ABSTRACT
There were other similarities which justified the satmst Juvenal in describing Domitian as 'the bald Nero'. Both Emperors were accused of being not only cruel through fear, but rapacious through need. Both were lavish spenders on buildings, shows and largesse. 1 We must now consider to what extent the financial system of the Principate encouraged that heavy spending which Galba regarded as a prime factor in Nero's downfall.
