing I was there to see the exhibit with my own eyes. Loved the narration by the two curators as well! Bravo!

[@AmyB369]

Please don’t! Educate yourself about this museum it is full of stolen artifacts they refuse to give back. Don’t support unethical museums like this

[@dominadors4795]

These tours on youtube are amazing.

[@InsertNameHere95]

I absolutely love both of their accents. With both you can hear their original heritage, but also the British English. Lovely

[@suecox2308]

You brought this era of Roman history to life and gave me a new view to replace the cartoon version of Nero--thank you!

[@paulettebethlehem7595]

Thank you for the new insights.

[@Andy-br1hq]

I understand the appearance and appreciation of the marble and other effectively colorless remaining statuary from ancient Rome, however, I think it would be even more appreciated to show in scale what many of these items actually looked like in their prime and showed it in abundance. I think it would give us a better feel for the ancient society.

[@teddyjackson1902]

These are amazing, thank you. Roman Britain for me is one of the most interesting of the provinces because of its geography being separated from the continent, it’s technological level being somewhat of a backwater when Rome arrived (antiquated warfare tactics, hill forts, chariots, lack of siege capability, etc), the imperial motivations for conquest, and the evolution of the province into something of a cosmopolitan society that seemingly adopted the imperial mantle and was reluctant to let it go. I could go on but you get the picture. Would love more of this content focusing on Roman Britain and perhaps the founding and growth of London.

[@georgeparkes3863]

Great talk. A real insight into those times and how the facts can be adjusted by those who follow!

[@kev3d]

My question is that if Nero wasn't as bad as later biased historians would tell us, and indeed was quite popular (at least for a while), why was he hated enough to be abandoned by his guards and staff to be hunted down? What did he do, or neglect to do, that made powerful people want to depose and kill him?

[@dysonsquared]

I'd like more of your "remarkably- made-but-totally-ordinary" series, please!

[@mihitz100]

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Loved it! Thank you.

[@tinatieden8499]

these videos always have me wanting to learn more and more. Thank You from Connecticut USA.

[@cathocopter]

I loved this video tour. Please consider an exhibition centered on those influential women positioned as "supporting players" in this one - especially the fascinating Agrippina the Younger.

[@nahuelferrer8006]

Thank you... I was bit distracted but really enjoyed the tour and I'll rewatched it these days

[@TheHarrip]

I love that you make this channel. I can't wait to visit. 🇬🇧

[@beverlyfletcher4458]

Wonderful intro to this impressive-looking exhibition. Will try and see it and hope it has a well-deserved success.

[@bluegas]

Beautifully done and so instructive! Great work!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@thomaswhitelake]

Excellent presentation and presenters. Very illuminating. Thank you.

[@samharvey3241]

I'd be keen to hear these two talk about Vespasian and the good work he did after Nero.

[@FrugalGamerFlashback]

Very much looking forward to this event.

[@leighirvine]

Me too but I’m still at work 😭

[@pufthemajicdragon]

This was wonderful! I wish I could see the full exhibition in person, what an incredible journey!

[@toomnLP]

making roman history accesible and battling myths and half-knowledge. Amazing!

[@marykilbane1344]

Excellent and informative presentation. More please!

[@danielleyvav211]

Thank you for the tour!

[@BadMedizin]

Thank you Thorsten, very clearly communicated, well done.

[@valeriytiify]

Great video , thank you for making it. Please make more videos of this type

[@pelicanus2197]

Excellent presentation by both. I know quite a bit about this period and yet learned more than I expected. Good work. Hope we may expect more like this from the BM.

[@paulcarter2048]

More, please! (Of this kind of content). Absolutely love the existing set of current and past British Museum video offerings, but would like to see more of this kind of detailed overview, with focus on representative artifacts.

[@kenc2257]

What a wonderfully informative presentation! Thank you.

[@dunwitch]

Amazing tour. Fantastic work.

[@mdsf01]

Brilliant video! I wish I could give more "likes" for this wonderful walkthrough. A gorgeous setting and tastefully presented collection. If only I could visit the BM again. Kudos!

[@derekmullin4017]

Thank You, really enjoyable and interesting. Please do more of these for the majority of us who can’t get to the exhibitions. 👍

[@piper2626]

It was a wonderful “ journey “ to the Nero’s Rome with you guys. complimenti anche alla dott.ssa Bologna ! Ammetto di essere curiosa di sapere di più della sua carriera : arrivare al British è un traguardo incredibile😀

[@serendigity]

Thank you for sharing this. I am in Australia and can admire the exhibition from afar. What an interesting period in human history Ancient Rome was.

[@joshiejoly]

Brilliant! Can’t wait to visit!

[@arthurgarcialucero704]

Thank you! Straight forward, I enjoyed it immensely!!!

[@lynnblack6493]

Oh I wish I could attend in person. Wonderful history lesson from you both. Appreciated as I stay stranded in Canada's hinterland!

[@SecretSquirrelFun]

Fantastic, thanks so so much for sharing this 🙂🐿❤️

[@sinjinmonsoon9055]

Brilliant. Thank you for posting

[@lazyhazeldaisy9596]

Looks fantastic I think I will have to go and see that when things are eased up.

[@scottfaudree7201]

Simply brilliant.

[@alexeadington7335]

Awesome exhibition. Although very well described here you really need to be there, see every exhibit and read every bit of text to fully appreciate. well worth a visit.

[@chrismckenna8379]

Very well done. Thank you!

[@cindelee]

incredible! now I'm totally convinced i HAVE to see the exhibition :)

[@Chunkochange]

This was fascinating, and they are both charming as hell.

[@Musketeer009]

Thanks for an interesting and enlightening talk on Nero.

[@ronanshanley7829]

Wonderful video, glad that you're contributing to remove the bias surrounding Nero that came from both his contemporaries and the Christians. It is important to remember, however, that Nero was a military dictator and not a very good one at that.

[@robjones1377]

I found the lead pig that they talk about I can't wait to see it on display.

[@aegresen]

That must have been an amazing and exciting find!! Wish I could visit the exhibit. Hope you have a wonderful time!

[@robjones1377]

@@aegresen it certainly was thank you I'm sure I will have a great time.

[@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739]

Congratulations. What a wonderful piece of history.

[@robjones1377]

@@bigbensarrowheadchannel2739 thank you 😊

[@AmyB369]

Please don’t support this museum full of stolen artifacts

[@29JoeBoo]

My apologies, but, I do believe I might exhaust the presenters with my questions. When we see the first statue of Nero, he holds something in his left hand, and it looks like he may have had a spear in his right. I know nothing of the symbolism of Roman art, but, because he had "X" in his left hand, and "Y" in his right, does that tell us anything about his character, or physical being, would you guess? In the U.S., they say that the eagle (on the official seal) has arrows in one set of talons, as compared to olive branches in the other set, during different times, to represent the state of the country during war, and peace. How tall was Nero, would you think? The comment "Nero the artist" (around 9:20 in the video). Would it be possible to see any of his "artistry" before this point? (maybe not in the interest of time, for your video, but, it might be neat! I'll plan on visiting the Museum as soon as possible) I keep hearing the term "Boudica" (admittedly, I've made it to 50 years of age before I knew "Albion" was an old name for England. They don't teach us a lot of these names, here in the U.S.), what does that mean? The setup of the helmet and shield was really well done! Very cool! The scenes brought in from Pompeii make me want to go to both the original site, and to your museum, as well. Both presenters do a great job! It's neat to hear what the statuary is made of (around 17:30 in the video above). Thank you for taking the time to show this to those of us who aren't able to see this with our own eyes, yet.

[@CarlosRoces]

Es una estupenda muestra de Historia con alguna leyenda y con referencias a mitos. Gracias de todas formas.

[@ecmunz]

Great presentation. So want to get back to the British Museum.

[@madgevanness4011]

Fascinating to look at how he thickened as he aged; the increased chin area, the wider head, the puffier hair style minimizing the ears.

[@christopherwarren4719]

Outstanding content, thanks !

[@Robslondon]

A fascinating video, thank you.

[@michaeldunne338]

Very nice, substantive presentation.

[@daveevans8454]

Great video and exhibition, thanks.

[@mantronixtube]

just really brilliant content and produced so well. :) love.

[@MannyEspinola-q4t]

Thank you for this video

[@ellenkemp3798]

Thank you so much 😊😊

[@sgassocsg]

More of this. Excellent

[@uttaradit2]

Excellent presentation

[@neilspurgeon0]

Absolutely excellent, thank you very much

[@Chungustav]

666 is the numerical equivalent of the name and title Nero Caesar (Roman Emperor 54-68 AD).Written in Aramaic, this can be valued at 666 using the Hebrew numerology of gematria, and was used to secretly speak against the emperor. Additionally, "Nero Caesar" in the Hebrew alphabet is נרון קסר‎ NRON QSR, which when interpreted numerically represents the numbers 50 200 6 50 100 60 200, which add up to 666.

[@GeorgeAAspros]

Y’all are awesome! 💙🤍

[@mojosbigsticks]

Thank you, I enjoyed that. What is the iconographic meaning of the insect the potential daughter is holding at 19:45?

[@wormzilla7624]

I'm in love with this female curator

[@CarbonTactics]

Brilliant video!

[@jaojao1768]

Fantastic presentation!

[@daveseddon5227]

Very interesting and well presented, thank you!