SEG 32.252 Altar of Nero the New Apollo

Altar of Nero the New Apollo

SEG 32.252 Date: 66-68 AD

(Altar) of Emperor Caesar, son of the God, Augustus ⟦Nero the New⟧ ⟦Apollo⟧^[1]

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References:

SEG 32.252 (Translated text) (PHI)

Schmalz 153

Translation by: Chris de Lisle

Monument type: Altar

Inscription type: Dedication (Public, emperor)

Findspot: Athens, 23-25 Odos Lekka (Athens Ephoria)

Transliterations on Places on

[1] This rectangular altar is part of a series dedicated to the Emperor Nero (r. 54-68 AD). The others are IG II² 3278, SEG 44.165, Peek, Athenische Inschriften 45, no. 60; Benjamin and Raubitschek, Arae Augusti 12, ll. 4-5, and Agora XVIII 283. Nero's titulature on these altars indicates a date after 66 AD (Geagan in Agora XVIII) and it seems likely that they were erected in the run up to his visit to Greece in 66-67 AD (E. Mastrokostas, Archaiologika Analekta ex Athenon 3, 1970, 426-7 = SEG 32.252), in the expectation that he would visit Athens. In the event, he snubbed the city (D. Geagan in Praktika of the 8th Congress for Greek and Latin Epigraphy, 1967, 74). On imperial altars at Athens and their connection with Imperial visits, see Agora XVIII 273.

Most of Nero's altars refer to him as the New Apollo. From 59 AD onwards, identification with Apollo was an important part of Nero's self-representation (E. Champlin, Phoenix 57, 2003, 276-83). Apollo had been an important deity for the Julio-Claudians since the time of Augustus, who is also called the "New Apollo" in SEG 29.167. Nero's adoptive father Claudius is equated with Apollo Patroos in Agora XVIII 258. Nero's name was erased following his death in 69 AD (see IG II³ 4, 1397 for other instances of damnatio memoriae at Athens). On Nero and Athens, see SEG 32.251 with notes.

This altar was found reused as building material for a late Roman wall at 23-25 Odos Lekka, northwest of Syntagma Square. Apparently, it was found along with a second identical altar, but this has not been fully published and it is unclear whether it also bore the same inscription (O. Alexandri, Archaiologikon Deltion 23 B 1, 1968, 70).

Added: 24 Jul 2026
Updated: 24 Jul 2026
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