Biography portraying the life of the Roman Emperor Nero.
This is a spectacle based on the history of the Roman Empire in the reign of Nero. The story deals with the tyrant's rise to power; his infatuation with Princess Marcia, a young Christian girl; her romance with Horatius, a young Roman soldier who saves her from Nero; and Nero's downfall and death through the plottings of his consort, the Empress Poppaea. Spectacular scenes include portrayal of the Circus Maximus, chariot races, martyrdom of the Christians, the burning of Rome, and the charge of the Roman legionnaires, who rescue Rome and eliminate Nero.—AFI
Poppaea, wife of the Roman soldier Tullius, conspires with her husband to become the Emperor Nero's consort, thinking she can make Nero her slave. In return, Tullius demands that he be made Governor of Cyprus. Poppaea becomes Nero's consort. Then Nero suggests that Tullius kill himself. Instead, the soldier joins the legions outside of Rome. Galba, who was with the armies of Rome in the field, sends his son Horatius into the Vannian Kingdom to bring back Princess Marcia as a hostage. Horatius falls in love with her. Horatius wishes to follow her to Rome, but duty takes him to Spain. When he returns to Rome great honors are paid him, and Nero promises him anything he desires. Horatius chooses Marcia and his wish is granted. Horatius learns that Marcia has become a Christian, and will not consent to marrying him unless he becomes a Christian. When he tries to force his love on her, Vesuvius erupts, and Horatius falls beneath a pillar, but survives. Meanwhile, Tullius, ignored by his wife, plans to usurp her place and plans to bring Marcia before Nero. When Nero sees the girl, he offers Horatius great wealth in exchange for her. Horatius refuses, and under cover of a storm, escapes with Marcia to his villa in Capua. Angered and bored, Nero listens to Tullius and permits him to set fire to the city to inspire Nero's music. The citizens then rise up and storm his palace. Poppaea suggests the people be told the Christians started the fire. The persecution of the Christians begins. Marcia and her slave are among those destined to be fed to the lions. Horatius pleads for her life, but Nero turns thumbs down. However, when the animal attacks, Marcia's huge servant breaks the lion's jaw and rescues her. While the Christians are in the arena, word reaches Nero that Galba has been proclaimed Emperor of Rome. The legions arrive and put an end to the killing. Realizing the end of his power means death, Nero chooses to have one of his own soldiers stab him. Poppaea, brutally beaten by Nero, dies in her husband's arms.
