Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, who would later become Nero, is considered one of the most notorious Roman emperors. He is primarily remembered by posterity as the one who allegedly set fire to the city of Rome. He saw himself more as an artist, yet his ruthless, power-hungry mother did everything in her power to ensure that her only son would one day ascend to the throne. Thus, at barely seventeen, he took over the succession after the sudden and questionable death of his stepfather and adoptive father, Emperor Claudius. Jean Dufaux and Philippe Delaby have chosen this darkly colorful chapter of Roman imperial history to create "Murena," a gripping historical drama that skillfully weaves together historical facts and fiction. At the center of the story, alongside Nero, is...