Phaon (freedman)

Phaon was a freedman (Latin: libertus) of the Roman Emperor Nero. He is best known for assisting Nero in his flight from Rome in 68 AD, following the widespread revolt and senatorial declaration that Nero was a public enemy.

According to historical accounts, Phaon owned a villa located approximately four Roman miles outside of Rome. Nero, having escaped the palace, sought refuge at Phaon's villa, hiding himself in a humble manner and disguising himself to avoid detection. The specifics of Phaon's role vary slightly between different historical narratives, but he is consistently portrayed as a facilitator of Nero's escape, offering shelter and aiding the emperor's attempt to evade capture and potential execution.

Phaon's motivations for assisting Nero are not explicitly stated in the historical sources. He may have been motivated by loyalty to his former master, fear of reprisal, or a combination of factors. Regardless of his reasoning, his actions played a crucial role in the final days of Nero's reign.

After Nero's death, Phaon disappears from the historical record. His fate is not recorded, though it is likely he faced consequences for his association with the disgraced emperor, possibly execution or exile. His name remains significant due to its connection to the dramatic end of Nero's rule.