ABSTRACT
This article focuses on the reception of the Flavian responses to Nero in post-Flavian historiography and biography. First, it analyses the passages in which Tacitus has the Neronian and the Flavian narrative interact in the Annals, the Histories, and the Agricola. Tacitus mainly represents the Flavian distance from Nero in the case of Vespasian (and Titus). Domitian, however, is not distanced from Nero. Second, the article shows how Suetonius presents a similar evaluation of the Flavian relationships with Nero in even clearer terms. Third, Cassius Dio is analysed as being interested in these emperors from the perspective of his contemporary history. Finally, the results drawn from the historiographical discourse are contrasted with Philostratus’ Vita Apollonii and with early Jewish–Christian literature.
