What is sporus?

Sporus was a young man known for his striking beauty during the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero.

  • Life and Relationship with Nero: Sporus was castrated and married to Nero after the death of Nero's second wife, Poppaea Sabina. The emperor reportedly saw a resemblance between Sporus and Poppaea. The marriage was highly scandalous and indicative of Nero's increasingly erratic and despotic behavior. Life%20and%20Relationship%20with%20Nero

  • Symbolism: Sporus's story is often used to symbolize the decadence and moral decay of Nero's reign and the Roman Empire during that period. Symbolism

  • After Nero: Following Nero's death, Sporus was briefly involved with Nymphidius Sabinus, a prefect of the Praetorian Guard who attempted to seize power. After Nymphidius' assassination, Sporus was taken in by Otho, Nero's successor. After%20Nero

  • Death: According to historical accounts, Sporus chose to commit suicide rather than be forced into a similar relationship with Vitellius, Otho's successor, who was also known for his cruelty and depravity. Death