___ Redivivus (first-century myth about an emperor’s reappearance)

Sure, I’d be happy to help explain the answer to the crossword clue “Nero Redivivus” as it relates to the first-century myth about an emperor’s reappearance. The emperor in question is Nero, who was the fifth Roman emperor, ruling from 54 to 68 AD.

According to the myth of Nero Redivivus (which means “Nero revived“), the emperor did not actually die when history tells us he did. Instead, it was said that he would return in the future to reclaim his throne as the rightful ruler of Rome. This legend circulated in the years immediately following Nero’s death, and it became more widespread in the following centuries, particularly as the Roman Empire was in a state of decline.

The myth of Nero’s reappearance was fueled in part by the fact that his death was somewhat mysterious. Nero was widely disliked by many of his subjects, and his rule was marked by scandal and corruption. Eventually, he was forced to flee Rome and commit suicide, which led to rumors that he had actually escaped and would one day return to claim his power again.

The myth of Nero Redivivus was also popularized by various writers and poets throughout history, including the Roman poet Ovid and the English poet John Dryden. In their works, Nero is portrayed as a sort of anti-Christ figure, destined to rise up and wreak havoc on the world once again.

Overall, the myth of Nero Redivivus is an interesting historical footnote that sheds some light on the often-tumultuous world of ancient Rome. It is also a testament to Nero’s enduring legacy as one of the most infamous and controversial figures in all of Roman history.